The Practice of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Second Edition is the ultimate clinical manual for understanding and implementing REBT—a pioneering cognitive-behavioral approach developed by Dr. Albert Ellis. Co-authored with respected psychologist Windy Dryden, this revised edition delivers a comprehensive, real-world approach to helping clients identify, challenge, and restructure irrational beliefs that sabotage mental health.

Whether you’re a new therapist or an experienced clinician looking to deepen your application of REBT techniques, this guide offers practical direction and theoretical insight. With the increasing global adoption of cognitive-behavioral methods, this book remains a cornerstone text for evidence-based therapy.

What is REBT and Why It Matters

REBT is one of the earliest forms of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and focuses on the principle that emotions are largely shaped by our beliefs. Dysfunctional thinking patterns create unnecessary emotional distress, and REBT provides structured tools to identify and challenge these patterns.

Unlike traditional therapies that may explore childhood causes or unconscious motivations, REBT zeroes in on current belief systems and emphasizes active disputation.

Inside the Book: Core Components and Methods

1. Therapeutic Structure and Framework

This edition breaks down the REBT process into clear stages:

• Assessment and rapport building
• Identification of irrational beliefs
• ABC(DE) model application
• Cognitive disputation techniques
• Behavioral assignments
• Emotional regulation through rational thinking

Each phase is explained with live therapy session transcripts, therapist-client dialogues, and commentary to illustrate real-world challenges and solutions.

2. The ABC(DE) Model Expanded

A — Activating Event
B — Beliefs (rational or irrational)
C — Consequences (emotional/behavioral)
D — Disputation of irrational beliefs
E — Effect of adopting rational alternatives

This model is deeply unpacked in clinical settings, showing how even small shifts in belief lead to massive changes in emotional outcomes.

Real Therapy, Real Results

Readers will encounter richly documented case examples dealing with:

• Depression and low self-esteem
• Anger issues and poor emotional regulation
• Phobias and anxiety
• Relationship dysfunction
• Addiction recovery support
• Perfectionism and obsessive behavior

Each session explores how the REBT therapist actively teaches clients to take responsibility for their thoughts and emotions—without blaming external circumstances.

Advanced Tools for the Modern Therapist

This second edition includes new sections on:

• Working with resistant clients
• Ethical considerations in cognitive therapy
• Integrating REBT with other evidence-based models
• Dealing with comorbidity in clinical practice
• Measuring therapeutic progress with outcome-driven benchmarks

Why This Book Stands Out

Written by the Originator of REBT

Dr. Albert Ellis, often referred to as one of the “grandfathers of CBT,” offers direct access to the original methodology, unfiltered by interpretation.

Step-by-Step Clinical Guidance

Unlike theory-heavy textbooks, this guide is filled with how-to instructions, structured treatment plans, and therapist prompts.

Updated with Contemporary Context

Co-author Windy Dryden provides modern psychological updates, ensuring this edition remains relevant in today’s clinical ecosystem.

Academic and Practical Utility

It’s ideal for both academic coursework and daily clinical use—complete with exercises, checklists, and therapeutic strategies.

Key Takeaways for Professionals

• Master the core model of emotional change
• Enhance your ability to help clients challenge negative thinking
• Increase therapeutic efficiency through structured REBT dialogues
• Navigate therapeutic resistance with precision
• Integrate cognitive restructuring into diverse practice settings
• Apply REBT to personal growth and supervision

FAQs

Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in therapy?
A: It is best for intermediate to advanced students, practitioners, or those with basic knowledge of CBT or psychology. However, dedicated beginners can also follow with care.

Q: Does the book include case studies or just theory?
A: Yes, it includes extensive case studies, real therapy session breakdowns, and dialogue-based examples that illustrate each concept in action.

Q: Can this book be used outside clinical settings (e.g., coaching, teaching)?
A: Yes. While designed for therapy, REBT tools are applicable in coaching, classroom settings, and personal development programs.

Q: How is it different from Ellis’s other works?
A: Unlike his more popular self-help titles, this is a clinician’s guide, with a professional tone, detailed interventions, and diagnostic insights.

Q: Does it cover new-age or spiritual topics?
A: No. The book is grounded in empirical science and structured logic, making it appealing for evidence-based practice.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

If you’re in the mental health field—or aspiring to join—it’s no longer enough to rely on general talk therapy. Clients seek rapid, practical outcomes. REBT delivers just that, and this book is the gold standard in delivering therapeutic clarity and emotional transformation.

Every missed session without REBT is a missed opportunity to help your clients reclaim control of their emotional lives.

Whether you’re preparing for licensure, seeking clinical precision, or evolving as a therapist—this book will accelerate your professional edge.

Your Clinical Compass to Rational Change

The Practice of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Second Edition is not just a textbook—it’s a therapy blueprint. With decades of clinical wisdom and hands-on tools, it helps mental health professionals make immediate and lasting changes in their clients’ emotional lives.

From mastering the ABC model to executing live interventions, this guide earns its place on every therapist’s shelf.