Alain de Botton | A Therapeutic Journey - Lessons from the School of Life

The bestselling author of The School of Life joins us live with an unmissable guide to mental health.

In the world of contemporary philosophy, Alain de Botton occupies a unique place: he is dedicated not to the vagaries of metaphysics but to the practical wisdom we need to live well. He transmutes the wisdom of high art, philosophy and literature – from Schopenhauer to Proust – into witty and humane aperçus that offer consolation and empathy through the trials and tribulations of the everyday.

Now, following his worldwide blockbuster book The School of Life, he joined How To Academy to take us on a mental health journey from crisis to recuperation. He explores the moments we realise we cannot cope; the acts of self-care and therapy in which we find respite, and the days we finally reclaim a sense of stability.

This talk is about getting unwell. About losing direction and hope. About imagining that we have let ourselves and everyone down. And also a talk about getting better, regaining the thread, rediscovering meaning and finding a way back to connection and joy.

Whether you’ve suffered a relationship breakdown, a career setback, anxiety in the everyday, this is a practical guide that will help you find reasons for hope.

[shehzadagha]

Alain is Very talented and gifted...and the way he narrates is so therapeutic...God bless him

[Felipe-]

Thank you so much, Alain, you're a blessed person who decided to bless us. Thank you!

[ConnieBach]

Alain is the best living philosopher! I love him!!!!

[taylorjanegreen]

A man of such practical brilliance… like a stunning ray of sunshine… Exactly because he befriends the dark!

[julie]

This man has such an amazing brain...I could listen to him all day.

[sthildas]

At last validating my shadow side in that those thoughts are a norm.

I have 33 years of chronic pain, a lifelong lesson on self, plus coping.

[pauljones]

what a mature, balanced, considered lecture - thanks

[victoriafedorisin]

I fall in love with this man every time he opens his mouth. He is just so so good from any point of view you look. Funny, exceptionally intelligent, very articulate and most of all - super balanced human being. I would make him ruler of the universe, and I am not joking

[fiitunnwalker]

Grad To Hear This Lecture Presented Childhood Experiences And OnSet Mantra That Latter To Come. True Talk Of…Liveliness

[Pratikphago]

I feel extremely lucky to be there bathing in his presence. Listening him was such a soothing experience. Can't wait to read his signed copy of his new book. A therapeutic Journey. looking forward to listen him agian in the future. Thanks to How to Academy Mindset to make it possible.

[DaisyLWBW]

love this so much. huge fan and admirer of alain de boton. so calming

[MollyPotterify]

What Alain talks about here in such a convincing way is a wonderful key to a less troubled, more flexible and more enlightened life. The world would be so different if this was knowledge more generally 'out there' and if we all understood the significance of challenging the rigid distortions, denials and unwritten rules our childhood left us with!

[GraceRay-bm]

Listening is 'empathy in action'. Something I've learned.

[guylaineregimbald]

What a precious talk. Merci M. Botton.

[Diabeteslovewithdee]

Alain is an amazing psychotherapist! Thank you for all your research and teaching us about childhood trauma and relationships. You are the best!

[teresajohnson]

Allain, as usual, a great pleasure to listen to you (I am partially sighted and cannot read now). If you ever need anothe "guinea pig" I have plenty to discuss with you ref my life (not a extraordinary one, but with plenty of issues to explore. Thanks again. Mayte (MFL tutor)

[tessyong]

Deepest gratitude for your dedication to mental health. I’ve found your teachings to be invaluable. I will buy your book and spread the words. Tess, LPCC in New Mexico, US

[wizzyletsgetbusy]

So many people say they are 'easy going'...I think to myself more like 'deluded' 😂

[liammoloney]

Elite - thank you for your knowledge and inspiration!

[moyagreene]

I wonder whether we are putting so much pressure on parents, in a cruel incomprehensible world, that there is just no way we can ever get it right.