Professionally speaking, I’m a provider of care for mental, emotional, and behavioral health (collectively “mental health”). To be specific, I’m a Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) practitioner.
This psychotherapeutic modality falls under the umbrella of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). In general, CBT focuses on patterns of thinking and believing which influence how people further think or believe, feel (emotions or bodily sensations), and behave.
Specifically, REBT theory uses the ABC model to illustrate how when Activating events (“Actions”) occur and people maintain irrational Beliefs about the events, these unhelpful assumptions – and not the actual occurrences – are what create unpleasant cognitive, emotive, bodily sensation, and behavioral Consequences.
In particular, there are four predominate irrational beliefs which people use: demandingness, awfulizing, low frustration tolerance, and global evaluations. Addressing these, the ABC model incorporates Disputation of unhelpful assumptions in order to explore Effective new beliefs.
From a psychological standpoint, people disturb themselves using a Belief-Consequence (B-C) connection. Of course, this isn’t to suggest that in the context of the naturalistic or physical world there is no Action-Consequence (A-C) connection.
As an example, if your skin is pierced by a rusty nail (Action), you may develop tetanus (Consequence). Still, if you unhelpfully Believe, “That shouldn’t have happened to me,” then you’ll likely disturb yourself into an angry disposition (Consequence).
Thus, I help people to stop upsetting themselves through use of B-C connections, though I can’t fully resolve their A-C connections. If there were a mathematical formula for the ABC model, it would be something like: Action + Belief = Consequence ÷ Disputation = Effective new belief.
Furthermore, this helpful psychotherapeutic modality uses the technique of unconditional acceptance to relieve suffering. This is accomplished through use of unconditional self-acceptance, unconditional other-acceptance, and unconditional life-acceptance.
Additionally, foundational components incorporated into REBT relate to Stoicism—a philosophical practice valuing four virtues (wisdom, courage, temperance or moderation, and justice) as a means of achieving eudemonia—a life well-lived, as well as humanism—the process of healing oneself.
As well, REBT is influenced by existentialist principles—essentially positing that each of us will inevitably die and that we can search for purpose and meaning as a method of living a well-lived existence. Importantly, all of these techniques require frequent (and I mean daily) practice.
The late psychologist who developed REBT, Albert Ellis, made clear his rejection of moralistically dogmatic value placed on this modality and he drew a clear distinction between his subjective views and that which pertains to scientism—the notion that the scientific method and function of science are universally superior to other perspectives—by stating:
I, for one, do not believe in rational thinking as an absolute good or a certain solution to all possible problems. I fully admit that a rational approach to life is a value judgment rather that a scientific “fact” and that those who wish to be irrational are fully entitled to their value judgments.
A value judgment is an assessment of something as good or bad in terms of one’s standards or priorities. For instance, I value free speech with exceedingly limited exceptions (e.g., defamation). Therefore, I believe that free expression is a good standard.
However, there’s no scientific measure to test what is or isn’t good, bad, right, wrong, or otherwise. Thus, nothing about my belief regarding free speech is factual aside from the mere fact that it’s a subjective value of mine.
Others may not value free expression, so there’s no morally objective value judgement that is fully accepted or rejected according to science. To better understand this claim, consider what I stated in a blogpost entitled The Science:
Simply put, science is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation, experimentation, and the testing of theories against the evidence obtained.
Rather than assuming readers know more than they actually do, it may be useful to outline the scientific method for matters of context. Per one source:
It involves careful observation, applying rigorous skepticism about what is observed, given that cognitive assumptions can distort how one interprets the observation. It involves formulating hypotheses, via induction, based on such observations; the testability of hypotheses, experimental and the measurement-based statistical testing of deductions drawn from the hypotheses; and refinement (or elimination) of the hypotheses based on the experimental findings.
The scientific method is a process, not an ideologically-driven series of actions to achieve a result. It seems that far more people than I ever imagined could be plagued with ignorance of this fact apparently turned their backs on science during the pandemic and instead adopted the science [scientism].
REBT uses a scientific approach to mental health through the observation of content addressed by a client. For example, client X may say something like, “I’ve noticed that in my past few romantic relationships each partner has said that I nitpick, though I don’t believe I do that.”
