Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy

Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) is based on the concept that emotions and behaviors result from cognitive processes; and that it is possible for human beings to modify such processes to achieve different ways of feeling and behaving. REBT is one of a number of therapies that come under the heading ‘cognitive-behavioural’.

Theory of Causation

REBT suggests that human beings defeat or ‘disturb’ themselves in two main ways: (1) by holding irrational beliefs about their ‘self’ (ego disturbance) or (2) by holding irrational beliefs about their emotional or physical comfort (discomfort disturbance). Frequently, the two go together – people may think irrationally about both their ‘selves’ and their circumstances – though one or the other will usually be predominant.

"Musterbations" or cognitive distortions according to REBT

1. Awfulizing
2. I cant stand it -thinking
3. damnation
4. all or nothing thinking
5. jumping to conclusions
6. fortune telling
7. focusing on the negative
8. ignoring the positive
9. Minimization
10. emotional reasoning
11. labeling and over generalization
12. personalizing
13. phonyism
14. perfectionism

Process of the therapy

1. engage the client
2. assess the person, problem and situation
3. prepare the client for therapy
4. implement the treatment program
5. Evaluate the progress

Techniques used in REBT

1. Cognitive techniques - rational analysis, double standard dispute, catastrophe scale, devil's advocate , re framing
2. Imagery techniques - time projection and blow up techniques
3. behavioral techniques - exposure, shame attacking, risk taking, paradoxical behavior, stepping out of character, postponing gratification
4. Homework

 

Reference :

http://www.rational.org.nz/prof-docs/Intro-REBT.pdf (very useful link)

http://www.smartrecovery.org/resources/library/For_Family_Volunteers_Professionals/basics-of-rebt.pdf

http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/36870_Neenan_&_Dryden_(REBT)_2e_CH_01.pdf