Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) | The Discovery House
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

The Discovery House (TDH) uses a variety of therapy techniques to help individuals recover from drug or alcohol addiction. Families play a large role in the treatment process, and one method that is used with family therapy is called REBT.

Rational emotive behavior therapy, or REBT, is a therapy model that focuses on the resolution of behavioral and emotional issues among patients. It was developed and first used by psychologist Albert Ellis in 1955. The basis for this therapy is the view that individuals suffer from emotional upset because of their irrational thoughts about certain events. According to Ellis, “people are not disturbed by things but rather by their view of things.”

Overcoming Negative Thinking Patterns

With REBT, therapists help individuals eliminate irrational beliefs about events and conflicts, and learn how to react to occurrences in positive ways.

According to the REBT philosophy, individuals with substance addiction disorders engage in their destructive behavior because of illogical responses to conflicts or challenges in their life. By helping these individuals learn healthy ways to manage stressful or negative events, it becomes easier for them to give up their dependence on drugs or alcohol.

REBT is used in the family treatment program at The Discovery House. Families that work through REBT at The Discovery House learn how to react in constructive ways to negative experiences. Therapists use family counseling sessions to identify unhealthy reactions, and to help families develop techniques that retrain the mind to choose healthier thoughts and responses.

Families that participate in REBT together learn much about how to interact as a family, and how to keep destructive thoughts and behaviors out of their relationships. The Discovery House staff uses REBT along with other proven therapy models in order to offer the best treatment to residents.

The Discovery House is licensed by the State of California as a residential treatment home, but is not licensed to perform medical services. While we strive to provide the highest degree of recovery and treatment care, the Discovery House does not offer medical services.