One pathway to cognitive behaviour therapy integration: introducing assimilative integrative rational emotive behaviour therapy

Abstract

AbstractIn this paper, rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT) is presented as the most comprehensive cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to date, with over-arching influence on most of the other therapies that came after it. However, despite REBT’s comprehensiveness and the limitations inherent in other CBT approaches, REBT has its limitations. Limitations in REBT theory are explored and an argument is made in favour of rectifying these limitations by incorporating other approaches into REBT (namely cognitive therapy and compassion-focused therapy) to create a more complete integrative psychotherapy model. It is then argued that psychotherapy integration is the future of CBT mainly due to the fact that it reflects how most therapists practise, and due to its utilization of the common factors theory. Finally, the integrative model – which I callAssimilative Integrative Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy– is presented and demonstrated using a clinical case example.Key learning aims(1)To understand the limitations of cognitive therapy and third-wave CBT approaches.(2)To appreciate the comprehensiveness and over-arching influence of REBT.(3)To understand the limitations of REBT despite its comprehensiveness.(4)To consider rectifying the limitations in REBT by incorporating other models into it.(5)To appreciate the complementary nature of CFT when integrated into other models.(6)To understand the value and relevance of psychotherapy integration.(7)To consider AI-REBT as one possible pathway to psychotherapy integration in CBT.