This behavioral therapy is a kind of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) created by the most prominent psychotherapist of all-time, Albert Ellis. Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) is based on an action-oriented method designed to help individuals in dealing with irrational beliefs. It teaches them healthy ways of managing their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions.
This therapy helps those who suffer from holding irrational beliefs about the world and themselves, resulting in problems in their everyday life. REBT aims to ensure individuals identify these thoughts and alter their negative thinking patterns to overcome mental distress.
How Does Rational Emotive Therapy Help?
This therapy works by identifying negative and irrational thoughts that could result in behavioral or emotional issues. The therapist helps the individual identify these thoughts and their triggers and create strategies to help them replace those thoughts with rational ones.
REBT has proven helpful for individuals battling a range of mental health issues, including:
- Addictive behaviors
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Disordered eating habits
- Overwhelming feelings of rage, guilt, or anger
- Phobias
- Procrastination
- Sleep problems
This therapy is based on the ABCDE model:
- Activating event: Identifying external events leading to the individual’s thoughts and feelings
- Belief: The automatic beliefs of the individual regarding themselves, other individuals, and events
- Consequence: The individual’s behavioral or emotional responses
- Dispute: The ability to question or dispute those beliefs
- Effective behavior: Resisting those irrational thoughts and actively changing their behavior
An experienced REBT therapist can help individuals identify the connection between the activating event, the individual’s beliefs, and the consequences of their reactions based on their beliefs. Awareness of this connection allows individuals to understand their negative and irrational thoughts, resulting in positive reactions.
Treatment Approaches
REBT utilizes three major kinds of methods that correspond with the ABCs of this therapy. Every therapist uses various techniques to treat the patients based on the individual’s condition, clinical experiences, and symptoms.
Here are the main methods typically used in this therapy:
Problem-Solving Methods
The therapist establishes problem-solving techniques to assist with the identification of the activating event. These usually include developing:
- Assertiveness
- Conflict resolution skills
- Decision-making skills
- Social skills
Cognitive Restructuring Methods
These methods assist in changing irrational beliefs, which could include:
- Disputing irrational thoughts
- Feared situation exposure
- Guided visualization and imagery
- Irony and humor
- Looking at or reframing events differently
- Rationalizing or logical techniques
Coping Methods
Coping methods can better assist individuals in managing irrational thoughts’ emotional reactions. These techniques might include:
- Hypnosis
- Meditation
- Relaxation
No matter which method is used, the therapist is bound to include more treatments and methods based on the progress made by the individual.
Find the Right Rational Emotive Behavior Therapist
Getting the help you need is your first significant step toward your recovery. Ask as many questions as possible during the initial introduction with your therapist to ensure they are the right choice.
You can ask them how they plan to assist you with your concerns and whether they have handled a case like yours. Ensure you only go with a licensed and certified professional with training in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy.
