ABSTRACT
Albert Ellis is one of the most prolific writers in the field; he has published more than 250 papers and about 25 books and monographs. His therapy is based on his theory that so-called emotional reactions and upsets can be traced to the concrete, simple, exclamatory sentences which people say to themselves to create their "emotional" states. In observing Ellis in action one is impressed by his intense involvement in the act of arguing his patient out of his illogical beliefs. Many adherents of other points of view are occasionally either annoyed or amused by Ellis's frequent attacks on theories and techniques other than his own. In regard to the treatment of frigidity and impotence, therefore, rational-emotive psychotherapy is no palliative, superficial, or symptom-removing technique. Rather, it is an intensive, theory-rooted form of therapy that goes right to the main philosophic roots of the individual's presenting disorder and that aims at fundamental attitudinal changes rather than any cursory "cures."
