Question

What is an appropriate scenario approach using REBT?

Answer 1

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is the first form of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and was created by Dr. Albert Ellis in 1955.According to the REBT model, people experience undesirable activating events,about which they have rational beliefs (RBs) and irrational beliefs (IBs). These beliefs then lead to emotional, behavioral, and cognitive consequences. Rational beliefs lead to functional consequences, while irrational beliefs lead to dysfunctional consequences. Clients who engage in REBT are encouraged to actively dispute their IBs and to assimilate more efficient, adaptive and rational beliefs, with a positive impact on their emotional, cognitive,and behavioral responses (Ellis, 1962; 1994; Walen et al.,1992).

The ABC Model of Emotional Disturbance-

Ellis hypothesized that irrational beliefs are the result of a person’s goals or desires being inhibited or blocked. When we don’t get or accomplish what we wanted to, we may develop irrational beliefs about ourselves or the world that help explain what happened.

A =Activating event or situation that we experience

B=Beliefs or thoughts regarding the situation

C =Consequence: How we feel or act based on these beliefs

For example,

A (Activating Situation) =A friend does not return your phone call

B (Beliefs/Thoughts) ="I must have done something to upset them. I am such a horrible person.”

C (Consequence/Effect) =Anxious, upset, depressed