Cognitive Behavioral Theory versus Rational Emotive Behavioral Theory
NURS-6640: Psychotherapy with Individuals$
Walden University
Mary Ndungu
June 28th 2020
Introduction
This paper seeks to compare the differences and similarities of rational emotive behavioral
theory and cognitive behavioral theory and the way the differences can affect my practice as a
psychiatrist.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT is a form of therapy that is available to treat people with different mental disorders. The aim
of CBT is to help people become conscious that they often develop negative attitudes and social
habits that lead to dysfunctional thinking (Polit, & Beck, 2012). This method of therapy helps
people find different forms of thinking and behaving with the goal of mitigating their mental
illnesses (Ryan, Blau, & Grozeva, 2011). During CBT, the therapist counsels the client in the
assessment process about how to build skewed thoughts. People can determine how real and
imaginary ideas can be identified.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
REBT aims at solving psychological and mental issues. The purpose of this therapy is to modify
and rationalize unsuccessful beliefs. Rational emotive behavior therapy motivates a person to
improve his or her objective and irrational beliefs (Polit, & Beck, 2012). The solution then
allows the individual to contend with the unreasonable convictions by checking truth. Fair
emotional behavioral counseling suggests that our social thought systems are primarily
responsible for individual behavioral distress (Ryan, Blau, & Grozeva, 2011).
Similarities
Both treatments encourage critical thinking and the use of emotional, cognitive and social
approaches to change the patient's thinking process. Cognitive-competent therapy addresses
cognitive deficits that can lead to mental illness. REBT is a psychotherapy form whose main
elements are similar to CBT therapy (Wheeler, 2014). The therapist allows clients to assess their
present view of truth and effects on their thought processes and actions in all approaches. Both
strategies are marked by collaboration and action, as the patient and the care provider work
effectively with problems and decide on the option of therapeutic approaches (Ryan, Blau, &
Grozeva, 2011).
Differences
Rational emotive behavior therapy refers to a general theory of life that encourages the
well-being of the person beyond psychotherapy among the various schools for behavioral
therapy. On the other hand, CBT care providers are involved in training and caring for patients
with special techniques, which proves to be helpful outside of therapy (Ryan, Blau, & Grozeva,
2011). In addition, cognitive behavioral therapy is helpful because it focuses on interpersonal
interdependence, prudence, reinforcement and engagement because essential reasons for positive
thought and social improvements (Ryan, Blau, & Grozeva, 2011).
The Type of CBT I will use with my patients
During my practice and interaction with patients, I would consider using CBT. Health care
professionals who use CBT seek to create a working plan that satisfies the need for improvement
of the patient (Wheeler 2014). This approach also gives me the ability to speak with my patients
about the benefits of therapeutic interactions and come up with best plans that suits their mental
needs Ryan, Blau, and Grozeva (2011).
Conclusion
In terms of how two patients affect psychological interpretation, REBT and CBT can be
contrasted in many ways. Patient care providers should correctly diagnose patients as the
appropriate method for particular patients before introducing them, since each patient is special,
although they have similar illnesses regularly.
References
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2012). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for
nursing practice (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott
Williams & Wilkins.
Ryan, T. E., Blau, S., & Grozeva, D. (2011). Teaching Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to
Undergraduate Psychology Students. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 38(1), 23-
31.
Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2014). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to
guide for evidence-based practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Springer Publishing
Company
