Rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT)

Introduction to REBT

Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) is a cognitive-behavioural approach that focuses on identifying and changing irrational beliefs that cause emotional distress. By restructuring these beliefs, you can achieve healthier thought patterns and behaviours.

The ABC Model

REBT is based on the ABC model:

  • A – Activating Event: A situation that triggers a stressful response.
  • B – Beliefs: Your interpretations of the event, which can be irrational.
  • C – Consequences: Emotional and behavioural responses resulting from your beliefs.

By addressing the beliefs at point B, you can change consequences at point C.

Common Irrational Beliefs

  • "I must be perfect."
  • "Everyone must like me."
  • "Life should be fair."

These beliefs can lead to anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges.

How REBT Works

Through therapeutic sessions, you'll learn:

  • To Identify Irrational Beliefs: Recognizing thought patterns that are unhelpful.
  • To Dispute Beliefs: Challenging irrational thoughts with logical questions.
  • To Replace Beliefs: Adopting more balanced and rational thinking.

This process helps you develop healthier emotional responses and skills for future challenges.

Benefits Of REBT

  • Reduced emotional distress
  • Improved coping strategies
  • Greater emotional resilience
  • Enhanced problem solving skills

REBT empowers you to take control of your thoughts and emotions for a better quality of life.

Is REBT Right For You?

If you struggle with negative emotions or stressful reactions, REBT can provide effective tools for change. Our professional therapists are trained to help you apply these strategies in your daily life.

Therapists in Brighton & Hove

Browse our verified therapists — many work across a range of approaches and may be able to help.

Imogen Salt Brighton

Imogen Salt

Humanistic Psychotherapist

I offer one-to-one humanistic counselling, for adults and young people within the Brighton & Hove area. I prioritise face-to-face therapy, but offer online where needed. I am experienced, thoughtful, intuitive and warm.

NCPSAccredited
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Joanna Miller Brighton

Joanna Miller

Integrative Psychotherapist

I’m an accredited psychotherapist with 15 years experience.I believe that the counselling relationship should be a creative space for both parties. It should feel comfortable and open enough to be free from anxiety and pressure in which new perspectives can emerge. In my view most mental activity takes place below the level of conscious awareness and my role is to help people gain access to it and insights from it.As an accredited therapist I am affiliated with several private healthcare companies including BUPA and AXA. I have an up-to-date DBS certificate which is registered on the update service. As well as working with individual adults, including trainee therapists, I have many years' experience working with children, couples and families. I have been a university counsellor so have a lot of experience working with students and young people and have also worked in secondary schools.  

BACPAccredited
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Sharon Twomey Brighton

Sharon Twomey

Psychotherapeutic counsellor

I’m Sharon, a qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor offering short and long term therapy across Brighton and Hove both in person and online. My work is trauma-informed and rooted in compassion, supporting adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, stress, and relational difficulties.My approach is deeply empathic and nurturing, blending warmth with thoughtful challenge. I offer a confidential space where you can feel held with care as you reflect, engage with difficult emotions, and begin the journey toward meaningful and lasting change.

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Robyn Lang Brighton

Robyn Lang

Person Centred Counsellor

My approach is humanistic and person-centred. I offer a warm, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can slow down, feel heard and explore your experiences at your own pace. I believe that developing a greater understanding of ourselves can help us make sense of our emotions, relationships, patterns and the stories we carry with us.In addition to working privately I have also worked with Wellbeing in the Arts since 2023, offering low-cost counselling to creatives working in film, theatre and TV. I am a BACP Registered Counsellor with over nine years' experience and work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework. I bring a trauma-informed and inclusive approach to my practice.I offer in-person counselling in central Brighton, Hove, and online counselling across the UK. Couples counselling is also available in person in Brighton and Hove. If you would like to explore whether counselling might be right for you, please do get in touch.

BACPRegistered
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Rosie Dee Brighton

Rosie Dee

Psychotherapist

I'm a humanistic psychotherapist working with individuals and couples, and I bring empathy, hope and creativity to my work. I am interested and curious about what it means and feels like to be you, and I really believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship as a vessel for growth and change. It is a privilege to do this work, and to be a part of the exploration of your life story, who you are and what matters to you.

BACPRegistered
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Paul Chantry Brighton, Hove

Paul Chantry

Integrative Counsellor MBACP

We often think that we can manage on our own, but there comes a point when we need to reach out and seek support. Perhaps you are feeling anxious or depressed? Maybe you are finding life overwhelming or have a sense of sadness, hopelessness and despair? Or maybe you are feeling angry and frustrated? If you are experiencing any of these emotions then counselling can really help you to make sense of things, better understand yourself, and overcome the issues which are causing you distress. I am a qualified counsellor and member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and I have experience of helping people who suffer with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, low self-esteem, childhood trauma, self-harm, relationship and family conflict.  If you’ve never had counselling before then finding the right therapist can be confusing and intimidating, so it’s important that you take time to find the right therapist for you. Please don't hesitate to contact me for a free initial telephone consultation so that I can find out a bit more about what's troubling you and we can explore how I can help.

BACPRegistered
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