Rational Emotive Therapy

Rational emotive behavior therapy, also known as REBT is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy developed by psychologist, Albert Ellis.  REBT is focused on helping clients change irrational beliefs.  His goal was to develop what he viewed as an action-orientated approach to psychotherapy designed to produce results by helping clients manage their emotions, cognitions and behaviors.  The goal of REBT is to help people alter illogical beliefs and negative thinking patterns in order to overcome problems and distress.

A major tenet of REBT is that people mistakenly blame external events for their unhappiness when it is really our interpretation of these events that causes distress.  He developed the ABC model:

A=Activating event: something happens in the environment around you.

B=Beliefs: You hold a belief about the event or situation.

C=Consequence:  You have an emotional response to your belief.

In this form of therapy your counselor will help with identifying and disputing your irrational beliefs, and work together to developing a healthier emotional response.  Some techniques to help change unwanted behaviors include meditation, mindfulness, journaling, and guided imagery.

If you or someone you know would benefit from this form of therapy, please contact our office.  We would be happy to speak with you about how we may be able to help.