Home > Encyclopedia of Psychology > Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy

A therapeutic technique that reduces maladaptive behaviors by showing clients that their behavior is caused by irrational thoughts.

Rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT) belongs to a class of therapies termed "cognitive-behavioral" therapies. The defining features of these therapies are an emphasis on achieving measurable goals by manipulating internal and external reinforcers. That is, cognitive-behavioral therapists help clients identify the thoughts and beliefs that might be prolonging their distress or anxiety. The assumption is that attitudes and expectations that we have for ourselves influence how we cope and respond to challenge.

Rational-emotive behavior therapy is the creation of psychologist Albert Ellis. Ellis believes that...