REBT: A snapshot of strengths and limitations 1

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy: A Snapshot of the Strengths and Limitations

Introduction

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, founded by Albert Ellis in the 1950s, spearheaded the

development of cognitive therapies in the subsequent years. Many empirical studies were

conducted by researchers to study the effectiveness of the techniques and modalities of REBT,

both in clinical as well as non-clinical settings (Wood, 2017).

Some of the Strengths and limitations observed and analyzed as a part of these studies are

presented in a comparative format in this paper.

Strengths and Limitations

1. Popular/User-friendly/Accessible/Non-complex/Memorable Vs. Needs client involvement/

Risks client dependency/Ignores individual differences.

Over the years, REBT has become a much appreciated form of therapy for a multitude of

reasons. As highlighted by Bishop (2004), REBT promotes the idea of self-help/self management.

People find this therapy very user friendly, since it’s easy to grasp and utilize independently.

Moreover, by providing people with many resources early on, like books, audio and video,

flash cards, pamphlets etc. Ellis put the therapy within easy reach for most people who could use it

independently for self-management and care (Rosner, 2011).

Naturally, the easy ABC framework also made the therapy non-complex and memorable,

since it helped people gain a deep insight into the origins of their emotions and behavior (Turner,

2016).
REBT: A snapshot of strengths and limitations 2
However, despite the many reasons of its popularity, one main limitation of REBT noted is

that it needs an active participation from the client. Watson (1999) states that the therapist can only

be effective if the client is showing interest in learning the techniques to manage their irrational

beliefs not only in the present, but also in the future. This needs a lot of dedication and

commitment from the client who may not be up for it.

Also, according to DiGiuseppe (1996), as cited in Mukangi (2010), REBT disregards

individual differences as being partly responsible for each person having a distinct limit of

capitulating to their irrational thoughts.

Laslty, as per Najafi and Lea-Baranovich(2014), a limitation highlighted by Ellis early on

was that the therapist must beware of inadvertently risking client dependency and the desire for

therapist’s approval by providing too much warmth to the client during the relationship building

process.

2. Double-barreled approach of collaboration Vs. Too directive & confrontational/

Exploitative/Therapist as ‘expert’ mode

The therapist-client collaborative relationship is an essential element of REBT. According to

R.A.DiGiuseppe, R. DiGiuseppe, K.A.Doyle and W.Backx (2014), with the two-pronged approach,

on one hand the therapist displays unconditional other acceptance, while on the other hand, the

therapist strives to teach the client how to accept their own self, wholeheartedly. This helps the

client choose and build their own self-acceptance. Since the client is in-charge of their own

emotions and behavior, according to Lieber (2021), REBT also fosters an internal locus of control.

Many studies, have however brought to light the fact that the active/assertive approach of

the therapist may be deemed excessive by some clients, which may hinder the development of a

great bi-lateral therapeutic relationship (Rosner, 2011). It was noted by Engler (2009), as cited by

Aggarwal (2014), that the clients may think of the therapist as being hard-hearted, which may

result in the therapy being effective only for those who are tough-minded themselves. Additionally,

as per the Feminist ethics (II A), as cited in Mukangi (2010) study, the therapist-client relationship
REBT: A snapshot of strengths and limitations 3
may also be judged as exploitative at times, since the teacher (therapist) would have more power

that truly belongs to the student (client), resulting in disproportionate division of power.

Moreover, Sue and Sue (2008) as cited by Greenfield(n.d.), state that people from certain

ethnic cultures and racial backgrounds for example the Asian-Americans, may not be comfortable

discussing their thoughts and feelings. Thus using the strategy of being too directive may be

regarded as combative, unwelcome and pointless for certain clients.

This is also in line with what Morris (2012) said about therapist as ’expert’ mode, whereby

the therapist may need to feel comfortable about placing his values upon the client. This may be

too challenging for some therapists and curtail the use of REBT in practice.

3. Present and Future Focused Vs. Therapist does not explore past/background

The main focus of REBT is on the present and future. Froggatt (2005) remarked that the

therapist’s attention is not on conducting an ‘archaeological exploration’, since peeling the layers of

the past is not very helpful in modifying how a person reacts in the present.

However, it may seem that REBT has a myopic outlook because of several reasons. As

cited in Mukangi (2010):

• It fails to take into consideration the diathesis-stress model according to Bennet (2003) and

Ridgeway(2007) along with the General Medical Conditions.

• The concept of irrationality is not comprehensive since it does not represent all

psychological, emotional and behavioral issues which according to Bennet (2003) could be

properly assessed by the bio-psychosocial model.

• Corey(2009) stated that the precursors/precipitators of current situations could be

emotional issues from the past, which the therapist does not take into account. Ellis

debated this argument by saying that catharsis only brought partial relief to the client. He

felt that psychoanalysis had an 'iatrogenic effect’ that ensued with the client feeling worse

eventually).
REBT: A snapshot of strengths and limitations 4
4. Time efficient/Short-term/Goal Oriented Vs. Psychoeducation model/Not a Quick-fix

As per Matweychuk (2013), the theory pre-supposes that clients coming in for therapy are

eager to be coached into action in order to attain their goals. According to Weishaar (2003), as

cited in G. Corey (2009), the pivot of REBT is on teaching clients to be their own therapists. REBT

therefore, furnishes a psycho-educational model.

