What REBT is, and what it isn't.
REBT, or Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, is a structured, evidence-based form of psychotherapy developed by Albert Ellis. It focuses on the way our beliefs shape how we feel and respond to life.
The central idea is that emotional distress is not caused only by what happens to us, but also by the meaning we give to it. For example: “I must succeed,” “others must approve of me,” or “I cannot cope if things go wrong.”
In therapy, we identify these rigid beliefs and work on replacing them with more flexible, realistic ones. The goal is not to force positivity, but to build beliefs that are both honest and helpful, especially when life is difficult.
I am actively training in REBT at the Hellenic Institute of RECBT, a Certified Partner of the Albert Ellis Institute, and this approach strongly informs the way I work.
Is REBT the same as CBT?
REBT is one of the earliest cognitive-behavioral therapies and influenced the development of CBT. While there is overlap, REBT focuses especially on the rigid beliefs and demands underneath distress, such as “I must,” “I can't stand this,” or “this means I'm not good enough.”
Curious whether this way of working fits you?
The intro call is the easiest way to find out: fifteen minutes, free, and you'll get a feel for the approach firsthand.
15 minutes · free · online