Albert Ellis
The REBT approach is a structured active approach that explores how people's cognitions primarily lead to difficulties, it is similar to cognitive therapy.REBT therapist work to help clients "identify, evaluate and modify dysfunctional cognitions" (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2014, p. 274).
Basic Principles
Human Development and Emotional Health is an important area where REBT therapists differ from cognitive therapists.
REBT therapists believe in the following dimensions of psychological health
Awareness, acceptance of self
Social interest
Self-direction
Involvement in long-term creative pursuits
Enjoyment of the present
Acceptance of uncertainty
Flexibility
High frustration tolerance
Logical scientific and rational thinking
Reasonably adventurous
Recognition that total happiness can't always happen
Acceptance of responsibility for emotional difficulties
(Ellis & Dryden 2007).
Self-Acceptance
REBT examines how emotional difficulties can come when people value accomplishments instead of their own self-worth. REBT teaches clients to examine thoughts and behaviors instead of themselves. In this therapy, clients can be disappointed in their behaviors and still maintain self- worth.
Secular Humanism
REBT evaluates behaviors and doesn't view people as good or bad, but human. REBT therapist view people as unique and examine possibilities rather that absolutes (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2014).
Thoughts Lead to Change
REBT therapists believe that acceptance of responsibility is the only way change can occur. They focus on the present instead of the past and work to help people identify and change thoughts that are interfering with their happiness.
Insight and Emotion and Behavior
REBT therapist do not believe that insight into self is a necessary therapeutic process. Instead they explore insight into REBT principles. REBT therapists also do not spend much time exploring emotions. Emotional identification is used to identify and change irrational beliefs. Behavior is also a secondary focus.
Irrational and Rational Beliefs
REBT identifies thoughts that are logical and based in reality as Rational. Thoughts that are self-criticizing, and extreme are irrational. REBT therapy works to identify these irrational beliefs and change them to reduce symptoms
REBT therapists believe in the following dimensions of psychological health
Awareness, acceptance of self
Social interest
Self-direction
Involvement in long-term creative pursuits
Enjoyment of the present
Acceptance of uncertainty
Flexibility
High frustration tolerance
Logical scientific and rational thinking
Reasonably adventurous
Recognition that total happiness can't always happen
Acceptance of responsibility for emotional difficulties
(Ellis & Dryden 2007).
Self-Acceptance
REBT examines how emotional difficulties can come when people value accomplishments instead of their own self-worth. REBT teaches clients to examine thoughts and behaviors instead of themselves. In this therapy, clients can be disappointed in their behaviors and still maintain self- worth.
Secular Humanism
REBT evaluates behaviors and doesn't view people as good or bad, but human. REBT therapist view people as unique and examine possibilities rather that absolutes (Seligman & Reichenberg, 2014).
Thoughts Lead to Change
REBT therapists believe that acceptance of responsibility is the only way change can occur. They focus on the present instead of the past and work to help people identify and change thoughts that are interfering with their happiness.
Insight and Emotion and Behavior
REBT therapist do not believe that insight into self is a necessary therapeutic process. Instead they explore insight into REBT principles. REBT therapists also do not spend much time exploring emotions. Emotional identification is used to identify and change irrational beliefs. Behavior is also a secondary focus.
Irrational and Rational Beliefs
REBT identifies thoughts that are logical and based in reality as Rational. Thoughts that are self-criticizing, and extreme are irrational. REBT therapy works to identify these irrational beliefs and change them to reduce symptoms
Techniques
Therapeutic Alliance-REBT is a collaborative therapy. Clients are encouraged to take responsibility for problems
ABC Approach for changing beliefs
A-identifying Activating event
B-what is the Belief about the activating event
C-What are the Consequences for the belief
D-Disputing the belief, determining whether belief is irrational or rational
E-New rational Effect or belief
(Ellis& Ellis, 2011)
Rational emotive Imagery- used to reinforce after irrational beliefs are identified
Persuasion and Disputing-logical, empirical, functional and rational techniques
Teaching and gathering evidence-clinicians work with clients about rational and irrational thinking and modifying and disputing beliefs.
Other strategies
Cognitive Strategies-writing, evaluating, confronting irrational beliefs, visualization, challenging self-talk
Behavioral Strategies-relaxation, role playing, reading, training, challenging and coping
REBT is a positive, flexible approach that is compatible with many different groups.
ABC Approach for changing beliefs
A-identifying Activating event
B-what is the Belief about the activating event
C-What are the Consequences for the belief
D-Disputing the belief, determining whether belief is irrational or rational
E-New rational Effect or belief
(Ellis& Ellis, 2011)
Rational emotive Imagery- used to reinforce after irrational beliefs are identified
Persuasion and Disputing-logical, empirical, functional and rational techniques
Teaching and gathering evidence-clinicians work with clients about rational and irrational thinking and modifying and disputing beliefs.
Other strategies
Cognitive Strategies-writing, evaluating, confronting irrational beliefs, visualization, challenging self-talk
Behavioral Strategies-relaxation, role playing, reading, training, challenging and coping
REBT is a positive, flexible approach that is compatible with many different groups.