The aim of this module is to acquaint students with Rational-Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), one of the major approaches to counselling and psychotherapy based on cognitive-behavioural principles. Students will examine the theoretical assumptions and philosophical roots of REBT and will become acquainted with its major diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. They will also learn to locate REBT in the context of current developments in psychotherapy.
Although REBT has a wide spectrum of applications, including severe neurotic and psychotic disorders, the module will focus on REBT in counselling, i.e. typically shorter-term interventions than psychotherapy, with individuals with relatively mild problems of anxiety, shame and embarrassment, depression, guilt, anger, jealousy, and self-discipline. As such, the module will also provide a basic knowledge of the structure of the counselling process.