Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is a highly effective, practical, action-oriented, and evidence-based form of psychotherapy developed by Albert Ellis in the 1950s.

Ellis was originally trained in psychoanalysis (think Freud). He was regarded as an outstanding psychoanalyst, but overtime, his faith in the practice deteriorated. He began to take a more active role in the process, and noticed his clients improved much more quickly than they previously had. Overtime, Ellis began focusing on changing people’s behaviors by confronting their irrational beliefs, and helping them adopt new healthy belief systems. He referred to this as being rational-emotive, and it truly was revolutionary in the field of psychology.

REBT is based on the ABC’s of human personality and disturbance, and is rooted in the views of many ancient philosophers such as Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius. The idea is that activating events (A’s) in people’s lives contribute to their emotional and behavioral disturbances or consequences (C’s) because of people’s beliefs (B’s) about the activating events. In REBT, self-defeating (irrational) thoughts and underlying (often subconscious) beliefs systems are identified, disputed/challenged, and then replaced with healthier, more productive, rational beliefs.

REBT recognizes that we are strongly influenced by our childhood years. It is where we gain most of our personal philosophies about life such as what we think of ourselves and others. This is carried with us in the form of beliefs about ourselves/others/the world in the present. We cannot change the past, but we can change the way we let the past influence the way we function today, and who we want to be tomorrow. REBT is a highly empowering and optimistic approach because no matter what you’ve been through, you can rewrite your story by forming new healthy belief systems. This helps people decrease their unhealthy actions that interfere with their lives and goals.

REBT is more than an approach to psychotherapy: it is a life philosophy that leads to more fulfillment, satisfaction, and joy. It helps people cope with their problems as well as enhance their personal growth. It’s value is in everything from helping people get over their limiting beliefs, everyday hang ups, improve their general mental health, and for managing mental illness. Ultimately, it helps people develop a better philosophy and approach to living that will increase their satisfaction, health, wellbeing, and effectiveness across all aspects of life: relationships, work, parenting, community involvement, interaction with the environment, and so forth.

I trained at the Albert Ellis Institute, and am certified in REBT. It guides me in how I personally approach life, as well as how I work with clients in both therapy as well as coaching. I have a deep love for the impact the philosophy has had on my own life, as well as how effectively I have seen it help and enhance others.

Questions about REBT? Ask in the comments below. Looking for REBT or REBC (rational emotive behavior coaching)? Fill out this form or drop me a message here, and I’ll be in touch.

With love,

Lindsay