Since REBT depends heavily on psycho-education, one of the key techniques that the

therapists deploy is giving homework to be done in between sessions. Moore (2007), as cited in

Yeeyuch (2013), noted that the results are achieved much faster and the need to see the therapist

is consequently much reduced, if it is done in the correct manner. Yeeyuch also highlights that as

the REBT therapist does not focus on every bad thing that happened in the past but keeps the

purview of the therapy limited to present activating events, it makes REBT time efficient.

Corey(2003), as cited in Mukangi(2010), pointed out the fact that many clients have limited

sessions as part of their insurance coverage, thereby making the time-limited nature of REBT a

huge plus. Batte(1996) also cited in Mukangi(2010) mentions that REBT is much favored because

it is targeted and transitory in nature.

On the contrary, as mentioned on the website cbtguide4students (Author unknown, 2016),

REBT is not a quack or a quick fix therapy. According to A.Ellis and D.J.Ellis (2019), REBT is

pedagogic and requires persistent disputing of irrational beliefs. Teaching clients the techniques

correctly to be be applied for self management can be time consuming and laborious. As per

Froggatt (2005), the aim of the therapist is to effect permanent change in the unfounded belief

system and not just treat the present symptoms.Thus, REBT shouldn’t be considered a hasty

remedy for curing the client’s symptoms.

REBT: A snapshot of strengths and limitations 5
5. Multi-modal/Integrative/Flexible approach Vs. Exempts people with limited intelligence

REBT therapists employ many methodologies ranging from formal/informal to humorous/

didactic/socratic style of questioning which gives the REBT therapist great flexibility in dealing with

a multitude of clients. Neenan and Dryden (2010) note that REBT has most wide-ranging

therapeutic modalities and self-help materials that assist in delivering psycho-education to the

clients.

According to Ann Vernon, as cited in Hatcher(2011), the suitability of REBT increases

manifold because it proffers a Tripartite theory - its cognitive, its emotional and its behavioral,

making it an integrative theory. As per the Ellises also cited in Hatcher (2011), the multimodal

nature of REBT can be very useful in a variety of settings for people associated with a whole

gamut of mental health issues, across different life stages and from diverse cultures.

However, Morris(2012), stated that the therapeutic relationship with the client is impeded

and the progress in sessions delayed, in cases where the client presented acute intellectual

difficulties or psychotic behavior. This is why Ellis, as cited in Watson(1999), believed that REBT

would be most rewarding for the YAVIS(young, active, verbal, intelligent and successful) type

people. It would be much easier for them to adapt, assimilate and switch their irrational beliefs to

more rational ones. According to Exner and Bernard(n.d.), the notion of ‘intellectual disputing’ is

central to REBT, which presents a major limitation of REBT.

6. Geared for working with large groups Vs.Therapist must be aware of their own

Motivation/Bias/Altruism

As per Ellis and MacLaren(2005) as cited in Russo-Netzer and Ameli (2021),REBT is

multimodal and integrative in nature. This is why according to Ellis and Dryden (1997), as cited in

Wedding and Corsini(2014), REBT is particularly befitting for group therapy. REBT therapists have

found favorable results when using workshops, marathons and one-day intensives as part of group

therapy. Research by Ellis and Dryden (1997) and Ellis and Joffe (2002) further confirms the fact
REBT: A snapshot of strengths and limitations 6
that above mentioned techniques are very productive with swift, enduring effects(Wedding &

Corsini,2014).

Wessler and Hankin (1988) also found that for a client who was done with individual

counseling, the REBT group provided most conducive environment for further practice and

exchange of ideas.

Conversely, when dealing with large groups of people from various demographics w.r.t. to

race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation etc. according to Sue and Sue (2008), as cited in

Greenfield(n.d.), the therapist must be careful to not get biased. Moreover, as per Institute of

Medicine(2003), also cited in Greenfield(n.d.), during the session, the therapist must consciously

acknowledge any differences and bias.

Besides, according to Corey (2005,2009), as cited in Mukangi (2010), while developing a

warm empathic relationship, the therapist must be careful of transference issues. This may bring

into question their motivation and altruism.

Conclusion

REBT has come a long way over the last 60+ years. Researchers have conducted many

empirical studies in various clinical and non-clinical settings to study the effectiveness of REBT

framework and principles. Overall, many of the concerns and limitations of REBT have either been

unfounded or its adaptations to diverse populations has been facilitated. This leads one to believe

that REBT is a versatile cost-effective form of therapy applicable to many sub-groups and

populations outside of clinical settings. Integrated with other forms of therapy and medication,

REBT can be a forceful agent of change.

In modern times with the advent of technology, the nature and dynamics of the belief

systems of people is changing and evolving. Going forward, more studies can be conducted in the

field of REBT and its applicability, especially w.r.t. tele-health and online counseling in the post-

COVID-19 pandemic era.

REBT: A snapshot of strengths and limitations 7

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