How is Cognitive Therapy Different From Rational-Emotive Therapy

You may be asking this question: how is cognitive therapy different from rational-emotive therapy? Apparently, you are not the only one asking it. While rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT) has been in practice since 1955, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) came a little later and is actually a subset of the former. Since then, both therapies have been used widely. 

How is Cognitive Therapy Different From Rational-Emotive Therapy – What are some techniques used by behavior therapists?

There are various types of therapy and homeopathic remedies to consider if you are interested. This post will be exploring the differences between CBT and REBT. It is these fundamental differences that help professionals decide on the kind of therapy to use on an individual. 

Secondary Disturbance

CBT is less concerned about secondary disturbances. It focuses on primary disturbances, and that is what many consider as its failure to see the whole

picture. REBT, on the other hand, takes into consideration secondary disturbance. For instance, it addresses the worry that people go through when they are nervous. 

Approach to Anger

CBT has different therapy techniques. CBT argues and supports the premise that some level of anger is acceptable. This is not the best way to approach problems because it makes a bad situation worse. REBT leaves no room for anger. It terms anger as dictatorial and destructive. Instead of creating any room for anger, REBT roots for problem solutions and positive alternatives to anger explosion. 

Distinction of Destructive Emotions

REBT is very effective in identifying destructive emotions and keeping them on one side. It also comes up with positive emotions that can help you get out of a hard spot. This is an excellent way of handling conditions like depression by identifying the triggers and how to avoid them. There is a cultivation of positivity in REBT, while CBT does not have a clear cut distinction between destructive and positive emotions. It can be rightly said that there is a grey area between good and bad when using CBT. That confusion and ambiguity are not there in REBT. 

The Principle of Unconditional Self-Acceptance (USA)

REBT has a perfect solution to conditions like low-esteem. Instead of trying to live up to expectations, it teaches people to accept what they have. It preaches unconditional acceptance and trying your best all the time. On the flip side, CBT teaches people to focus on their strengths and use them to beat low self-esteem. The approach by CBT is a tricky one because failures are going to be there, and they can hurt one’s sense of self-worth. Therefore, REBT is best suited to deal with delicate situations by letting people accept who they are and working on getting better. 

Philosophic Integration

REBT borrows a leaf from philosophy in not only recognizing secondary disturbances, but also addressing distorted cognitions. The approach solves

the central problem and at the same time, corrects distorted behaviors. CBT does not incorporate any philosophical concepts in offering solutions. That is one difference that makes REBT more effective than CBT. 

There are many reasons to try out therapy. In behavioral therapies, you will come across the question of how is cognitive therapy different from rational-emotive therapy. As you have read in this post, there are several differences, and it is rational-emotive behavior therapy that seems to be more effective and efficient in its approach. If you are unsure of which route to go, it may be in your best interest to get the advice of an industry professional.