Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions Answered

What is REBT?

Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) was created by Albert Ellis in the 1950s. It was the first intentional form of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Initially, Ellis called it Rational Therapy (RT), later adding "Emotive" and then eventually adding "Behavioural (sic)". The basic tenet of REBT is that we create our own distress, Sure, we experience adversities, often that thwart our goals, but it is our response to this experiences that can be unhealthy and self-defeating. Ellis argued that we hold certain beliefs that can be rational or irrational and it is these beliefs that lead to our distress (or response). As a talking therapy, REBT uses the theory to guide clients to understand how they are contributing to their own emotional distress and dysfunctional behaviours and how they can change this.

How is REBT different from CBT?

Although REBT falls under the umbrella of the Cognitive-Behavioural Therapies, it is distinct. The common ground is the central role of cognitive processes in the experience of affect (feelings, emotions). REBT was the first of the CBTs to introduce the ABC structure (of adversity-belief-consequence) and to this day still makes use of this in routine practice. REBT is also a "hot" form of therapy, as the client is invited to experience their emotional distress to help with understanding and the identification of specific forms of irrational belief. REBT also differs from the CBTs in the conceptualisation of problems, rejecting the conventional diagnostic-based approach, for a more humanistic understanding of the experience of emotions. Read our blog for a more detailed analysis.

What is the traning route in REBT?

To qualify as a supervisor in REBT the following steps are required:
1. Successfully complete the Primary Practicum and receive your certificate.
2. Successfully complete the Advanced Practicum and receive your certificate.
3. Submit at least 10 recordings of your application of REBT with clients to at least 2 supervisors in REBT and receive 2 nominations for the Associate Fellowship Practicum.
4. Successfully complete the Associate Fellowship Practicum and receive your certificate.
5. Submit a further 10 recordings (including one that will be reviewed by the examination board of the Albert Ellis Institute) and attend the Supervisor Practicum.
In our experience this can take up to 2-4 years to complete.

What qualifications do I need to train in REBT?

REBT UK training is accredited by The Albert Ellis Institute whose training is "Open to psychologists, counselors, social workers, physicians, nurses, and graduate students. Minimum qualification for certificate candidacy is a master’s degree in psychology or counseling, M.S.W., M.D., or R.N. Other helping professionals (e.g., alcoholism counselors) may be eligible to participate in the full Practicum but will receive a Paraprofessional Certificate. Proof of degree or license must accompany the registration form". This applies in the UK too. If you have any questions about your eligibility please contact us.

How many places are usually available in REBT UK training courses?

We choose to train a maximum number of 16 people at a time. This is based on feedback over the last 15 years and our own experiences of training. Smaller groups for all elements (didactic and supervised practice) allow for greater interaction with us, meaning, hopefully, you really can get the most out of the training experience.

Is professional supervision in REBT available?

Yes. For the first time since we started running the UK Affiliated Training Centre, we have decided to make supervision available with either Jason Jones or Peter Trower. We have substantial experience as supervisors in REBT (and other contexts) and will be happy to discuss with you what you might gain from engaging in ongoing supervision for clinical or research activity. Please visit our Professional Development page.

Does REBT have a good evidence-base?

REBT has a substantial and strong research base to verify and support both its psychotherapeutic efficiency and its theoretical underpinnings. Research studies in general and meta-analyses of outcome-based studies reveal REBT to have a remarkably wide range of applications, not only for treating psychological problems but for enhancing human funcntioning and peformance, ranging from education to athletic performance. Recently, a large meta-analysis of 50 years of randomized clinical trials have established substantial evidence to support a positive view on the efficacy of REBT across these different areas. In general REBT is arguably one of the most investigated theories in the field of psychotherapy and a large amount of clinical experience and a substantial body of research have validated and substantiated many of REBTs theoretical assumptions on personality and psychological disturbance. One aspect of REBT theory challenges the validity of the medical model basis of the research designs on which many, if not most mental health outcome studies are based, and has offered an alternative and more valid approach based on a humanistic paradigm.