ABSTRACT
This chapter describes specific applications of rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT) to group practice, including an illustration of the process. Group applications have been an integral part of REBT since 1959, when Albert Ellis discovered that people by and large improved more from group therapy than from individual therapy. REBT group leaders are not overly close to members for fear of creating dependency, but they are collaborative and supportive and they do understand the importance of developing a sense of community among group members. A popular cognitive technique, rational coping self-statements, involves asking group members to identify rational beliefs and coping statements to substitute for their irrational beliefs. REBT groups place an emphasis on skill building, which enables group participants to apply skills in everyday circumstances. This psychoeducational focus helps group members learn facts and basic information that can facilitate problem resolution.
