REBT - Ellis's Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy

• REBT extends the ABC model to an ABCDE model

  • D stands for dispute
  • E stands for effect
• The central technique of REBT is to identify and dispute (challenge) irrational thoughts
• Ellis stated that we need to focus on individual's beliefs to understand why they are depressed

  • The core irrational beliefs of depressed individuals are typically inflexible, dogmatic and extreme
  • Contain words such as 'must', 'should', 'have to' etc
• REBT:

  • Initially, the therapist challenges the patient's thoughts and beliefs
  • However, the emphasis is on training the patient to challenge and dispute their own irrational thoughts and beliefs - Ellis identified different methods of disputing
• REBT: Ellis identified different methods of disputing

  Empirical argument - Disputing whether there is actual evidence to support the negative belief
• REBT: Ellis identified different methods of disputing

  Logical argument - Disputing whether the negative thought logically follows from the facts