There is no one "pick up artists mindset", if you actually delve into that stuff (i'll admit, i used to read it 5+ years ago) there's a ton of different ideas, some is totally misogynist and rapey, some is completely positive and looks more like self improvement and giving guys a way to actually practice social skills. Some PUA = Actively practicing feeling comfortable approaching and talking to people and trying to improve at it, which is exactly what he needed IMO.