Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)
Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) is a cognitive behavioural therapy
developed by psychologist Albert Ellis that focuses on the relationship between
thoughts, emotions and behaviours. REBT proposes that emotional distress is not
caused directly by events themselves but by the beliefs and interpretations
individuals hold about those events. The approach aims to identify irrational or
unhelpful beliefs, challenge their accuracy and replace them with more balanced
and rational ways of thinking. By changing these beliefs, individuals can reduce
emotional distress and develop healthier behavioural responses. Within social
work, REBT provides practitioners with a practical framework for supporting
individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem and other
emotional difficulties while promoting resilience and problem-solving skills (Ellis
& Dryden, 2007).
Albert Ellis developed Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy during the 1950s
after becoming dissatisfied with traditional psychoanalytic approaches, which he
believed were often lengthy and placed too much emphasis on exploring
childhood experiences without promoting practical change. Influenced by Stoic
philosophy, particularly the writings of the Greek philosopher Epictetus, Ellis
argued that "people are disturbed not by things, but by the views which they
take of them." He proposed that psychological wellbeing could be improved by
identifying irrational beliefs and replacing them with more realistic, flexible and
constructive ways of thinking (Ellis & Dryden, 2007).
The foundation of REBT is the ABC model. A represents the Activating Event,
which is the situation or event that occurs. B refers to the individual's Beliefs
about that event, including both rational and irrational thoughts. C represents
the Consequences, including the emotional and behavioural responses that
result from those beliefs. According to REBT, it is not the activating event itself
that causes distress, but the beliefs held about the event.
Ellis later expanded the model to include D, E and F. D stands for Disputing
irrational beliefs, where practitioners help individuals critically examine whether
their beliefs are logical, realistic or helpful. E represents the development of
Effective new beliefs, replacing irrational thoughts with more balanced
alternatives. F refers to the resulting new Feelings and behaviours, where
individuals experience healthier emotional responses and adopt more
constructive coping strategies.
Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) is a cognitive behavioural therapy
developed by psychologist Albert Ellis that focuses on the relationship between
thoughts, emotions and behaviours. REBT proposes that emotional distress is not
caused directly by events themselves but by the beliefs and interpretations
individuals hold about those events. The approach aims to identify irrational or
unhelpful beliefs, challenge their accuracy and replace them with more balanced
and rational ways of thinking. By changing these beliefs, individuals can reduce
emotional distress and develop healthier behavioural responses. Within social
work, REBT provides practitioners with a practical framework for supporting
individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem and other
emotional difficulties while promoting resilience and problem-solving skills (Ellis
& Dryden, 2007).
Albert Ellis developed Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy during the 1950s
after becoming dissatisfied with traditional psychoanalytic approaches, which he
believed were often lengthy and placed too much emphasis on exploring
childhood experiences without promoting practical change. Influenced by Stoic
philosophy, particularly the writings of the Greek philosopher Epictetus, Ellis
argued that "people are disturbed not by things, but by the views which they
take of them." He proposed that psychological wellbeing could be improved by
identifying irrational beliefs and replacing them with more realistic, flexible and
constructive ways of thinking (Ellis & Dryden, 2007).
The foundation of REBT is the ABC model. A represents the Activating Event,
which is the situation or event that occurs. B refers to the individual's Beliefs
about that event, including both rational and irrational thoughts. C represents
the Consequences, including the emotional and behavioural responses that
result from those beliefs. According to REBT, it is not the activating event itself
that causes distress, but the beliefs held about the event.
Ellis later expanded the model to include D, E and F. D stands for Disputing
irrational beliefs, where practitioners help individuals critically examine whether
their beliefs are logical, realistic or helpful. E represents the development of
Effective new beliefs, replacing irrational thoughts with more balanced
alternatives. F refers to the resulting new Feelings and behaviours, where
individuals experience healthier emotional responses and adopt more
constructive coping strategies.
