Rational Emotive Behavioral Theory

1
Rational Emotive Behavioral Theory

• Heath B. Walters, MA MSW LICSW-ACS
• Generalist Practice Micro Interventions

2
REBT Key Factors

• Focus is on thinking and acting rather then
  expressing feelings
• Therapy is an educational process
• The therapist functions like a teacher
  collaborating with the client on homework
  assignments The therapist the teacher the
  client the student.
• Very directive form of therapy

3
View of Human Nature

• Individuals are born with a potential for both
  rational thought and predisposed to
  self-preservation, happiness, thinking and
  verbalizing, loving, communion with others,
  growth and self-actualization
• Conversely We also have propensity for
  self-destruction, avoidance of thought,
  procrastination, endless repetition of mistakes,
  superstition, intolerance, perfectionism, and
  self-blame.
• We need to accept ourselves as creatures who will
  continue to make mistakes yet at the same time
  learn to live more at peace with ourselves.
• Suffering is derived from taking simple
  preferences like love, approval, and success and
  making them dire needs.

4
Emotional Disturbance

• Blame is the cause of all emotional disturbance
  we blame ourselves or we blame others
• Often this is a result of dogmatic Musts and
  absolutistic shoulds
• I must have the love or approval from all the
  significant people in my life
• I must perform important tasks competently and
  perfectly
• Because I have a strong desire that people treat
  me considerately and fairly, they absolutely must
  do so.
• If I dont get what I want its terrible, and I
  cant stand it
• It s easier to avoid facing lifes difficulties
  and responsibilities than to undertake more
  rewarding forms of self-discipline

5
REBT ABCDEF MODEL
C (Consequence Emotional Behavioral
A (Activating Event)
B (Belief)
F (Feeling)
D (Disputing Event)
E (Effect)
6
Three Components of Disputing Beliefs in REBT

• Detecting
• First we must detect irrational beliefs
• Debating
• Then Debate their dysfunctional beliefs by
  logically and empirically questioning them
• Discriminating
• Discriminate self-defeating from self-helping
  beliefs

7
REBT Therapeutic Goals

• Minimize emotional disturbances and
  self-defeating behaviors by acquiring a more
  realistic and workable philosophy of life.
• Reducing our tendency to blame ourselves and
  others for what is wrong in life and to prepare
  for future difficulties.

8
Helpers Role in REBT

• Step 1 Show clients that they have incorporated
  many irrational shoulds, oughts, and musts
• Your are the scientist challenging thinking with
  empirical evidence.
• Step 2 Take clients beyond the stage of
  awareness.
• Step 3 Help them modify their thinking and
  abandon irrational beliefs
• Step 4 Assist the client in developing a
  rational philosophy of life

9
Encouraging Higher Levels of Insight in REBT

• Insight is not enough but the client must be
  moved to action
• Three levels of insight
• We face the fact that we choose to disturb
  ourselves in our lives.
• We acknowledge the ways we acquired irrational
  beliefs originally and how we are choosing to
  maintain them
• There are no magical ways for us to change our
  personality and out tendency to upset ourselves

10
Tools Techniques of REBT

• Therapist role full acceptance of self and
  others tolerance however too much warmth and
  understanding is counterproductive to the
  therapeutic relationship
• Impersonal, directive techniques
• Teaching
• Bibliotherapy
• Behavior Modification
• Modeling

11
Tools and Techniques of REBT

• Disputing Irrational Beliefs
• What is the evidence of your beliefs?
• Why is it terrible and horrible if life is not
  the way you want it?
• Where is it written you cannot stand the
  situation?
• Would it really be catastrophic if your worst
  fantasies came true?

12
Tools and Techniques of REBT

• Cognitive Homework
• ABCDEF Self-Help Form
• Changing Imprecise Language
• Use of Humor
• Rational-Emotive Imagery (Behavioral Rehearsal)
• Role Playing
• Shame Attacking Exercises
• Use of Force and Vigor (Attack irrational
  thoughts dialectally with no mercy)

13
Tools and Techniques of REBT

• Self-Management Strategies
• Systematic Desensitization
• Relaxation Techniques
• Modeling

14
Video Example

• Counseling Theories in Action