Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (SFBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a common type of talk therapy often used in treating several disorders such as substance abuse, mental health, and eating disorders. But can also be used in treating people who too struggle with stressful life situation or relationship issues. “Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) was known as the first cognitive behavior therapies, and its goal treats cognition and behavior as it also emphasizes thinking, assessing, deciding to analyze and doing” (Corey, G. 2017). REBT also helps people to look at childhood issues or irrational beliefs and how they relate to as an adult. In other words, someone’s unhealthy thinking or beliefs is a source for a dysfunctional way of thinking. The goal of this therapy is
to change peoples patterns of thinking or behavior that a is the cause of difficulties or issues in a person’s life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps to works by changing negative views or attitudes into positive thoughts, beliefs held by persons cognitive restructuring abilities. “The therapeutic process allows clients to apply REBT principles for change not only to particular presenting problems but also to many other issues in life or future issues they may encounter” (Corey, G. 2017). Also, the therapist also develops goals with a person to learn the difference between self-defeating and life-enhancing goals which is helpful to teach people to change dysfunctional emotions into healthy behaviors. As clients progress through the therapeutic process, they are more likely to have acceptance for others and life as it is.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) helps places the focus on the present versus the past of a person’s problems.
“This therapy approach emphasizes strengths and resilience of people by focusing on exceptions to their problems and the conceptualized solutions” (Corey, G. 2017). In other words, SFBT helps find tools that someone can use immediately to help manage symptoms to cope with problems or challenges. This therapy enforces what people already know about themselves and what changes they need to make to create positive outcomes. “Solution-focused counseling assumes a collaborative approach with clients in contrast to the educative stance that is typically associated with the most traditional modes of therapy” (Corey, G. 2017). The therapist that use SFBT usually attempts to guide people through this therapeutic process by recognizing what is working for them. In doing so, this helps a person to become aware of how to best implement strategies on new problem-solving techniques. In addition, they also concentrate on small, realistic achievable goals to help achieve the change process with their clients. This helps to increase motivation for change in the desired direction as quickly as possible to help the client move forward to improve changing
behaviors.

The significant difference between CBT and SFBT is that cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the combination of thinking distortions related to behaviors and problems.
Whereas SFBT is a type of treatment which focuses on the foundation that people are the experts in their own lives that they know what works and doesn't work for them. I like the idea of CBT as I have used this approach with substance abuse clients in the past. I feel this therapy is helpful as it allows a person to examine what has caused problems with their thinking, thus affecting their behaviors in personal or family situations. By helping change thought patterns that lead to improved practices, people can see and finally make changes that help them deal with problems or issues that they have experienced. I also like the fact that when using CBT you can customize this approach to each client's individual needs that will hopefully last a lifetime. What I like about SFBT is that this method feels similar to the person-centered type of therapy that allows a person find solutions to their problems. I believe this kind of treatment helps focus on a person’s ability to make changes based on what they think they must do to move forward with reform. By concentrating on strengths and resources, a person can find solutions to be creative in thinking about how to handle present or future
problems.

Corey, G. (2017). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (10th ed.). Boston,