Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) was initially introduced by the American psychotherapist Albert Ellis in the 1950’s. It is a structured and time limited comprehensive psychotherapy that focuses on resolving emotional and behavioral turbulence in the human mind. The outcome, like all forms of psychotherapy is an enriched and fulfilling existence. As the name suggests it focuses on the rational (reasoning), emotive (feelings and emotions), and behavioral (actions) components to gain a complete understanding of the nature of one’s problems and thereby take appropriate steps to solve them.
A-B-C-D-E Model
The fundamental premise of REBT emphasizes that humans ordinarily do not get dismayed by unfortunate adversities; rather their response to those adversities is contingent on their perception of its reality. This reality is indeed an appraisal made on the basis of their own personal language, interpretive beliefs, meanings and philosophies about individuals themselves, others around them and the world in general. In REBT, clients usually learn and begin to apply this concept by learning the A-B-C-model of psychological disturbance and the need to change. According to the model, it isn't merely an A (adversity or activating event) that generates the emotional C (consequence). There is a very significant B (belief about the adversity) that underwrites the disturbed and dysfunctional behavioral C (consequence). Unless we D: dispute this, we cannot E: enjoy our existence
Adversity
Adversity is a common noun today.
Everything in the surrounding can qualify as a hardship. Worldly events, a
sudden worrisome thought or an inner emotion driven by an event of the past,
present, or future; all can generate a frenzy. For example, if we consider the
A (adversity like the death of a loved one), the C (consequence) is likely to be
intense grief, sadness, lack of interest in pleasurable activities for some
time, and a temporary disruption of usual emotions and actions. Although it
seems that the C directly follows the A, what is worthy of attention is the
underlying B (beliefs) that is mitigate the C. In this case, the B maybe:
- How can I live without this person?
- My life is not worth living anymore
- I will awfully terribly miss this person
- I really miss all our moments together
However, in actuality A X B = C.
Beliefs
Beliefs are most important variables in the
A-B-C equation. They are the underlying as well as the obvious philosophical
meanings and assumptions about events, wishes, and preferences in every human being’s
mind. According to REBT, if a person's evaluative B: belief about the A: activating
event is rigid, absolutist and dysfunctional; the C: emotional and behavioral
consequence is likely to be self-defeating and destructive. When the B leads to
an unwanted dysfunctional C, this B would classically qualify as an irrational belief. Alternatively, if a person's evaluative B belief is preferential,
flexible and constructive, the C emotional and behavioral consequence is
likely to be self-helping and productive in which case this B would warrant the
grade of a rational belief.
Consequence
There isn't much unknown about desirable
consequences. If granted 3 wishes, each has their demands ready! Everyone truly
longs for peace, contentment and satisfaction; but are indeed presented with
sadness, restlessness and discontentment on account of these apparent
adversities. Little do people realize the impact of their beliefs on the
appraisal of actions thus they themselves generate unwanted consequences.
Dispute
Through REBT, by understanding the role of
their underlying, interpretive and evaluative irrational beliefs, people often
can learn to identify them, see their futility then go on to the next step D:
dispute, refute, challenge and question them, distinguish them from the
rational beliefs, and subscribe to more constructive and self-helping behavior.
Rationality comes with a small price, it takes courage and effort to be positive;
however once conditioned, rationality becomes the answer to all problems and
life’s adversities can never then get out of hand.
Enjoy
Disputing paves way for the final step towards
E: enjoying the constructive outcomes of rational beliefs. There is one universal
truth that each one is here for themselves and each one ‘makes’ their happiness
around their 'own self'. Do not ever
come in your own path of advancement. Get rational and start living!
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