Terapijski pristupi
Rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT) is a form of psychotherapy developed in 1955 by Albert Ellis, an American psychologist. REBT is the forerunner of all cognitive-behavioural therapies and is…
Zakažite konsultaciju →"People are not disturbed by things, but by the views they take of them." This idea, dating back to the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, forms the foundation of REBT.
The complete REBT model for understanding and changing emotional reactions
An actual situation or event that occurred. For example: "I did not get the promotion at work."
Our thoughts, beliefs and interpretations about the activating event. These beliefs can be rational or irrational.
The emotional and behavioural consequences of our beliefs — depression and giving up, or disappointment and motivation.
Actively challenging irrational beliefs through logical, empirical and pragmatic techniques.
The result of successful disputation — new, more rational beliefs and healthier emotions.
REBT identifies four basic types of irrational beliefs that cause emotional problems
Turning wishes into absolute demands: "I must", "I should", "others must". Example: "I must succeed in everything I do!"
Exaggerating the negativity of an event to the utmost extreme. Example: "It is awful that I made a mistake!"
The belief that we cannot bear unpleasant situations. Example: "I cannot stand it! This is too much for me!"
Judging an entire person on the basis of individual traits. Example: "I am a complete failure!" instead of "I did not succeed at this one thing."
Želite saznati da li je ovaj pristup pravi za vas?
Zakažite konsultaciju→Methods
Examining the logical basis of a belief. The therapist asks: "From what does it follow that you MUST succeed? Is there such a law?" The aim is to show that demands such as "I must" and "I should" have no logical basis — there can be wishes, but not absolute demands.
Seeking evidence for and against a belief. "Where is the evidence that you cannot bear it? Have you survived similar situations before?" This approach uses facts and experience to challenge beliefs that seem true but have no empirical support.
Examining the usefulness of a belief. "How does believing you must be perfect help you? What do you gain by calling yourself a failure?" Even when a belief partly corresponds to reality, if it is not useful — it is worth replacing.
REBT draws an important distinction between unhealthy negative emotions (anxiety, depression, rage, guilt) and healthy negative emotions (concern, sadness, annoyance, regret). The goal of therapy is not to eliminate negative emotions — that would be impossible and unhealthy. The goal is to replace unhealthy negative emotions with healthy negative emotions that enable us to respond constructively to life's challenges.
REBT has strong scientific support for the treatment of various conditions
Anxiety and fears
Depressive states
Problems with anger control
Feelings of guilt and shame
Low self-esteem and self-deprecation
Unrealistic expectations of yourself and others
Prepoznajete iracionalna uvjerenja kod sebe?
Zakažite REBT konsultaciju→Accepting yourself as a worthy person regardless of successes or failures
Accepting others as human beings regardless of their behaviour
Developing the ability to bear discomfort without catastrophising
Replacing rigid "I must" with flexible "I would prefer"
What a typical session looks like
Each session lasts 50 minutes, usually once a week. A typical REBT treatment lasts 10–20 sessions. REBT is known for being able to deliver results faster than some other approaches, thanks to its active-directive style.
In the first session we talk about the problems that bring you to therapy. Together we identify the key irrational beliefs that contribute to your emotional difficulties and create a treatment plan with concrete goals.
REBT sessions are active and directive. We work on concrete examples from your life — analysing situations using the ABCDE model, identifying irrational beliefs and learning disputation techniques. The therapist actively asks questions and offers new perspectives.
Between sessions you work on applying the techniques you have learned in everyday life — disputation exercises, monitoring automatic thoughts, behavioural exercises for overcoming fears. Active participation between sessions significantly accelerates progress.
Sessions are available in person in Banja Luka or online via video call. REBT adapts excellently to the online format because it focuses on cognitive techniques and active discussion.
REBT can help you free yourself from the irrational beliefs that cause emotional problems. Book a consultation and take the first step.