What Is Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)?

Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) is an evidence-based talking therapy used to address a wide range of difficulties (David et al., 2018). It is a leading approach within the cognitive behavioral tradition of psychotherapy. Central to REBT is the idea that attitudes influence emotional responses and behavior, and vice versa. REBT also proposes that behavior can maintain and exacerbate psychological problems.

REBT was developed by Albert Ellis in the mid to late 1950s. Ellis proposed that cognition, behavior, and emotion are interdependent processes, and he was among the first theorists to highlight the important role of cognition in the development and maintenance of psychopathology (Ellis, 1957, 1958, 1962).

The central principles of REBT

REBT proposes that attitudes influence, and are influenced by, people’s emotional responses and behavior. Like other approaches in the cognitive-behavioral tradition, it also posits that behavior can maintain and exacerbate many problematic psychological states.

In particular, REBT argues that rigid and extreme attitudes (previously referred to as ‘irrational beliefs’) play a central role in unhealthy responses to adversities. Flexible and non-extreme attitudes (previously referred to as ‘rational beliefs’) support healthier responses to the same challenges. Accordingly, the primary aim of REBT is to help individuals identify and address the attitudes and behaviors that contribute to their difficulties.

The ABC model of REBT

The ABCs of REBT provide a structured way of helping clients understand the role that attitudes play in their problems, wherein:

• A stands for adversities.

• B stands for basic attitudes.

• C stands for the emotional, behavioral, and cognitive consequences of holding those attitudes.

REBT therapists aim to help clients identify rigid and extreme attitudes and develop flexible, non-extreme alternatives. Relevant therapeutic tasks include self-monitoring, the use of ABC self-help forms, and attitude restructuring methods.

Additionally, REBT therapists seek to help clients develop behaviors that reinforce flexible, non-extreme attitudes and are inconsistent with the rigid and extreme attitudes they wish to change. Relevant tasks include imagery rehearsal and facing adversities while rehearsing flexible and non-extreme attitudes.

What does REBT look like in practice?

The main features of REBT are similar to those found in other cognitive-behavioral approaches (Dryden, 2021).

• REBT is often relatively brief, particularly when clients are keen to implement methods of change independently. It can be longer for people with more entrenched problems. Treatment is goal-oriented and problem-focused, targeting specific difficulties and aiming to achieve measurable goals.

• Sessions are structured to ensure that treatment is as effective and efficient as possible. REBT is primarily present-focused and emphasizes maintaining factors (what keeps a problem going) rather than etiology, although past experiences are explored where necessary.

• REBT is collaborative: therapist and client work together to address the client’s problems. It is also directive. Therapists guide clients in using the ABC framework while ensuring that they remain actively involved in the therapeutic process.

• REBT is educative and provides opportunities for clients to learn change-oriented skills and, over time, become their own therapists. It is grounded in research evidence and emphasizes the real-world application of therapeutic learning.

• Finally, REBT is flexible. Therapists can use Socratic, didactic, humorous, and self-disclosing methods to help clients reach their goals. Care is also taken to tailor therapy to the client’s preferences, address doubts and reservations, and make suitable modifications.

What is the evidence base for REBT?

The evidence base for REBT continues to grow. A systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that REBT has a medium effect size for reducing emotional disturbances and irrational beliefs (David et al., 2018). A more recent review concluded that REBT interventions achieve significant reductions in irrational beliefs, increases in rational beliefs, and improvements in mental health outcomes, including depression (King et al., 2024). However, the authors highlighted the need for more research to provide clearer insights into the impact of REBT on irrational and rational beliefs and on mental health outcomes.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about REBT

1. Is REBT a form of CBT?

Yes – many view REBT as a leading approach within the cognitive-behavioral tradition of psychotherapy.

2. What does REBT aim to change?

The primary aim is to help individuals identify and address the attitudes and behaviors that contribute to their difficulties. This includes developing flexible, non-extreme attitudes and adaptive behaviors that support them.

3. Is REBT only concerned with the present?

REBT focuses primarily on maintaining factors rather than where a problem originated. However, past experiences can be explored when necessary.

4. What can clients expect from an REBT therapist?

REBT therapists tend to be active, collaborative, focused, and challenging in a helpful way. Therapy is tailored to clients’ preferences, including any doubts or concerns about the therapeutic process, to ensure it is as helpful as possible.

Key references

• David, D., Coteț, C., Matu, S., Mogoașe, C., & Ștefan, S. (2018). 50 years of rational-emotive and cognitive-behavioral therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 74, 304–318. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22514

• Dryden, W. (2021). Rational emotive behaviour therapy: Distinctive features (3rd ed.). Routledge.

• Ellis, A. (1957). Rational psychotherapy and individual psychology. The Journal of Individual Psychology, 13, 38–44.

• Ellis, A. (1958). Rational psychotherapy. Journal of General Psychology, 59, 35–49.

• Ellis, A. (1962). Reason and emotion in psychotherapy. Citadel.

• King, A. M., Plateau, C. R., Turner, M. J., Young, P., & Barker, J. B. (2024). A systematic review of the nature and efficacy of rational emotive behaviour therapy interventions. PLOS ONE, 19, e0306835. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.030683