Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) By Albert Ellis - Essay Example

Strengths and Shortcomings of REBT Introduction Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) is a form of psychological therapy which was created in the 1950s by Albert Ellis (REBT Network, 2006). This psychotherapy was based on the assumption that whenever a person becomes upset about an incident or an event, it is not really the event which upsets a person; it is actually the beliefs that a person has which causes a him to become upset, and later to become depressed, angry or anxious (REBT Network, 2006). Ellis (n.d) also discusses that REBT is a complete approach to psychotherapy which deals with the emotions and behaviours of human disturbance, while emphasizing on stress and its thinking component. Human beings are dynamic beings and there does not seem to be a simple way they become emotionally disturbed, and there does not seem to be a simple way for them to be helped from feeling defeated (Ellis, n.d). The psychological issues which come up often arise from a client’s misperceptions, including his emotional underreactions or overreactions to unusual events or circumstances; and his dysfunctional patterns of behaviour also lead him towards repeating responses even if he knows he is behaving poorly (Ellis, n.d). The framework or model for the REBT is based on the ABC model where A=the activating event; B=the belief; and C=the consequent emotion which may include anxiety or depression (Philippe, 2010). The process may extend to include letters D and E which refer to disputing of irrational beliefs and effect (Stolear, n.d). REBT is based on the premise that our reactions are based on our unconscious interpretations and philosophies. We feel anxious or sad because we strongly believe that it is terrible for us to fail or be rejected (Ellis, n.d). We also feel hostile or angry towards other people because we believe that people behave unfairly towards us. For therapists in this field of practice, they often use the first few sessions with the client in order to place a finger on the main irrational philosophies which the client passionately adheres to. Afterwards, they attempt to show to the clients how these philosophies lead to emotional problems and inevitably, to clinical symptoms (Ellis, n.d). The goal of the therapist, in this case, is to uproot the client from such set philosophies and to try to replace them with more rational theories and hypotheses about themselves and the world around them; and eventually, to conceptualize how such rational theories can be used to understand the world and to deal with their issues (Ellis, n.d). Discussion Strengths of REBT There are various strengths of the REBT. In an analysis by Shackford (2006), she discusses the strengths of using the REBT among suicidal youths and she points out that one of its advantages is its simplicity. It also takes into consideration the different developmental levels of adolescents and how such learning can be utilized in handling potential suicidal youths. It is also advantageous for adolescents because of its lack of moral or judgmental perspectives (Shackford, 2006). This type of therapy does not make any moral judgements on the actions of the teenagers, and this can be a source of comfort for the teenager who would often prefer to be judged for who he is, and not for what he does (Shackford, 2006). It reduces self-criticism and promotes self-acceptance, eventually helping a teenager cope and recover from what he may have done. Ellis (2005) also discusses that REBT has had a multicultural application in psychotherapy and this has given it greater flexibility among patients who have different family, religious, and cultural values. REBT does not compel people to negate their cultural goals and values (Ellis, 2005). REBT accepts that psychotherapy with clients may be of a diverse nature owing to the fact that such clients may come from different backgrounds and cultures. And this acceptance helps to engage the client towards taking a more active part during therapy. Many of the issues which arise during therapy involve cultural biases, and this bias is a practice which REBT does not condone or encourage (Bruns, Dyben, Harris, & Shaler, n.d). The expertise and confidence of REBT therapists is likely to promote a high degree of trust in some cultures, thereby ensuring that the psychotherapeutic process is effective for the multicultural client (Sue, 1999). This type of therapy incorporates and acknowledges the fact that a person’s culture is likely to impact on a person’s goals, standards, and values (Ellis, 2001). This makes REBT highly reliable as a therapy tool in the multicultural setting. This therapy is also highly-advantageous for individuals with multiple disabilities, hearing loss, eye trouble, and similar disabilities because it is fashioned around the client’s disability (Sue, 1999). The therapy is based on the disabilities, on the client’s behaviour and difficulties and uses such details in order to create a therapeutic environment for the client. Moreover, Corey (2005) emphasizes that “with its clear structure (A-B-C Framework), REBT is applicable to a wide range of settings and populations, including elementary and secondary schools”. It helps in child rearing and in the management of adolescents with various issues, ranging from anxiety to hostility. REBT has also been known to work well in both the individual counselling settings (Moore, 2001). “Because REBT teaches clients to monitor and alter