Thoughts on CBT

This week I am doing a presentation on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and I found some interesting things thaht I wanted to comment on... One part of CBT is Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), which is based on the assumption that our emotions stem from our beliefs, evaluations, interpretations, and reactions to life situations. This is very much the case for me. There have been many times in my life where my emotions have been COMPLETELY driven by my reaction (usually OVER-reaction) to a particular situation- particularly in relationships. I also wanted to quote a part of my text that describes the relationship between the client and the REB Therapist, which is something I am ALWAYS thinking about...what is the appropriate level of self-disclosure, empathy, etc. in therapy.?

"...REBT practitioners unconditionally accept all clients and also teach them to unconditionally accept others and themselves. However, Ellis believes that too much warmth and understanding can be counterproductive by fostering a sense of dependence for approval from the therapist. * REBT practitioners accept their clients as imperfect beings who can be helped through a variety of techniques such as teaching, bibliotherapy, and behavior modification skills. Ellis builds rapport with his clients by showing them that he has great faith in their ability to change themselves and that he has the tools to help them do this.
REB therapists are often open and direct in disclosing their own beliefs and values. Some are willing to share their own imperfections as a way of disputing clients' unrealistic notions that therapists are 'completely put together' persons. On this point, Wolfe (2007) claims 'it is important to establish as much as possible an egalitarian relationship, as opposed to presenting yourself as a nondisclosing authority figure'. Ellis (2002) maintains that transference is not encouraged, and when it does occur, the therapist is likely to confront it. Ellis believes that a transference relationship is based on the irrational belief that the client must be liked and loved by the therapist, or parent figure."

One more thing-- here are 3 Irrational Beliefs "that we internalize that inevitably lead to self-defeat":

1. 'I MUST do well and win the approval of others for my performance or else I am no good.'
2. 'Other people MUST treat me considerately, fairly, kindly, and in exactly the way I want them to treat me. If they don't, they are no good and they deserve to be condemned and punished.'
3. 'I MUST get what I want, when I want it; and I MUST not get what I don't want. If I don't get what I want, it's terrible, and I can't stand it.'

Further comments may be added...