Walter J. Matweychuk, Ph.D. In Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) we teach tolerance and unconditional acceptance of all people. I teach that people are people. There are no absolutes and there is no better place to apply this humanistic and sensible approach than to the area of human sexuality and identity. Humans are sexual beings with diverse identities and … Read more
There is an old Chinese proverb that says “Two thirds of what a person sees exists behind that person’s eyes.” REBT encourages people to see that rigid, absolute beliefs in the form of rigid musts and absolute shoulds lie at the core of emotional disturbance. If we think “This person absolutely should be as I want them … Read more
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy offers hope for those who are shy and introverted. Shyness and introversion are words we use to describe people who experience anxiety in social situations. Due to this anxiety these people avoid attempting to join others in social situations and making friends. Very often shy and introverted people feel depressed as … Read more
The best way to understand low frustration tolerance and low discomfort tolerance (also known as discomfort disturbance) is to appreciate some of the beliefs that give rise to these self-defeating responses: · I must not be frustrated. I cannot bear to be frustrated. · I must be comfortable now. I cannot bear to be … Read more
How would you function more effectively in life if you followed the below advice? “Instead of telling myself that frustrating conditions absolutely must not occur in my life, I’ll convince myself that these conditions must exist when they do exist, that I can cope with them, that I can try to change them, and … Read more
Unhealthy anger is self-defeating. When angry we are inclined to say things we later regret, do self-defeating things, not consider the long term consequences of our behavior, and experience a reduction in our ability to think creatively. Anger also leads to violence. Anger might feel good in the short run but more often than not … Read more
The ability to effectively cope with rejection is an important part of emotional health. From cradle to grave rejection will inevitably occur as we cannot be everyone’s “cup of tea” in all circumstances. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy is an effective tool for coping with the inevitable rejections of life. When rejection occurs (whether that be … Read more
Question: Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) teaches you how to not get emotionally disturbed but I want to be happy. How will REBT help me find happiness and meaning in life? Answer: This is a very good question and the answer lies in taking calculated risks and in doing experiments to find a vitally … Read more
Question: Are psychodynamic and other forms of analytical therapy that focus on my past trauma more helpful and better than Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy? Answer: No. Although it is true that psychodynamic and other forms of therapy focus on your past and early childhood rearing do not assume this is better for you. In … Read more
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) starts with the premise that fallible humans have the capacity to think rationally but they have an equally strong, if not stronger capacity, to think irrationally and to disturb themselves. All humans are biologically prone to emotional disturbance and our task in life is to effectively respond to our innate … Read more