Rigorous skepticism of client X’s observation occurs through the process of disputation. This doesn’t mean that I promote denial of an observed pattern of behavior. Rather, disputing occurs as a matter of determining truth.
Is it factual that client X nitpicks? If so, what underlies disbelief in such behavior? If client X rejects the premise, what evidence is there to support that past romantic partners are wrong and client X is right? Noteworthy, understanding observed behavior requires knowledge about what’s being observed.
Then, I may form a hypothesis (explanation for the observation or question) by suggesting, “I suspect that if it’s true you nitpick, you’re likely doing this in other relationships, as well – not solely those of a romantic nature.” Here, I’m not declaring what absolutely is the case.
Noteworthy, in a blogpost entitled I Have a Theory About That, I stated:
Confusingly, in common parlance, a theory is a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained. To me, this sounds a lot like a hypothesis. I can understand confusion in this regard.
No matter what you’ve been told or what you may irrationally believe, from a scientific standpoint, people aren’t walking around with personal theories about life. Further expanding upon this matter, I stated in a blog entry entitled In Theory:
If an individual values an un-evidenced personal “theory” as much as scientific or legal theories which have been tested, retested, and shaped by evidence—because the hunch is perceivably synonymous with proper uses of the term theory—it may be a laborious affair trying to refute an irrational belief.
Therefore, the proposed hypothesis for client X isn’t an untestable matter akin to a well-established scientific theory (e.g., theory of relativity) – which is also something worth skepticism and testing. In any case, client X’s homework is the method of testing a hypothesis.
For instance, client X could ask friends, family members, loved ones, coworkers, neighbors, and others as to whether or not nitpicking has occurred by client X in these relationships. Worth noting, this isn’t a comfortable process, because it requires open, honest, and vulnerable communication.
Moreover, it requires client X to be receptive to data from others that conflicts with one’s own irrational beliefs. Once client X brings evidential findings to the next session, we analyze results and draw a conclusion.
Suppose that client X concludes, “Although I didn’t believe I was nitpicking in my relationships, apparently I am.” Collaboratively, we may then tailor new homework that targets the undesirable behavior – if in fact this is something the client wishes to address.
It very well may be that client X further concludes, “I don’t think the way in which I interact with others is a problem, even though I have evidence to suggest that people disagree with my stance.” If client X’s interests and goals aren’t aligned with changing the behavior, we address what steps – if any – are required thereafter.
Understand that I’m not concerned with forcing people to change. I’ve noticed a growing number of people, who ostensibly support scientism, fundamentally misconceiving the function of science. It’s as though these individuals irrationally believe that science is prescriptive rather than descriptive.
Much of my evidence to support this claim stems from a global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As an example, declaring that people should, must, or ought to have received a largely untested (experimental) so-called vaccine wasn’t an example of science in action.
This is because science describes what is, though it doesn’t prescribe what ought to be. During the pandemic, violation of the is-ought problem drew upon preconceived conclusions, presumably in the name of safetyism, and that’s not how science works.
Science is a process, not a conclusion. Similarly, a belief is a description and doesn’t have to serve as a final prescription. Understanding these key distinctions is important when using a scientific approach to mental health.
For instance, I observe responses by people to various actions which are perceivably undesirable. The reactionary response by those disturbed by their beliefs about such behavior is generally prescriptive in nature, declaring that people need psychotherapy to correct their behavior.
As an example, Harrison Butker, kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, recently gave a commencement speech at Benedictine College in which he ostensibly advocated Judeo-Christian and conservative values. His moral prescriptions weren’t well-received by everyone.
According to one source, “Stefanie Hills, who was a cheerleader for the Chiefs for six years, spoke out in a scathing TikTok video about how Butker violated company policy in his bigoted graduation speech.” More on the topic of bigotry in a moment.
In her social media video, Hills states in response to Butker’s advocacy for women as homemakers, “The Kansas City Chiefs offer a therapist, covered at a hundred percent – both male and female – and I advise that you probably need to unpack that with both professionals.”
Bigotry is defined as obstinate or intolerant devotion to one’s own opinions and prejudices. Therefore, one who isn’t tolerant of Butker’s worldview ostensibly practices bigotry.
