APA Paper

Introduction to Psychology
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
College of Alameda
J. Stamatakis
October 2015

Introduction

The Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy Theory is a type of therapy that is based on
comprehensive, direct, philosophical and emotional psychotherapy treatment. This treatment
focuses primarily on the resolve of behavior and emotional imbalance of problems in which the
therapy helps them lead happier and more peaceful lives. This theory was created and sought out
by an american psychotherapist by the name of Albert Elliswho. In his making of this theory, he
notes that he was inspired by many philosophers of the roman, asian, and greek teachings. In
this particular therapy it is mainly focused on the finding of beliefs that arent rational in nature
as well as replacement of negative thoughts with positive thoughts that are most productive and
hold more positive outcomes rather than continued negative thoughts that could lead to other
deadly and harmful things. Some key assumptions for this theory are that us as humans dont get
as emotionally tied to situations but we seem to base our views on how the circumstances change
our views through ideals like language, beliefs, meaning, and philosophy regarding the world
around us and others. Within this theory, it adopts a certain ABC technique that is used to show

relationships and cause and effect of activating events that take place in most situations. (A)
represents the beliefs about activating events; (B) the cognitive emotional and or behavioral
consequences behind beliefs ( C). Within this model, it has also been adopted in cognitive
therapy to use clarity for the role of certain mental breakdowns and activities that are involved
within it and showing differences between the experiences of different people/ clients.

Techniques and Exercises of the Theory

Within the rational emotive behavior therapy theory, many techniques and exercises are
used to help clients understand and take in the value of self acceptance as well as others
acceptance. In this, it helps create more of a self sufficient viewing of how they and others
around them view the world and situations around them that will help them stay positive. Some
of the techniques that are used in order to help clients through realization of the value in finding
themselves, include techniques such as rational emotive imagery, role playing activities, shame
attacking exercises, and also the strong uses of force and vigor on the client. Through the
technique of rational emotive imagery, it's used as a form of mental practice that allows for new
patterns in clients emotions as well as helping clients see themselves and the bad things that
could be the worst things to happen to them. With this process, it helps them adapt to new
feelings that are positive rather than negative feelings that cause them to be upset. In the exercise
of role playing, clients act out certain behaviors in order for them to bring out certain behavioral
changes in the presence of a therapist. This helps expand out how they really feel without any
potential harm being done. The activity of shame attacking exercises, helps clients reduce their

amounts of shame in the ways that they choose to behave. These exercises serve a main purpose
of helping clients build onto their self acceptance and being mature about the emotional behavior
they are showing as well as the patterns that they make evident. In all of the exercises, clients are
challenged to find themselves and view the things that they do in a way to where they dont place
as much blame on themselves which ultimately can lead them into more negative thoughts.

Effectiveness/ Non Effectiveness of REBT

In my opinion the effectiveness of the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy Theory seems
like it helps clients see themselves for what they really are and accepting it without placing any
kind of blame on themselves for it. It calls for a self examination while also being guided
through activities where others are involved, so that they can also see others in more of a
limelight. I think that it helps out because most humans tend to place so much blame and agony
of negative thoughts on themselves that they forget to view the more positive thoughts and
opinions that are also evident. I think it's proven itself to be evident due to the fact that most
approaches to this theory call for more thought out and presupposed ideals made up by
therapists, whereas this approach causes the client to come to their own reasoning for their
problematic behaviors. Some of the ideas that I think are not as effective that I don't like so much
regarding this theory in particular is the use of force and vigor because I feel the the
aggressiveness could lead a client into a state of mind that is negative if they feel like they have
to defend themselves even though the purpose of the exercise is to help them see emotion from a
different lens of how others around them see how they act. Another concern is that although in
the sessions it causes the clients to be positive, what efforts are made so that the clients keep the
positive mentality because if anything happens it could trigger the client to react and start
thinking positive again. The logic in this theory doesnt seem so organized or prepared only

because I dont quite see how reasoning or diagnosis is really solved if all thats going on is a self
assessment of the problems that they are already aware of.The emotion isnt specific enough.

Interaction With Cultures

For this particular theory, the cultures and interactions seem pretty evident being that of
course certain cultures have more involvement with different organizations. Working with the
cultures, classifying different emotions among groups that have more evidence towards why
certain groups or backgrounds act more emotively than others. It could be researched and carried
on to discuss the how and why the situations in a person's life really do frame how they
emotionally react to whats taking place around them.
Future Studies of Theory
I definitely took interest in the study of this theory in particular because the way people
respond in everyday life is very important due to the fact that it shapes how those around you
view you for the things that you take part in. I would like to know more in depth about the age
groups that are most common in this behavioral theory and which groups seem easier to treat
rather than others. I wasnt going to originally choose this theory but after reading up on it and
gaining new understanding, it taught me a lot and opened up new topics that can be explored
further.
Conclusion
The way that we as humans carry ourselves and choose to act, really does depict how we
see ourselves as well as how others see us because of the things that we do. Certain walks of life
don't get the opportunities to get the help they need but I believe it all starts with self realization
and being in tune with who you really are because without that, no one else , not even a therapist
can diagnose you.

Works Cited/ Sources

"Rational Emotive Therapy." PsycEXTRA Dataset (1982): n. pag. Web.
Hockenbury , D. (2014). Discovering Psychology ( 6th edition ). New York: Worth Publishers.