In REBT, what is the primary goal of therapy?

• A. Identify irrational thinking and reeducate
• B. Establish new coping strategies
• C. Ignore irrational beliefs
• D. Increase awareness of emotions

Answer: (A)

In REBT the driving force behind change is how we think. The main aim is to identify irrational beliefs—those rigid, absolute musts and shoulds that people hold about themselves, others, and the world—and reeducate the client to replace them with rational, flexible beliefs. By disputing these irrational beliefs and doing homework to practice new ways of thinking, clients come to interpret events more realistically, which reduces emotional distress and leads to more adaptive actions. This cognitive shift is what ultimately changes feelings like anxiety, anger, or depression.

Other options miss the mark because they focus primarily on coping skills or emotional awareness without addressing the core source of distress in REBT—the irrational beliefs. It’s not about ignoring beliefs or only boosting awareness of emotions; it’s about transforming those beliefs to produce healthier emotional and behavioral responses.