RATIONAL EMOTIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY (REBT)--ELLIS

Basic Assumptions

   Predisposition exists for growth and self-actualization (as well as understanding one's limitations), but not a self-actualizing tendency.

   Innate potential for both rational and irrational thinking.

   Present more important than past.

The A - B - C theory of personality and psychotherapy:

   A (Activating event or Adversity) --> B (Belief) --> C (Consequences)

   Beliefs (B) can be rational or irrational.

   Consequences (C) are both emotional and behavioral.

   Consequences (C) can become a new Activating event (A).

   Emotional disturbances are not the result of external events but one's perceptions and attitudes about these events.

   Therapy:

   D = Dispute the Beliefs that are irrational.

   E = Effect of changes in the belief system = an increase in emotional well being, and more adaptive functioning.

Blame is considered to be the core of most emotional disturbances and results in a self-defeating attitude.

Basic Irrational Beliefs--see handout.

   Three major musts:

   1)  I must perform well and be approved of by significant others...

   2)  You must treat me fairly...

   3)  The world must be the way I want it to be...

   Otherwise, it is terrible, horrible, and I cannot stand it.

Goal of therapy:  Decrease demandingness, increase tolerance--and develop a
more realistic philosophy of life (more creative, scientific, skeptical).

Therapist is counterpropagandist--an active, directive, persuasive teacher. 

   A warm relationship between client and therapist is not considered to be necessary.