Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

In the mid-1950s, Albert Ellis developed rational emotive behavior therapy or REBT, a key example of a cognitive-behavioral approach.

He introduced the ABC model of REBT, explaining how an activating event — A, such as failing a job interview, triggers emotional and behavioral consequences — C through the mediation of beliefs — B.

Beliefs can be rational, logical, and flexible and promote self-acceptance, such as "I can learn and try again." In contrast, irrational beliefs involve unrealistic demands like perfectionism or over-worrying, such as  "Failure means I'm worthless.". Irrational beliefs often lead to catastrophic thinking, such as perceiving rejection or failure as unbearable.

Ellis later added a D, E, and F component to his ABC scheme to describe how therapists treat clients.

D involves disputing irrational beliefs and replacing them with E — effective, rational beliefs. This process leads to F — fostering desired feelings and adaptive behaviors.

Therapists in REBT help clients challenge faulty assumptions through exercises like confronting fears and fostering healthier beliefs to reduce distress and improve mental health.