Critical Inquiry Paper: Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy & Cognitive Therapy

Critical Inquiry Paper: Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy & Cognitive Therapy

Pearl Martinez

CNCO 6352

June 5, 2011

Critical Inquiry Paper: Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy & Cognitive Therapy

Over 2000 years ago the Greek Stoic philosopher Epictetus stated that "Men are disturbed not by events, but by the views which they take of them." This paper compares and contrasts two very important behavioral approaches in psychology and explains how they apply to personality analysis. The behavioral approaches assessed are Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), more specifically, the theories of Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck.

Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is a form of psychotherapy created by Albert Ellis in the 1950's.

Philosophical Components:

• Responsible hedonism - seeking pleasure and avoiding pain

• Humanism- human interests and dignity are valued and that take place in individualist, critical, and secure perspectives as opposed to a religious or spiritual perspective

• Unconditional Self Acceptance - individuals have worth

• Rationality - be flexible and logical in achieving goals

Basic Factors to REBT theory of Personality

• Biological Factors- tendency to severely to disturb themselves and to prolong their emotional dysfunction

• Social Factors-the effect interpersonal relationships have on beliefs and expectations about self.

• Vulnerability to Disturbance- Varies depending on biological and social factors.

4 Categories of Irrational Beliefs

1. Dogmatic demands - Musts, absolutes, shoulds

2. Awfulizing - It’s awful, terrible, horrible

3. Low Frustration Tolerance (LFT) - I can’t stand it, I need it

4. Self/Other Rating - I’m or he/she is bad, worthless

Therapist/Client Dynamic

The role of the REBT therapist is more of a teacher/educator. The main...