When people hold irrational beliefs about themselves or the world, problems can result.
REBT helps people recognize and alter those beliefs andnegative thinking patternsin order to overcome psychological problems and mental distress.
All you’ve got the option to do is learn from the situation and move on.
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Main Beliefs
Rational emotive behavior therapy operates under a few main beliefs.
Possessing rigid expectations of ourselves and others only leads to disappointment, recrimination, regret, and anxiety.
Disputation
One step toward changing your beliefs is undergoing a process calleddisputation.
Disputation is meant to teach you life-long skills to help you manage your emotional response and overall mental health.
During disputation, your therapist will challenge your irrational beliefs using direct methods.
While each therapist may approach disputation differently, challenging your beliefs is part of the process.
Indeed, research suggests that REBT is effective at reducing irrational beliefs and changing behavior.
It may even lead to lasting change in those who undergo this form of therapy.
Another 2018 study showed similar results for nurses.
Group REBT reduced their job-related stress and burnout while increasing their job satisfaction and commitment to their organization.
Depression and Anxiety
REBT may be effective in reducing symptoms for people with depression or anxiety.
The positive effects also appear to last even after therapy ends.
REBT has also shown promising results for adolescents experiencing depression.
Factors to Consider With REBT
REBT can be a daunting process.
REBT is meant to teach you life-long skills and, as such, its not a passive process.
Throughout your treatment, you will probably receive homework assignments to complete and new behaviors to experiment with.
Your willingness to try out new beliefs and different behaviors will impact how beneficial REBT is for you.
Find out which option is the best for you.
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Ellis A, Ellis DJ.Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Second Edition.
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