What Is Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy?

Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the role of beliefs, thoughts, and emotions in human behavior. It follows the idea that our beliefs, thoughts, and feelings are not simply the product of our circumstances or our past, but rather that we have the power to choose how we think about and respond to events in our lives. REBT helps clients to identify and change irrational and negative beliefs, which in turn leads to changes in their emotions and behavior.

REBT is based on the following principles:

- We all have the ability to think rationally and healthily.

- Our beliefs and expectations about the world, ourselves, and others have a profound impact on our emotions and behavior.

- Many of our beliefs are irrational and self-defeating, which can lead to emotional distress and dysfunctional behavior.

- We can learn to identify and challenge our irrational beliefs, and we can change them to more rational and healthy ones.

- Changing our beliefs and thoughts will lead to changes in our emotions and behavior.

REBT techniques

REBT typically involves a variety of techniques, including:

- Cognitive restructuring: This involves identifying and challenging irrational beliefs and thoughts, and replacing them with more rational and healthy ones.

- Socratic questioning: This involves asking clients questions that encourage them to examine their beliefs and thoughts, and to come up with new and more rational ways of thinking.

- Behavioral experiments: This involves clients testing out new and more rational ways of thinking in real-life situations.

- Homework assignments: This involves clients practicing new skills and strategies outside of therapy sessions.

REBT is effective for a wide range of problems, including:

- Anxiety

- Depression

- Anger

- Relationship problems

- Stress

- Phobias

- Eating disorders

- Substance abuse

REBT is a relatively short-term therapy, and it can be effective in as few as 10-20 sessions. It is also a relatively cost-effective therapy, and it can be provided in a variety of settings, including individual, group, and family therapy.