Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

Summary

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is a cognitive-behavioral approach developed by Albert Ellis in the 1950s. It represents a revolutionary shift in the field of psychotherapy, aiming not just to alleviate symptoms, but to foster long-lasting change by helping individuals think and behave more rationally. The primary goal of REBT is to help people understand and identify irrational thoughts and beliefs that lead to emotional distress, then replace those beliefs with more rational, functional alternatives.

At its core, REBT rests on the idea that it is not the events themselves that disturb us, but our beliefs about those events. This concept is captured in the ABC model, a foundational element of REBT. According to the model, A stands for the activating event, or the situation that triggers a response. B represents the beliefs we hold about the activating event, which can be either rational or irrational. Finally, C stands for the emotional or behavioral consequences of those beliefs. By recognizing the link between beliefs and emotional outcomes, individuals can learn to challenge and change irrational thoughts that lead to unwanted feelings and behaviors.

REBT operates on the premise that people often hold onto irrational beliefs that are unrealistic, extreme, and unhelpful. These beliefs can be categorized into three core demands: the demand for approval from others, the demand for fairness or justice, and the demand for achievement and success. These irrational demands fuel negative emotions like anxiety, frustration, and depression, leading individuals to feel powerless or inadequate.