their thoughts, feelings and behaviours, it teaches clients to help themselves” (Moore, 2001). It teaches clients to be pro-active in their therapy and recovery process; it helps them to assess their own feelings; and later to use these feelings and thoughts in order to make possible an engaging therapeutic process. Because of its effectiveness in the individual and group setting, low relapse rates have been reported, as compared to clients who have been placed under drug treatment (Moore, 2001). More advantages of the REBT are seen on the rapid symptom reduction and the shorter duration of therapy with goals being achieved in about 10 to 20 sessions only (Moore, 2001). The shorter duration of the therapy indicates greater and faster progress being reached for the patient with fewer sessions and with better patient outcomes. Patients often enter therapy with the ultimate goal of getting better as fast as possible, and REBT helps achieve this possibility. Another strength of the REBT lies in the fact that it helps the client recognize the irrational goals and to track cognition so that a person knows when he is acting irrationally (Mukangi, 2010). This is a welcome aspect of REBT since it does not only highlight on the current situation, but, it also teaches the student on how to “deal with future irrational thinking to avoid putting themselves in the same situations as they previously had, which is unlike other theories” (Mukangi, 2010). REBT also helps clients to decide on how to use their acquired knowledge in the future, not to become dependent, and not to attend therapy whenever things go wrong in their lives (Mukangi, 2010). In essence, REBT helps the client achieve autonomy and independence in dealing with his issues and problems. The REBT is also considered one of the most effective forms of therapy when it is combined with medication, especially in instances of depression (Mukangi, 2010). In general, it is widely used by most therapists because of its effectiveness. It considers “person’s cognitions, emotions and feelings which can be used to understand how people think and behave which is essential when it comes to deriving a treatment program for each individual” (Mukangi, 2010, p. 63). It is holistic and client-centred in its approach, helping to ensure that a person knows his feelings and emotions, using such feelings in order to achieve improved patient outcomes in mental health processes. Shortcomings of REBT This type of therapy also has its fair share of shortcomings. First and foremost, in cases of suicidal teens, Weinrach (1990, as cited by Shackford, 2006) discusses that REBT can rub some individuals the wrong way. What may work well for some people may not be so inviting or engaging for others. Some authors and experts point out that this type of therapy fails to consider the emotionality aspects of emotional disturbances (Shanrock, 2006). It has been criticized for favouring tough-minded individuals. And for the tender-minded clients who are being counselled, they may feel alienated by REBT. For suicidal individuals, affirming the unfairness of life cannot be the message which would work well for them. There is a certain lack of empathy in this therapy, which may be essential in pulling teenagers out of their despairing thoughts (Shanrock, 2006). Ellis (2001) also discusses that the position of therapists may be seen as authoritarian and one-sided. Inasmuch as this type of therapy may work well in the multicultural setting, it may still neglect the important details of differences, the multicultural influences, and other aspects of diversity in some clients (Ellis, 2001). The therapy may present difficulties which alienate some clients who adhere to their cultural values, especially in relation to religion (Ellis, 2005). In this regard, REBT may present as an inflexible form of therapy because it does not consider specific details of a person’s culture and values in order to resolve a client’s issues. A study by Neenan (2001) also discusses how REBT can be aggressive in its approach and its therapeutic processes. In some instances it is described as foul-mouthed, and extreme in its defence of Hitler as an example of human fallibility. Some authors also point out how there is little empirical support for the tenets being upheld by REBT as it keeps on advocating philosophical changes when it is most likely not within the interests of most clients (Neenan, 2001). There is a need therefore to address these concerns within the psychotherapeutic applications of REBT before the therapy can be applied to the clients. Most of the time, the client’s improved mental health status is dependent on the therapeutic process. Ellis and his REBT have also been criticized for being poorly received by other people (Dewey, 2007). This criticism has mostly been based on Ellis’s claims that the REBT can handle most any problem as well as other forms of therapy. This has been labelled by other people as having attitude, in essence, arrogance (Dewey, 2007). The criticism for Ellis’s therapy is mostly credited to his confrontational approach. People often do not like to have their beliefs challenged, and so they often leave therapy without getting help. A person must therefore be extra tough in order to face the confrontation which REBT presents – even if such confrontation is essentially needed by a person. “Although Ellis said he practiced the Rogerian principle of unconditional positive regard for the client, he did not hesitate to administer tough love by disputing the client’s