Rational Emotive Behavior 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 ‘cognitive-behavioral’ therapies, which, although developed separately, have many similarities – such as Cognitive Therapy (CT), developed by Psychiatrist Aaron Beck in the 1960’s. (Web,1)
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT),
was developed by Dr.Albert Ellis in 1955. It has since flourished and spawned a variety of other cognitive-behavior therapies. REBT's effectiveness, short-term nature, and low cost are major reasons for its popularity.(Web,2)
REBT's comprehensive approach works best for individuals desiring a scientific, present-focused, and active treatment for coping with life's difficulties, rather than one which is mystical, historical, and largely passive.
REBT is based on a few simple principles having profound implications:
- You are responsible for your own emotions and actions,
- Your harmful emotions and dysfunctional behaviors are the product of your irrational thinking,
- You can learn more realistic views and, with practice, make them a part of you,
- You'll experience a deeper acceptance of yourself and greater satisfactions in life by developing a reality-based perspective.
REBT challenges undesirable thinking that in turn changes emotions and behavior. REBT uses the A,B,C,D,E,F method to change thinking about a thoughts that disturb emotions.
The letters **A-B-C-D-E-F are short for:
A = activating event: (The event that happen to cause the emotion and/or behavior.)
B = belief about “A”: What a slave things about an event “A” causes reaction “C”
C = behavioral consequence caused by “A & B”:
D = disputing the wrong or unwanted belief at point “B” Changing belief “B” to belief D :
E = elimination of negative behaviors as show at “C” to the desired behaviors “E” by challenging “B” and the undesirable actions demonstrated by “C”
F = new feeling resulting from D and E as it effects A.
(Rycroft,1996)
