Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (Rebt) History

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Abstract Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is a post-modern constructivist theory founded by Albert Ellis. The connections to the counseling field are numerous but begin with the goal of helping people and reducing suffering. Evaluation and exploration into the assumptions, tenets, scopes, and interventions of REBT increase understanding, insight, and overall competency providing a solid grounding in practice theory. CONTENTS Abstract 1 Rational Emotive Behavioral Theory 3 Historical Development of the Theory 3 Major Assumptions of REBT 5 Scope of REBT 6 Problem Areas Addressed by REBT 7 Main Intervention 7 Strategies of REBT 8 Effectiveness 9 Conclusion 10 References 11 Rational Emotive Behavioral Theory Historical Development of the Theory Albert Ellis was the oldest of three children born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on September 17, 1913. Ellis and his family moved to New York City when Ellis was four year old (American Psychological Association, 1986). Ellis experienced significant health issues starting at age five. He reported eight hospitalizations between the ages of five to eight. One ailment lasted one year in which his parents provided little emotional support and rarely visited him. Ellis learned to confront his problems and stated he, “developed a growing indifference to that dereliction” (Abrams & Abrams, 2005). He used cognitive distraction such as reading, imagining different scenarios, or engaging in conversations with someone to prevent himself from focusing on negative thoughts related to his neglect and feelings of sadness (Ellis & Joffe-Ellis, 2011). Ellis was an excellent student who was particularly interested in both ancient and modern philosophy and psychology. He critically analyzed the readings and often experimented with various aspects of each through self-application. His experimentation proved
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