ideas and suggesting new ones to put in their place” (Dewey, 2007). And the confrontation style is very much based on Ellis’s personality. Other practitioners would not even apply the REBT in the practical sense, especially among clients who do not like their beliefs and values to be attacked. Due to its confrontational approach, this therapy is being criticized for not giving enough attention to the different aspects of a person’s life, including his childhood experiences (Yates, 1998). Consequently, it pays little attention to or emphasis on a person’s unconscious or a person’s dreams which Freud considers essential elements in any therapy. In effect, a person is assessed apart and distinct from his experiences or his experiences (Yates, 1998). In other forms of therapy, it is often necessary to dig into a person’s past to discover and establish experiences and patterns of behaviour. And such patterns of behaviour, often determine current and future responses to experiences and to events. REBT is also a form of therapy which does not focus much on the therapeutic relationship as an important element in psychotherapy (Yates, 1998). In this case, there is a risk for an REBT therapist to misuse his power over the patient. In relation to the confrontational approach of this therapy, the client may soon end up agreeing or being compelled to agree with the REBT therapist’s views of the entire therapeutic process. In this case, the therapist may also not be totally conscious of the fact that he is imposing or abusing his power over his client (Yates, 1998). In effect, the nature of REBT opens it to therapist-centred, not client-centred vulnerabilities, which do not serve the interests of the therapeutic session well. Other authors also point out that the REBT presents no rationale on why people reindoctrinate themselves with irrational beliefs (University of New Mexico, n.d). Although, Ellis mentions how people’s irrational beliefs lead them to behave in certain irrational ways, the REBT does not provide explanations on why people do behave in such irrational ways. For those seeking to apply and use this type of therapy for their clients, there is insufficient explanation or rationalization which can be offered in order to resolve their issues. Conclusion My stand on REBT is that it is an effective psychotherapeutic approach. First and foremost, it is simple enough to apply to the client. It is non-judgmental and would work and apply well to suicidal teens because it does not make judgments about what they do. Secondly, it also works well in individual therapies. It helps clients monitor their irrational thoughts, to evaluate such thoughts, and to help them be more participative and pro-active in their therapy. Thirdly, it registers with a high degree of effectiveness when combined with medication and in instances of depression. Lastly, the shortcomings of the REBT can be overcome; adjustments in the therapeutic process can be made in order to avoid its pitfalls and limitations. Works Cited Bruns, A., Dyben, A., Harris, V. & Shaler, L. (n.d) Theory/Approach: Ellis’s REBT. Laurel Shaler.com. Retrieved 18 May 2010 from http://www.laurelshaler.com/papers/documents/REBT_Grid.pdf Corey, G. (2005) Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. California: Thomson Brooks Dewey, R. (2007) Criticisms of Ellis and REBT. Psych web. Retrieved 19 May 2010 from http://www.psywww.com/intropsych/ch13_therapies/criticisms_of_ellis_and_rebt.html Ellis, A. (2001). Overcoming destructive beliefs, feelings, and behaviors: New directions for rational emotive behavior therapy. Amherst, NJ: Prometheus Books. Ellis, A. (2005). Rational emotive behavior therapy. In R. J. Corsini & D. Wedding (Ed.), Current Psychotherapies (7thed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole Ellis, A. (n.d) REBT. REBT.ws. Retrieved 18 May 2010 from http://www.rebt.ws/REBT%20explained.htm Moore, T. (2001) Rational-emotive behavior therapy. Find Articles. Retrieved 18 May 2010 from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g2699/is_0005/ai_2699000599/ Mukangi, A. (2010) Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT): A critical review. The Journal of Language, Technology & Entrepreneurship in Africa, 2(1). Retrieved 18 May 2010 from http://ajol.info/index.php/jolte/article/viewFile/51990/40625 Neenan, M. (March 2001) EBT 45 Years On: Still on the Sidelines. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 19(1), pp. 1573-6563 Philippe, R. (2010) The Ellis ABC Model 74. Hubpages. Retrieved 18 May 2010 from http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Ellis-ABC-Model REBT Network (2006) What is REBT? REBTNetwork.com. Retrieved 17 May 2010 from http://www.rebtnetwork.org/whatis.html Shackford, S. (2006) Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and its application to Suicidal Adolescents. American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. Retrieved 17 May 2010 from http://www.aaets.org/article101.htm Stolear, M. (n.d) Introduction for Clients to REBT - CBT treatment Sessions. CBT Care. Retrieved 18 May 2010 from http://www.cbtcare.com/intro-rebt-cbt.pdf Sue, D. W. & Sue, D. (1999). Counseling the culturally different: Theory and practice (3rd.ed.). New York: Wiley & Sons University of New Mexico. (n.d) Behavior Therapy. UNM.edu. Retrieved 19 May 2010 from http://www.unm.edu/~htafoya/class8.doc Yates, C. (1998) Rational Emotive behaviour Therapy. Columbus State University. Retrieved 18 May 2010 from http://celps.colstate.edu/balt/FlashPaperDocs/REBT.swf Read More