Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy

Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) emerged in the 1950s when psychologists became interested in whether thought processes were learned in the same way as behaviour is. It stemmed from behaviour therapy which focused only on behaviour. The common precept behind CBT is that the way we think has a major influence on our subsequent emotions and behaviours. It is possible however to change the way with think and as such bring about emotional and behavioural change. Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) is just one type of cognitive behaviour therapy.REBT was pioneered by Albert Ellis who personally used the techniques he taught his clients during his own long life (he died in 2007 aged 93). Essentially, people display both rational and irrational thoughts. Too many irrational thoughts can impact on life, causing unhappiness, anxiety, depression and so on. REBT aims to teach clients the difference between rational and irrational thinking. Irrational thinking is thinking that essentially makes little logical sense, or fails to stand up to the evidence. 'Bad things always happen to me', 'I must not fail' are examples of irrational thinking.Although irrational thoughts may have evolved over years and stem from childhood, REBT does not focus on the past. Rather it works with what is going on for the client right now and aims to help people accept themselves and others as they are, including their imperfections.REBT therapists follow an ABC approach. A refers to the activating event that causes concern for a person (e.g. standing on a ladder). B is the belief held by the person about A (I am going to fall to my death). C is the consequence of that belief (anxiety, shaking, avoiding ladders). The important point is that it is a person's belief that led to the consequence, not the event itself. Another person may have no problems standing on a ladder, as they know they are safe.Having understood the link between beliefs and the subsequent consequences, the therapist works to help the client recognise that their beliefs are irrational and should be challenged. This is known as disputing. The client may undergo many types of activities to recognise that their thinking is illogical. The person fearing the ladder comes to recognise the belief that they will die is an irrational one.Finally the client learns to replace their old, irrational beliefs with more realistic ones that enable more appropriate behaviours. As such they have changed the consequence. 'I can be safe on the ladder, I just have to be careful.' allows the person to use a ladder without fear. The client would engage in behaviours that reinforce their new beliefs.Once the technique is learned, the client is able to use it in their life ever onwards. They recognise the impact thoughts have on their subsequent feelings and behaviours