The concepts of rigidity and flexibility play a crucial role in determining one’s emotional well-being and ability to cope with life’s challenges. Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), developed by psychologist Dr. Albert Ellis in the 1950s, offers a unique perspective on how these attitudes impact our lives and how we can cultivate greater flexibility for improved mental health. It is an effective approach for therapists seeking to deepen their impact and effectiveness in helping clients overcome rigidity and cultivate flexibility. By guiding clients to make this change in their thinking and behaviour, therapists can help them cope with challenges.
Rigidity can be understood as a cognitive and emotional inflexibility, often characterized by an inability to cope with unexpected, challenging, and unpleasant situations. Individuals with rigid thinking patterns tend to have fixed beliefs about themselves, others, and the world around them. Therefore they are often unwilling to adapt to change or accept a loss of control over circumstances. These rigid beliefs are often unrealistic, and absolutist, and can lead to significant emotional distress and behavioural dysfunction when they are not met.
REBT suggests that rigidity is at the core of irrational beliefs, which are extreme and unrealistic views about oneself, others, and the world. According to REBT, it is not the adversity itself that causes us distress but rather our rigid and irrational attitudes towards adversity that contribute to our distress.
For example, a person with rigid thinking might believe that they absolutely must always be successful in everything they do. This rigid demand is not only unrealistic but also harmful for many reasons. They could be riddled with anxiety before taking any action or beginning a task because ‘they absolutely must be successful in it.’ Or when inevitably, they face failure at some point, they may experience intense feelings of despair and question their worth as a human. This would also result in dysfunctional behavioural consequences such as procrastination or withdrawal. In both cases, it would leave the person unprepared and unable to cope with adversity.
By helping clients identify and challenge these irrational beliefs, an REBT therapist can guide them toward adopting a more rational, flexible mindset and more adaptive behaviours.
Flexibility refers to the ability to adapt to changing circumstances without much difficulty and distress. It involves being open-minded, adaptable, and able to consider different perspectives. In the context of REBT, flexibility is closely linked to rational thinking, which involves evaluating situations objectively and challenging irrational beliefs. One of the key techniques used by a therapist trained in REBT to cultivate flexibility is ‘cognitive restructuring’. Therapists will help clients to learn to identify, dispute, and replace irrational beliefs with rational ones to help them cope with challenges and adversities more effectively.
In the example above, someone with rigid beliefs about success might work with an REBT therapist to challenge the belief that they must always be successful. Through this process, the therapist will help the client realise that failure is a natural part of life and while they want to be successful at everything they do, it doesn’t follow they absolutely must always be successful. Moreover, if they do not succeed in one area, it does not diminish their worth as an entire person. Encouraging the client to hold a preferential and flexible attitude will help them stay accountable towards putting in effort towards success while also allowing them to not be disturbed by or stuck on the actual outcome.
Training in REBT offers therapists the opportunity to enhance their therapeutic practice. REBT training equips therapists with a comprehensive set of tools and techniques to help clients overcome rigidity and develop greater flexibility in their thinking and behaviour. By integrating REBT principles into their practice, therapists can enhance their effectiveness in helping clients achieve lasting change. They can also empower clients to take control of their emotional well-being by teaching them to differentiate between rational and irrational beliefs.
By cultivating a more rational outlook, clients are better equipped to navigate life’s ups and downs with greater resilience and flexibility. This approach not only helps clients cope with current challenges but also equips them with lifelong skills to face future obstacles.
The Albert Ellis Institute, based in New York, is the headquarters and the primary authority in REBT. It was established by Dr. Ellis himself in the late 50s and continues his vision of excellence in the field of REBT, be it in the form of providing therapy to clients, training new professionals and REBT dissemination. Their REBT training practica are the highest form of REBT certification globally and are conducted by distinguished experts in the field.
In Vivo- Centre for REBT is the only preferred partner of the AEI in India, and owing to this, the associate is authorized to conduct the Primary and Advanced AEI Trainings in India. Swati Khanolkar (Director at In Vivo) and Prof. Windy Dryden (world-renowned pioneer in REBT) are the facilitators and supervisors of the training. As of 2023, In Vivo has successfully conducted 8 AEI training and continues to offer the training to therapists who are inclined towards, and passionate about specializing in REBT.
For therapists considering training in Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), the approach offers a powerful framework for helping clients overcome rigidity and cultivate flexibility in their thoughts and behaviours. By learning the principles and techniques of REBT, therapists can enhance their ability to challenge irrational beliefs, promote rational thinking and empower clients to take control of their emotional well-being. With its focus on practical strategies and its evidence-based effectiveness, REBT training can be a valuable addition to a therapist’s toolkit, enabling them to better support clients in achieving lasting change and greater emotional resilience in the face of challenges.
About Author –
Hardika Zaveri –
Psychotherapist, Advanced level in REBT, AEI, NY
Hardika has completed her MSc. in Clinical Psychology from Erasmus University Rotterdam. She has been trained in REBT at the Advanced Level from the Albert Ellis Institute, New York. Hardika has previously worked with underprivileged children and cancer patients through various NGOs and also has prior experience working in a psychiatric clinic.
‘In Vivo’ was started in 2007 with the aim of making people aware – in their minds and in action – that they themselves have the ability and the power to make a ‘Proactive Choice’ to take …Read More
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