Using REBT With Common Psychological Problems

Abstract

REBT: Where Will It Turn Up Next? Using REBT With Common Psychological Problems. J. Yankura, and W. Dryden (Eds.), New York: Springer Publishing Co. (www.springerpublishing.com). 1998, 252 pp., $33.95 (softcover). Using REBT With Common Psychological Problems is the first of two casebooks through which editors Joseph Yankura and Windy Dryden attempt to demonstrate the wide applicability of Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) for both "common clinical disorders" (in the current volume) and for " special applications" (in the volume to follow). Because the basic conceptual groundwork for REBT is readily available in the numerous publications of REBT's founder, Albert Ellis (with whom Dryden has been a notable collaborator), Yankura and Dryden's goal is to provide readers with a foundation of REBT techniques and describe sequenced steps for applying REBT to individuals, groups, and couples. Chapters 2 through 5 and chapter 7 each represent an application of REBT to a common clinical problem, while the focus of chapter 6 is on the application of REBT to anger and hostility problems-which the chapter authors point out are underrepresented by diagnostic categories but nonetheless responsive to REBT techniques. All of these core chapters follow an identical format: (a) an introduction which includes a clinical overview of the disorder, (b) a REBT conceptualization or therapeutic model, followed by (c) a case illustration with brief conclusions. In chapter 2, "REBT and Generalized Anxiety Disorder," Warren uses a case study to illustrate the utility of REBT as an alternative to medication for treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Warren reviews excerpts from 16 sessions with a client diagnosed with GAD. Treatment begins with "largely didactic sessions," involving bibliotherapy and homework assignments (focused primarily on REBT application to the client's specific thought/ worry patterns and the development of progressive relaxation skills). Subsequent sessions add imaginal exposure to the client's specific worries and practical skill building in the areas of problem solving and assertiveness. In chapter 3, "Using REBT To Overcome Depression," Hauch and McKeegan introduce a "three-factor model" for assessing and treating depression, and contend that depression can arise from one of three sources: (a) self-blame (the "bad me" approach), (b) self-pity ("poor me"), and (c) other-pity ("poor you"). Recognizing the limitations of REBT to treat biologically based depression and acknowledging the need for the conjunctive practice of pharmacotherapy, the authors focus on cases of depression attributable to clearly identifiable negative life events which have been "awfulized" by the client. In chapter 4, "Michael: A Developmental REBT Approach in the Treatment of ADHD," McKeegan presents a compelling 7-year longitudinal study of a client diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. The engaging narrative style of her case illustration draws a dramatic contrast between the squirming tantrum-ridden 8-year-old she first encounters and the poised, confident 15-year-old described in the final phase of therapy. She effectively demonstrates the developmental appropriateness of varying REBT techniques. For example, she points out that providing new ways for child clients to frame a descriptive cognition such as "I can't do this!" ("Can you really not do any of it, or is it just some of it you cannot do? …