Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

Helping you challenge unhelpful thoughts and create lasting change

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is a form of talk therapy that helps you understand how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected. It’s a powerful approach for reducing stress, improving relationships, and helping you respond to life’s challenges in healthier ways.

The ABC Model in REBT

At the heart of REBT is the ABC model, which helps you break down what’s happening when you feel stuck:

A – Activating Event
Something happens — big or small. (Example: A friend doesn’t return your call.)

B – Belief
The thoughts or interpretations you have about that event. (Example: “They must be mad at me.”)

C – Consequence
The feelings and behaviors that result. (Example: Feeling anxious and avoiding that friend.)

Example in Action:

Let’s say you apply for a promotion at work but don’t get it.

A – Activating Event: You find out someone else got the job.

B – Belief: “I’m not good enough. I’ll never get ahead in my career.”

C – Consequence: You feel hopeless, stop applying for new opportunities, and your confidence drops.

In REBT, we would work together to challenge that belief — maybe replacing it with, “I didn’t get this promotion, but I can grow from the feedback and try again.” This new belief leads to more empowering emotions and actions.

How REBT Is Different from CBT

REBT and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) share a lot in common, but there are some differences:

  • REBT is the original CBT. Albert Ellis developed REBT in the 1950s, and CBT evolved from it.

  • Focus on beliefs. While CBT works on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, REBT emphasizes identifying and changing core irrational beliefs.

  • Philosophical element. REBT often includes teaching a more flexible, self-accepting mindset — helping you accept yourself, others, and life even when things aren’t perfect.

What to Expect in an REBT Session

If you’ve never tried REBT before, you can expect sessions to be:

  • Collaborative – We work together as a team to identify the specific beliefs that may be fueling your emotional distress.

  • Practical – You’ll learn tools and strategies you can apply right away in your daily life.

  • Challenging but supportive – I’ll help you question unhelpful thoughts while creating a safe space to process your feelings.

  • Focused on long-term change – The goal isn’t just short-term relief, but building a new way of thinking that supports emotional resilience.

By the end of each session, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of your thought patterns and practical steps to help you move forward.

Why Choose REBT?

REBT can help with:

Anxiety and stress

  • Depression

  • Relationship challenges

  • Self-esteem issues

  • Coping with change or loss

If you’re ready to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and feel more in control of your emotional world, REBT offers a proven path forward.

Ready to Get Started?

You don’t have to keep feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns. Together, we can work toward building healthier beliefs, improving your emotional resilience, and creating a more fulfilling life. I’m here to help you take the first step!