There are numerous therapy options to consider when looking into treatment for a mental health or addiction problem. Behavioral therapies are often a first-line choice for addressing the mental health issues surrounding addictions because they work by changing the thinking patterns which trigger harmful behaviors. These types of therapies are also recognized to work more quickly than some other types of therapy. One example of behavioral therapy is REBT or rational emotive behavior therapy. We’re proud to offer REBT at Red Oak Recovery®. To learn more about the treatment options available at our men’s addiction treatment center, please contact us today at 866.457.7590.
What Is the Purpose of REBT?
American psychologist Albert Ellis created REBT in the 1950s. REBT is a time-tested practical approach to facing many of life’s challenges head-on. The purpose of REBT is to unravel the negative thought patterns that can lead to harmful behaviors and ultimately adverse life outcomes. A therapist trained in the principles of REBT can set up a plan that works quickly to address what is happening in the present and make shifts toward more healthy thoughts.
Rational emotive behavior therapy is similar to other behavioral therapies, but there are a few key differences. A course of REBT sessions is an effective treatment for the following issues:
- Substance addiction or dependencies
- Depression
- Suicidal ideation
- Grief and loss
- Significant life changes, such as divorce, retirement, or major career transitions
- Recovery from violence or abuse
- Panic and anxiety
- PTSD
- Specific phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Autism spectrum disorder
REBT can shift clients toward positive thinking and better self-esteem. However, the greater focus is maintaining a balanced attitude towards one’s life circumstances, whether positive or negative. Rational emotive behavior therapy instills the resilience to accept life as it comes, even though it might not always feel easy to do so.
Why Choose Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy?
REBT was the first form of cognitive-behavioral therapy. It is currently differentiated enough from CBT to be referred to separately, but there are still notable similarities. The basic foundation of both types of treatment focus on changing thought patterns to improve the outward life circumstances of the individual. The main differences between these popular behavioral therapy options are the subtle yet specific approaches to changing thought patterns.
While CBT emphasizes positivity, REBT focuses on rationality and acceptance. REBT doesn’t encourage any form of denial or highlight only the positive aspects of a situation. Instead, REBT aims to provide an individual with the tools needed to accept and cope with life’s reality-the good and the bad.
Rational emotive behavior therapy prevents clients from engaging with common cognitive distortions, such as catastrophizing and mind reading. REBT therapists pinpoint the specific negative thought patterns of a client and use an ABC model to assess the imbalance and how it impacts the individual :
- A: Adversity (or activating event)
- B: Beliefs
- C: Consequences
According to the ABC model, adverse events cause a negative shift in beliefs, which then cause negative consequences. There are a variety of indicators that REBT might be a good choice of therapy for you.
You’re Looking for a Treatment that Works Within a Short Time Frame
REBT is a relatively short-term treatment when compared to other styles of therapy. Most clients can reach their treatment goals in as few as 10-20 therapy sessions.
You Prefer a Goal-oriented, Direct Method of Therapy
REBT teaches specific strategies and provides individual assignments for testing self-implementation and regular check-ins on the progress toward goals. There is less time for discussions, and more time is spent planning and immediate problem-solving.
Independent Recovery Matters to You
REBT encourages individuals to maintain self-reliance as they work through their core issues by facing their current situations. Therapy provides clients with a new set of life tools through their consistent participation in rational emotive behavioral therapy.
You’re Not Interested in Delving into Your Past or Targeting a Specific Clinical Diagnosis
REBT is a practical, here-and-now behavioral therapy that engages individuals with the present. This type of therapy is solution-based rather than problem-focused. Historically, most therapists approached treatment by focusing on the past. In contrast to this, contemporary behavioral therapists often focus on changing the course of a client’s life through direct action in the present.
Behavioral therapists search for workable solutions and may not tailor treatment plans to a specific diagnostic label. The strategies in REBT therapy are usually life strategies that would serve anyone well. For this treatment style to work best for you, you must either receive other more targeted treatments to address separate issues, or you believe that a practical action-based therapy alone will be enough to heal you.
Contact Red Oak Recovery® Today
REBT is one of the many behavioral therapy options available to our clients at Red Oak Recovery®. If a proactive and practical approach to addiction and mental health treatment seems like it could be a good fit for you, please contact us today at 866.457.7590 to begin a therapy plan that will work for your unique recovery journey.
