Table of Contents –
- Introduction
- Exploring the Therapeutic Lens of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
- Summary
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
“You are overthinking.” “Stop being irrational.” “I am an overthinker.”
We hear these terms quite often, don’t we? However, have you ever wondered how these thoughts affect most of our behavior? In fact, they not only affect our behavior but also our emotions and emotional reactions. Most of the time, we ignore our thoughts or label them as overthinking. But that’s not the case. These thoughts determine most of our actions and need to be equally acknowledged by us.
Let’s look at it this way. When you decide to reach out for help and seek therapy, there are a number of thoughts that you experience. These thoughts affect the way you react. For example: the idea or the thought of perceiving therapy as a stigma can lead you to take a step back in your mental health journey.
Wondering how you identify them and how to work around these thoughts? Let’s explore the same in the coming section of the blog.
Exploring the Therapeutic Lens of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
REBT, which also stands for rational emotive behavior therapy, helps you focus on these irrational beliefs and thoughts. It was founded by Albert Ellis in the 1950s and is a form of cognitive behavior therapy. While entering therapy may seem like a huge task, understanding your thoughts and how these internal belief systems hold influence over your actions is definitely helpful in the long run.
Here are some things that REBT focuses on:
Irrational Belief Systems: REBT is focused on understanding these irrational beliefs and helping you understand how these beliefs affect your functioning. These irrational beliefs may lead to flawed decision-making leading to negative consequences. A few of the irrational thoughts may look something like this.
“If things don’t go the way I want, it will be a disaster.”
“I must perform well and win the approval of others.”
It is essential to work around these thoughts and to understand the source of them.
Emotional Regulation: One of the major aspects of our lives is emotional regulation. REBT in therapy also focuses on emotional regulation, which is crucial in managing distress. As discussed earlier, these thoughts lead to certain emotions that end up making us feel a certain way. This also helps you understand what situations trigger certain emotional responses for you.
Working on your mental health can be rewarding in so many aspects. REBT is one of the therapeutic interventions used widely in therapy sessions.
Summary
REBT can help you work on your thoughts and actually decode these thoughts and the effect they may have on your emotions and behaviors. While you may label these thoughts as overthinking, it’s always recommended to seek therapy to uncover the beliefs that may not be helpful for you in the long run! A few of the irrational thoughts may look something like this.
“If things don’t go the way I want, it will be a disaster.”
“I must perform well and win the approval of others.”
It is essential to work around these thoughts and to understand the source of them.
The emotional techniques on the other side, such as role-playing help you understand the situations that lead to the emotional side of you.
FAQs
How can I know if a therapist practices REBT if that’s my preferred approach? –
You can ask the therapist in the initial session about their therapeutic approach and communicate what you prefer.
What are these irrational beliefs? –
The irrational beliefs could range from feeling like you want everyone to like you to wanting things to be perfect all the time.
How can I learn more about REBT? –
You can read research articles, do certification courses that will help you learn more about REBT.
Conclusion
Now that you have explored another therapeutic lens, it is time for you to take the first step towards caring for your mind, body, and soul. Therapy provides you with a non-judgmental phase to explore these thoughts and work on yourself.
To know more and learn about Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, enroll here – Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy – PsyQuench