More importantly, I maintain a Master of Arts in Counseling degree and a Master of Science in Social Work degree, as well as functioning as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Thus, I meet the standard of Hills’ prescription for a professional therapist.
As such, I reject the notion of psychotherapy serving as a form of reeducation or indoctrination for person Y so that that behavioral modification will result for the appeasement of person Z. Why should Butker seek therapy, so that he can please Hills’ inflexible expectations?
That’s not therapy; it’s brainwashing—a forcible indoctrination to induce someone to give up basic political, social, or religious beliefs and attitudes and to accept contrasting regimented ideas. Pushing pre-established conclusions and prescriptive demands isn’t in accordance with REBT.
Therefore, a scientific approach to mental health affords individuals the ability to recognize and dispute dogmatic prescriptions, consider healthy versus unhealthy descriptions, and behave as self-determined and autonomous actors. To better understand this matter, consider the statement of Ellis and his coauthor:
As far as we scientifically know, no absolute shoulds, oughts, and musts exist in the world. You can legitimately say that “If I want to survive, I must take reasonably good care of my health,” because you do not make this must an absolute, but make it contingent on the goal you seek. But if you say, “I must survive, no matter how I take care of my health,” or “I must take care of my health, whether or not I wish to survive,” you make absolutistic statements and claim that a special law of the universe exists which says that under all conditions you must survive or must take care of your health. Such a law (as far as we know) doesn’t exist. You dogmatically invent it.
Dogmatically prescribing psychotherapy to others with whom one disagrees isn’t a rational manner of behavior. It’s dramatic, histrionic, delusional, or even nuckin’ futs, sure; though it isn’t rational.
For those people who want to stop disturbing themselves, I invite you to consider that one study reports, “Our findings document that REBT can be effectively transported to clinical practice settings, supporting the use of REBT for a wide range of life problems in real clinical settings.”
Although this scientifically-tested modality isn’t without its critiques, and REBT isn’t a be-all, end-all set of techniques which work for everyone, I appreciate a scientific approach to mental health that allows people to methodically investigate what does or doesn’t work in their lives.
If you’re looking for a provider who works to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.
As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.
At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply helping you to feel better, I want to help you get better!
Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW
References:
AEI. (n.d.). About Albert Ellis, Ph.D. Albert Ellis Institute. Retrieved from https://albertellis.org/about-albert-ellis-phd/
David, O. A., Cîmpean, A., Costescu, C., DiGiuseppe, R., Doyle, K., Hickey, M., and David, D. (2021, July 30). Effectiveness of outpatient rational emotive behavior therapy over one decade. The American Journal of Psychotherapy. Retrieved from https://psychotherapy.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20200009
Ellis, A. and Harper, R. A. (1975). A new guide to rational living. Wilshire Book Co. Retrieved from https://archive.org/details/newguidetoration00elli
Hills, S. [@stefhills]. (2024, May 21). This message is for Harrison Butker. #nflcheerleader #kansascity #harrisonbutker #speech #chiefs [Video]. TikTok. Retrieved from https://www.tiktok.com/@stefhills/video/7369404451536276779?lang=en
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Hollings, D. (2023, September 19). Life coaching. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/life-coaching
Hollings, D. (2022, December 2). Low frustration tolerance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/low-frustration-tolerance
Hollings, D. (2022, June 23). Meaningful purpose. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/meaningful-purpose
Hollings, D. (2023, October 2). Morals and ethics. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/morals-and-ethics
Hollings, D. (2024, March 13). Objective morality. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/objective-morality
Hollings, D. (2024, April 22). On disputing. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-disputing
Hollings, D. (2023, September 3). On feelings. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-feelings
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Hollings, D. (2024, January 4). Rigid vs. rigorous. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rigid-vs-rigorous
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Hollings, D. (2022, November 1). Self-disturbance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/self-disturbance
Hollings, D. (2024, April 21). Sensation. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/sensation
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Hollings, D. (2023, September 18). The four horsemen. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-four-horsemen
Hollings, D. (2022, December 14). The is-ought problem. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-is-ought-problem
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Hollings, D. (2023, February 25). Unconditional other-acceptance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unconditional-other-acceptance
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