Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)

Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy

Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) is based on the concept that emotions and behaviours result from cognitive processes; and that it is possible for human beings to modify such processes to achieve different and more adaptive ways of feeling and behaving.

What to expect?

According to REBT, change can and does occur at different levels. Let’s say, for instance, that you are anxious because you think someone is disapproving of you. At a superficial level you can feel better by altering your body chemistry; by changing the situation; or by changing your inferences about the situation. REBT therapists admits that superficial change may sometimes appear to be the more realistic option for some clients, but aim for fundamental change wherever possible.

How it works?

The Process of Therapy

Engage client
A relationship is built with the client.
2. ‘Secondary disturbances’ about coming for help is taken into account.
3. Finally, the client for REBT is given a demonstration at an early stage about the changes that is possible and how they will achieve the goal.

Assess the problem, person, and situation
1. Therapy start with the client’s view of what is wrong for them.
2. Therapist checks how does the client feel about having this problem?
3. A general assessment is carried out to determine the presence of any related clinical disorders, obtain a personal and social history, assess the severity of the problem, note any relevant personality factors, and check for any nonpsychological relevant factors.

Prepare the client for therapy
1. The client is given a clear picture about the treatment goals, ensuring these are concrete, specific and agreed to by both client and therapist; and assessment of the client’s motivation to change is done.
2. Introduction and discussion about the basics of REBT, including the bio-psychosocial model of causation is offered to the client.
3.The approaches to be used and implications of treatment is disclosed to the client, then a contract is developed between the client and the therapist .  

Implement the treatment programme

 

• Specific episodes where the target problem(s) occur with the client is analyzed, ascertaining the beliefs involved, changing them, and developing homework.
• Behavioural assignments to reduce fears or modifying ways of behaving is mutually developed.
• Supplementary strategies & techniques as appropriate, e.g. relaxation training, interpersonal skills training, etc is also sometimes used.

Evaluate progress
Toward the end of the intervention it is usually checked whether improvements are due to significant changes in the client’s thinking, or simply to a fortuitous improvement in their external circumstances.

Prepare the client for termination
The client  is usually prepared  to cope with setbacks. Many people, after a period of wellness, think they are ‘cured’ for life. Consequently, when a client slip back and discover their old problems are persistent to some degree, they are likely to despair and give up working on themselves altogether. Thus, a prior warning before termination is important.

When it is used?

Typical clinical applications include  Depression, Anxiety disorders, Eating disorders,  anger management, personality disorders,Sexual abuse recovery etc. It is also used while Adjustment to chronic health problem, physical disability, or mental disorder and Relationship and family problems.


Role of a therapist in REBT:
1. The helps the client understand that emotions and behaviours are caused by their underlying beliefs and thinking.
2. Uncovering irrational beliefs.
3. Teach the client how to dispute and change the irrational beliefs, replacing them with more rational alternatives.
4. Help the client in acting against irrational beliefs.

 

 

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