The Contribution of REBT in Addressing the Givens of Existence

Abstract This paper will try to highlight the possible contribution of REBT in facing and accepting the givens of existence and to show that REBT “takes a step further” and significantly improves the acceptance of them. Basic existential conflict, according to Yalom is in the individual’s confrontation with the givens of existence-certain ultimate concerns as Death, Freedom and responsibility, Existential isolation and the Meaninglessness of life, one cannot accept. According to existentialists we must die, we are free and responsible, there is no universal “meaning”, no grand design in universe, no firm guidelines for living but our own, nothing to rely upon when we have to make decisions; we are alone, and we have to discover meaning. From a REBT perspective, one is horrified when being confronted with ultimate concerns, with the world as it is because one believes in an irrational idea that the world should be different, and that it is horrible and unbearable that it isn’t so. Our demandingness towards reality points to our “neurotic” and “egocentric” relationship towards reality. REBT can help people to radically reconstruct some of their beliefs and thus make a profound philosophical change, to accept what they view as unacceptable, to stop awfulizing about that, to make decisions and to change their behavior. In that way, REBT helps people overcome their “neurotic ego-centeredness” in the world.
Source: Journal of Rational-Emotive and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research