This new edition provides a concise but systematic guide to the basics of REBT—a valuable approach for helping clients overcome emotional and behavioral difficulties. The authors have updated this practical resource to reflect recent developments in REBT theory and practice.
- Part I: Briefly outlines the principles considered central to an understanding of REBT.
- Part II: Details a sequence of 20 REBT steps recommended for use during peer counseling and clinical work.
- Part III: illustrates the application of the REBT process to a specific case.
The brief overview of REBT practice presented in this primer is designed to complement rather than replace comprehensive texts for conducting REBT at a more advanced level.
Introduction
Part I: Theory
- Rationality versus Irrationality
- The ABC Framework
- Three Basic Musts
- Interaction of A, B, and C
- Two Basic Biological Tendencies
- Two Fundamental Human Disturbances
- Theory of Change in REBT
- Overview of REBT Theory
Part II: Practice
- Step 1: Ask for a Problem
Client’s choice versus client’s most serious problem
When your client does not identify a target problem
- Step 2: Define and Agree upon the Target Problem
Distinguish between an emotional and a practical problem
Target unhealthy but not healthy negative emotions
Operationalize vague problems
Focus on helping your client change C, not A
When you still have not identified a problem
- Step 3: Agree upon a Goal with Respect to the Problem as Defined
- Step 4: Ask for a Specific Example of the Target Problem
- Step 5: Assess C
Check again for an unhealthy negative emotion
Focus on an emotional C
Clarify C
Understand that frustration is an A, not a C
Avoid pitfalls in assessing C
- Step 6: Assess A
Be specific in assessing A
Identify the part of A that triggers B
Remember that A can refer to many things
Assume temporarily that A is true
Avoid pitfalls in assessing A
When you still have not identified A
- Step 7: Agree upon a Goal with Respect to the Problem as Assessed
Consider your client’s motivation to change C
Avoid pitfalls when agreeing upon goals with respect to the problem as assessed
- Step 8: Help Your Client to See the Link between the Problem as Defined Goal and the Problem as Assessed Goal
- Step 9: Identify and Assess any Meta-emotional Problems If Relevant
Know when to work on the meta-emotional problem first
Check for an emotional problem about a healthy negative emotion
Assess the presence of shame
- Step 10: Teach the B – C Connection
- Step 11: Assess iB
Assess both premise and derivative forms
Remember the three basic musts
Distinguish between absolute shoulds and other shoulds
Use questions in assessing irrational beliefs
- Step 12: Connect iB and C
- Step 13: Question iB and rB
Work to achieve the goals of questioning
Make good use of questions
Be persistent in questioning premise or derivatives
Use a variety of questioning strategies
Use a variety of questioning styles
Be creative
- Step 14: Prepare Your Client to Deepen Conviction in Rational Beliefs
Point out why weak conviction will not promote change
Deal with the “head-gut” issue
- Step 15: Check the Validity of A
- Step 16: Negotiate a Homework Assignment
Ensure that homework assignments are relevant
Collaborate with your client
Be prepared to compromise
Assess and troubleshoot obstacles
Use homework at different times during therapy
- Step 17: Check Homework Assignments
Verify that your client faced A
Verify that your client changed B
Deal with failure to complete homework assignments
- Step 18: Facilitate the Working-through Process
Suggest different homework assignments for the same irrational belief
Discuss the nonlinear model of change
Encourage your client to take responsibility for continued progress
Part III: Case Example
Epilogue
Appendix: Special Features of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy—by Albert Ellis
References and Recommended Reading
About the Authors
