<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have you heard of the REBT approach in psychotherapy? Read on to learn if this approach is right for you, and how it can it help anxiety, depression, and chronic overthinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, there are many different approaches to psychotherapy. And yes, some of them are similar, while others are completely different. In this blog post, we\u2019ll introduce you to REBT, its origins, worldview, and what it\u2019s like to work with an REBT therapist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
REBT (Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy)<\/a> is one of the earliest cognitive approaches. The two main therapies in this tradition are CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)<\/a> and REBT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CBT was developed by Aaron Beck in the 1960s. It draws inspiration from Stoic philosophy. One of REBT\u2019s core ideas comes from the ancient philosopher Epictetus, who said, “We are not disturbed by events themselves but by our opinion of them.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Both CBT and REBT believe that our emotions and behaviors stem from our thoughts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s say the same event happens to me, to you, or to your friend, such as a divorce, a flat tire, job loss, or adapting to a new country. Will we all react in the same way? Will we feel the same emotions, behave the same, or have the same thoughts? Probably not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s because our emotional and behavioral responses are shaped not just by the event itself but by what we think and believe about the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Imagine two friends who work at the same company. One day, they\u2019re both laid off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s going on here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n REBT explains that while both friends experienced the same event (job loss) their reactions<\/strong> were shaped by their beliefs<\/strong> about what happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The more rigid and demanding our beliefs are, the more likely we are to react in unhealthy and unhelpful ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If we think something must not happen<\/strong>, or that something else must happen<\/strong>, and anything else is awful<\/strong>, unbearable<\/strong>, or catastrophic<\/strong>, then we\u2019re more likely to feel intense negative emotions. These can include anger, anxiety, depression, jealousy, or hurt. We may even start devaluing ourselves or others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n REBT helps uncover these rigid beliefs. Together with a therapist, you work to challenge and dispute them on a cognitive level. You then create new, more flexible thoughts and practice them in real life using a variety of exercises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This can lead to changes in how you feel, behave, and even how your body reacts physiologically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a trained REBT therapist, I use techniques like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Disputing your beliefs is just the first step. We then build new, helpful beliefs \u2014 ones that empower you. And we strengthen those beliefs with tools and tasks, so they become your go-to mindset. The result? Healthier emotions and more adaptive behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I love cognitive approaches in general, but REBT holds a special place for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It combines work with thoughts and<\/em> behavior. There\u2019s structure, which helps track progress through client self-ratings and visible changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I also love that REBT turns us into researchers of our own minds. It encourages us to observe, investigate, and actively change our thinking. It\u2019s not just passive, which I find most powerful. It\u2019s truly a hands-on journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n REBT might be a great fit if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n REBT is a rich and flexible method that uses both cognitive and behavioral techniques. It may not be an easy road, but it\u2019s definitely a dynamic and empowering one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re experiencing any of these issues, the REBT approach might be just what you need to move forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ready to dive deeper? Learn more about how to find the right therapist for you<\/a> and explore our network of experienced professionals trained in REBT and other evidence-based approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
REBT was developed earlier, in 1955, by Albert Ellis.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Does This Look Like in Real Life?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
An Example: One Event, Two Reactions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
REBT\u2019s Take on the Situation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Rigid Beliefs Lead to Suffering<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Does REBT Actually Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In My Practice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Why I Chose REBT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is REBT the Right Approach for You?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
(e.g., \u201cI feel a lot of anxiety about\u2026\u201d or \u201cI get angry in many situations right now\u2026\u201d)<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\nREBT May Help With:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n