Shame. Anger. Depression. Anxiety. Perfectionism. These
unhealthy feelings are often the result of unhealthy thought
patterns and ultimately lead to self-defeating behaviors. This
is especially true among clients with addictions or compulsive
behavior problems. Rational-Emotive Therapy, or RET, was
developed by Dr. Albert Ellis in 1955 as a method to help
clients challenge and change irrational beliefs. It has since
been renamed Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, or REBT, to
reflect its cognitive roots. REBT helps clients learn and
practice new ways of thinking, feeling, and acting. Here’s how
REBT works: THE ABC’s of REBT A. Describe the situation that is
upsetting you. Include only facts. B. Describe your opinion,
judgment, and interpretation of the even. What are you thinking
when you are upset? C. Describe your fallings. Pinpointing your
feelings and exploring them increase your self-awareness. D.
Dispute your thinking. Develop positive thoughts. Substitute
each thought in B with a more helpful thought. T