Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy is based on the premise that people have rational and irrational thought patterns based on past events. Its theorists suggest that rational thoughts encourage harmony, improve mental health and lead to goal attainment. However irrational tendencies are thought
to sustain emotional disturbance that causes inner conflict.
History
Rational Emotive Therapy was developed by Albert Ellis during the 1950s. Ellis doubted the the effectiveness of traditional psychoanalysis and started to apply some of the principles he had learnt through the work of philosophers such as
Epictetus and Bertrant Russell. During the 1990s, he modified and renamed the approach, Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy
Approach
Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy has
behaviourist influences. The approach is based on the ABC: A is the activating event, B (beliefs) involves the rational/irrational evaluation and C (consequences) represents emotions and behaviour. The aim of Rational Emotive Behaviour therapy is to eliminate negative absolutist beliefs and replace them with more flexible, positive perceptions.
How can it help?
Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy has been successfully used to address problems such as depression and
anger management. It has also been implemented to encourage personal growth and provide people with more positive ways of approaching life. Sessions take place individually and in groups.
Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy Resources
The Albert Ellis Institute
The Internet Guide To Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy
