ABOUT REBT

(from the Albert Ellis Institute website)

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy is the pioneering form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). REBT is an action-oriented psychotherapy that teaches individuals to identify, challenge, and replace their self-defeating thoughts and beliefs with healthier thoughts that promote emotional well-being and goal achievement. REBT was developed in 1955 by Dr. Albert Ellis. Dr. Ellis has been considered one of the most influential psychotherapists in history.

 

The ABC Model

According to current REBT theory, the impact of various (A) activating life events (such as the death of a close relative, or a practical problem), on various psychological (C) consequences (such as feelings, behavioral, cognitive, psychophysiological reactions) is mediated by information processing (B) (cognitions/beliefs). REBT focuses on a specific type of cognition, namely rational and irrational beliefs. Rational beliefs are logically, empirically, and/or pragmatically supported, and generate functional consequences (functional feelings, adaptive behaviors, healthy psychophysiological reactions). Irrational beliefs are illogical, non-empirical, and/or non-pragmatic, and generate dysfunctional consequences (dysfunctional feelings, maladaptive behaviors, and unhealthy psychophysiological reactions).

 

Based on the ABC model, the REBT intervention uses three classes of techniques. To deal with problems at A, REBT uses a large spectrum of “practical problem solving techniques” such as assertiveness training, social skills training, decision making, conflict resolution, specific problem solving techniques etc.

 

To deal directly with clinical problems at C, REBT uses a large spectrum of “symptomatic techniques”, such as relaxation, hypnosis, meditation (REBT-based mindfulness), and other coping strategies that aim to change the C without explicitly targeting underlying cognitions (B).

 

To change dysfunctional consequences into functional consequences at a core, cognitive level, REBT uses “cognitive restructuring” (e.g., disputation, reframing) techniques aiming to turn irrational beliefs into rational beliefs (first specific and then general beliefs). REBT uses a large variety of cognitive restructuring techniques: (1) logical, (2) empirical; (3) pragmatic; (4) emotive/metaphorical (e.g., metaphors, stories, poems, humor, songs, meditation/mindfulness-based REBT etc.); (5) spiritual; (6) behavioral (fundamental to change not only conscious beliefs, but also implicit processes/unconscious information processing).

 

Please feel free to visit the Albert Ellis Institute website for further information.