Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). I can remember reading about this particular theory during my night class. I can also remember thinking, I really like this theory. I agree with a lot of the different aspects of it. But, I quickly reminded myself there are many more theories to be learned. After completing theories course, I realized none had quite stuck with me the way Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy did. I felt that this was the theory that best described my future counseling style. Albert Ellis created Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) in 1955 (Sacks, 2004). Ellis originally called his therapy “Rational Therapy” then later changed it to “Rational-Emotive Therapy” and finally he changed it to “Rational Emotive Behavior

Albert Ellis used an education model “ABCDE” to demonstrate the cause-and-effect link between adverse effects, beliefs, emotional consequences, and behavioral consequences (Sacks, 2004). The “A” represents the adverse or activation events. The “B” represents the rational and irrational beliefs, ideas, thoughts and cognitions about “A”. The “C” represents emotional and behavioral consequences generated by “A” and “B.” The “D” represents the disruption of irrational beliefs. Lastly, the “E” represents the end result or profound and effective new philosophies” (Sacks, 2004). While explaining ABC model in better detail Froggatt (2005) explained “the ABC episodes do not stand alone: they run in chains, with a “C” often becoming the “A” of another episode” (p. 2). Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy can we used with a wide nature of people. It can be used to deal with problems including: self-blame, self-pity, clinical anger, hurt, guilt, shame, depression, anxiety, relationships, social skills, career changes, stress management, assertiveness training, grief, problems with aging, money and weight control (Froggatt,

REBT is a very active type of therapy, this may work well with some clients but it will not work well with all types of clients. This particular type of therapy is also quite confrontational which can intimidate and potentially damage the rapport building with a client. REBT does not focus on deeper issues from the past. In contrast, REBT has several strengths in its approach. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy is generally a shorter-term counseling. REBT focuses on specific goals and those goals are agreed between the client and