Understanding Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
I. Introduction
A. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is defined as “a comprehensive approach to psychological treatment that deals with the emotional and behavioral aspects of human disturbance, while placing a great deal of stress on its thinking component.” The goal of this therapy is to address irrational beliefs, which lead to self-defeating behavior. (David, 2014)
B. REBT theorists
1. “Albert Ellis is the founder of REBT and is generally considered one of the main originators of the “cognitive revolution” and Grandfather of CBT. (Holmes, 2017)
2. Aaron Beck is the founder of Cognitive Therapy (CT), inspired by REBT, which evolved into Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). Though very similar to REBT, Beck stresses the quality of
Yet, RET was misrepresented by professionals as “too cognitive.” (David, 2014)
b) To correct this misrepresentation Albert Ellis changed RET to Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) in 1993 (David, 2014)
II. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy Applied Techniques
A. REBT can be applied in individual, couple, family, and small/large group sessions
1. REBT techniques can be used with both adults and children (David, 2014)
2. Because REBT is transdiagnostic, evidence based, and philosophical it does not require a DSM-V diagnosis to be effective (David, 2014)
B. The ABC[DE] Model
1. Activating Event (A): The event which triggers negative emotions (C)
a. Problems at A are addressed through practical problem solving and cognitive techniques (David, 2014)
b. These techniques include assertiveness training, social skills training, decision making, conflict resolution, (David, 2014)
2. Beliefs (B): The cognitive component of REBT. How a person interprets the activating event (A). If rational it will produce a functional consequence (C), but if irrational it will produce a dysfunctional consequence (C). (Lewis,