Stoic Coffee Break 351 - From Socrates to CBT: Interview with Dr. Scott Waltman PsyD
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Oct 8, 2025 Dr. Scott Waltman, a board-certified clinical psychologist and author, discusses the synergy between Stoicism and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He explains how acceptance diminishes suffering and highlights the importance of focusing on controllables in life. Scott introduces the Stoic Archer metaphor for goal-setting and shares strategies for managing uncertainty and anxiety through exposure therapy. Additionally, he emphasizes the role of Socratic questioning in encouraging curiosity and empathy, showcasing how helping others can enhance our own well-being.
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Acceptance Lowers Pain And Suffering
- Acceptance reduces suffering by stopping catastrophizing and physiological escalation.
- Scott Waltman shows pain becomes manageable when you view it as information, not injustice.
Strengthen Your 'Denominator' Not Fear
- Focus on increasing your 'denominator' — skills and tolerance — rather than eliminating realistic risks.
- Train tolerance so uncertainty and discomfort shrink your anxiety, as Stoics recommend.
Practice The Stoic Archer Approach
- Identify what you can control (practice, form, preparation) and accept what you cannot.
- Act like the Stoic archer: perfect your process, then release and let outcomes be.
