7 Benefits of REBT
REBT treatment, which stands for rational emotional cognitive behavioral therapy, is an action-oriented approach to treating a variety of cognitive, emotional and behavioral concerns. According to REBT it is an individual’s thinking about events that leads to emotional and behavioral problems. By focusing on the present, REBT treatment seeks to help individuals examine and change these unhealthy patterns of behavior, including self-defeating and self-sabotaging behaviors.
Developed by the American psychologist Albert Ellis, REBT helps individuals learn to accept reality and manage their reactions to the events around them. REBT treatment offers seven key benefits for individuals who are seeking treatment for substance abuse. Below are 7 of benefits that REBT treatment provides.
#1: Addresses the Underlying Issues Trigger Substance Abuse
REBT treatment is based on the belief that irrational beliefs can be driving self-destructive behaviors, including the use of drugs or alcohol. The primary goal of therapy is to address these beliefs through acceptance. This approach focuses on changing irrational beliefs by developing three types of acceptance:
- Accept oneself unconditionally
- Accept others for who they are
- Develop an acceptance of life’s ups and downs
#2: Recognizes That Addictive Behavior Exists on a Spectrum
REBT recognizes that there is a wide spectrum of addictive behaviors, and that addiction is not merely all or nothing. In fact, the treatment acknowledges that all humans will be involved in addictive behavior to some extent. This approach is designed to remove any feelings of shame or embarrassment that individuals may be feeling towards their substance abuse struggles.
#3: Acknowledges the Emotional Drivers for Addiction
Albert Ellis believed that a primary reason why individuals turn to substance abuse is because they harbor feelings of guilt, shame, or depression. These beliefs are powerful emotional drivers for substance abuse, and as long as the individual continues to hold these beliefs, substance abuse will persist. Consequently, the aim of REBT therapy is to address substance abuse by eliminating the beliefs that trigger these self-destructive behaviors in the first place.
#4: Removes Role of Spirituality from Treatment
12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous are firmly rooted in spirituality. While this approach may be beneficial to some individuals, those who are not spiritually inclined can feel left out and isolated from the 12-step program, causing individuals to feel powerless. In http://albertellis.org/rebt-cbt-therapy/” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>REBT treatment, spirituality does not play any role in treatment, so individuals of all belief systems are welcome. There is no need to adopt religious or spiritual beliefs in order to address addiction.
#5: Focuses on Helping Individuals Gain Independence from Addictive Behaviors
REBT treatment is designed to help individuals gain independence and freedom from their patterns of addiction. Unlike 12-step programs that can exchange an individual’s dependence on drugs or alcohol with a new dependence on group treatment, REBT treatment helps individuals achieve independence from all things. People can and do graduate from treatment and successfully continue on with their lives.
#6: Recognizes That Advances in Science Can and Should Be Included in Recovery
To the frustration of some program participants and their loved ones, Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs are set in stone. Even as scientific advances regarding the study of addiction occur, these breakthroughs are not incorporated into 12-step programs. REBT treatment is different. It recognizes that many important scientific breakthroughs, including some types of medication for the treatment and suppression of addiction, may be very beneficial for individuals in treatment. Consequently, treatment participants are encouraged to explore and take advantage of all the latest scientific research in order to create the best possible recovery.
#7: Participants Are Empowered to Take Charge of Their Own Recovery
With REBT treatment, the aim is to not only stop self-destructive behaviors, but also to eliminate the beliefs that led to these behaviors in the first place. This proactive approach supports individuals in their journey to eliminate the irrational beliefs that are driving drug and alcohol abuse through the development of insights and acceptance. With insights and acceptance, individuals are empowered to build healthy, fulfilling lives.
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