Albert Ellis: Originator of Rational Emotional Behavioural Therapy

Albert Ellis was an American psychologist who originated Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)in 1955. His theories and research made a huge impact in the world of psychology. During his career, Ellis was the head of the New York City based institute which was later named for him. His main contribution was to the development of the revolutionary cognitive paradigm shift. This theory was a major step forward for the psychotherapy field. His development of the Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy method was also a huge innovation.

It is a comprehensive and empirical method of psychotherapy that is very action-oriented. It strives to solve emotional and behavioural problems in order to allow people to live happier and more fulfilling lives. It was developed in the 1950’s but it is still one of the foremost theories in psychotherapy. It is a method which continues to be promoted and developed today.

It has both a theoretical and practical method and a school of thought which is centered around Ellis’ studies of the Greeks and Romans and his own views on the different methods of psychotherapy. It also puts forth the belief that it is a combination of factors which causes people to develop issues with what has happened in their lives. This is an approach called the ABCD approach.

The ABCD approach states that if a person faces Adversity and the resulting Consequences, it is their Belief system regarding what has occurred that will determine whether or not a person will become Despondent. It can be interesting to see how beliefs can affect. In this model Adversity can stand for a whole range of different possible occurrences. By using REBT a person can begin to understand what the emotional links to distress is and why people get upset by the things that have affected them.

By understanding the mental component of your reaction to different circumstances the patient who is undergoing this form of therapy can then begin to find constructive thought patterns which will allow them to cope better with situations they may have issues with. Ellis stated the need for people to learn ways to evaluate their actions and thought patterns constructively in order to change your attitudes about what has happened. He stressed self-helping as a way to accomplish this. By understanding the link between thought and action Ellis believes that people can understand their actions better and find ways to lead happier lives. It can be interesting to see a person’s perceptions of what has happened especially in the period before the consequences occur

If people are able to find a way to experience constructive emotions instead of self-defeating ones, people will be more equipped to act in a healthy and adaptive way. There are three main tenets that Ellis espouses in his REBT method and these are:

·         People should see and accept that their emotional disturbances may only partially stem from the actual adverse situation. Strongly adverse conditions such as the death of a loved one or physical injury are more likely to cause an episode of negative emotion especially before the consequences have occurred.

·         It is normal for people to develop self-depreciating and self-destructive behaviours and attitudes. Even if they do not realise that they are still holding on to their previously held opinions and attitudes, these can continue to affect someone in their current frame of mind.

·         It will take more than insight alone for people to be able to handle their emotional issues. It can take a course of therapy and working through their emotions to be able to untangle themselves and behave in a more constructive manner.

REBT views the human’s thoughts, feelings and actions as being interrelated. Emotions and behaviour directly affect a person’s thinking. Thinking has a direct impression on the actions and words of a particular person.

Ellis believes that it is important to be meaningful in your entire life whether you are in the middle of experiencing an adverse situation or whether you are experiencing a good period in your life. One of the more interesting facts about REBT is that Ellis began to formulate his theories in real life, not in a clinical setting. In fact, many his observations have been based on the characteristics of his own mother on many occasions and used her as a basis for defining a person’s behaviour. Truly this is a theory which is well grounded in daily life and may be of use to many people looking for a way to incorporate mindfulness with daily living routines.