Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy was developed by Albert Ellis (1913-2007) and centralizes thought and beliefs in the creation and maintenance of distress. Ellis suggested that people contribute to their own suffering through the self-esteem beliefs they hold. By shifting these beliefs, one can make way for more productive functioning. Thus, it is not events themselves that produce distress but rather the beliefs that we hold about them.
Rigid beliefs about self and others are often learned in childhood, and this contributes to the tendency to hold them as truths. Therapy aims at challenging the beliefs that may need to be unlearned in order to live a happy and productive life.
Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy emphasizes the cognitive aspects of dysfunction and uses thinking as a vehicle for positive transformation. It utilizes an A-B-C model for functioning. Adversities (A) impede functioning and produce Beliefs (B) about oneself and one’s limitations, which in turn lead to Consequences (C). Consequences can include feeling bad about oneself, developing destructive coping strategies, and generally not functioning as well as one would like. However, when beliefs are positive and life-affirming, consequences can also include a greater sense of vitality, healthier coping, and greater confidence in oneself.
Techniques
In Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy, therapy often involves challenging self-imposed limiting beliefs and rigid patterns of thinking. Extreme or absolute beliefs (often signified by the use of words like “must”, “should”, “always”, “never”, and so on) are noticed and contested such that beliefs are more nuanced and rational.
Where Does REBT Apply To?
The application of Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy would include people suffering from:
In addition, it can also help those individuals who wish to improve their mental thought processes.
Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy at No Fear Counselling
Our highly professional therapists at No Fear Counselling offer Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT) to those clients who need practical means of handling their emotional difficulties and building healthy thought processes.
REBT may be employed along with other evidence-based therapies like CBT, ACT, DBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Counselling, based on individual requirements.
We provide counselling services in person and through online sessions throughout Canada.
Start Creating Positive Change Today
Negative thought processes can influence all aspects of your life, but you can make a change for yourself. Through Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy, you can learn to cultivate healthier belief systems and improve your mental well-being.
No Fear Counselling offers REBT therapy in Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, Langley, Victoria, and Penticton, as well as online counselling anywhere in Canada.
Contact us now for a free consultation and see how a licensed therapist can help you challenge your limiting beliefs.
References
Ellis, A. Overcoming destructive beliefs, feelings, and behaviors: new directions for rational emotive behavior therapy. New York: Prometheus Books.
