ABSTRACT
REBT is very clear about what constitutes an irrational belief. Generally speaking an irrational belief is rigid, extreme, self-and other-defeating, illogical and inconsistent with reality. It can take the form of a dogmatic must, awfulizing, low frustration tolerance and depreciation of self, others and/or life conditions. An important part of helping your clients to challenge such beliefs is to teach them the distinction between these irrational beliefs and their rational alternatives. These rational beliefs are flexible, non-extreme, logical, consistent with reality and more productive with respect to self-enhancement and the development of healthy interpersonal relationships. Rational beliefs generally take the form of non-dogmatic desires, an evaluation of a negative event as being bad, high frustration tolerance and acceptance of self, others and/or life conditions.
