Ellis’ REBT AO3

Question 1

❌ Overlooks Situational Factors

Answer 1

P: REBT may focus too much on internal thought processes and ignore external factors.
E: It tends to place full responsibility on the individual, overlooking social or environmental causes of depression like trauma or poverty.
E: This can make clients feel blamed for their condition, which may be unhelpful or unfair.
L: Therefore, REBT might be too individualistic in its approach to treatment.

Question 2

❌ Client Motivation

Answer 2

P: A weakness of REBT is that it relies on client motivation.
E: Severely depressed individuals may lack the energy or willingness to engage with the cognitive work REBT requires.
E: This limits its effectiveness, especially for those who need immediate symptom relief before engaging in deeper therapy.
L: Therefore, REBT may not be suitable for all patients, particularly those with severe depression.

Question 3

✅ Long-Term Effectiveness

Answer 3

P: Another strength is that REBT can offer long-term benefits.
E: By helping clients change their thinking patterns, REBT tackles the root causes of depression rather than just the symptoms.
E: This means clients are less likely to relapse compared to those only treated with medication.
L: Thus, REBT provides a more sustainable solution for managing depression.

Question 4

✅ Practical Applications

Answer 4

P: REBT has clear practical applications in therapy.
E: It is widely used in clinical settings to help clients identify and challenge irrational beliefs.
E: This makes it a valuable tool for therapists, offering structured and evidence-based intervention.
L: As a result, REBT is not just theoretical but has real-world utility in improving mental health outcomes.