How B-C Connection, Negotiation of F and Rationale of D Allow the Design and Implementation of a Cooperative and Effective Disputing in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

In Albert Ellis’ rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT; DiGiuseppe et al., A Practioner’s guide to rational emotive behavior therapy. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2014; Ellis, Reason and emotion in psychotherapy. New York, NY: Stuart, 1962; Ellis and Grieger, Handbook of rational-emotive therapy. New York, NY: Springer, 1986), the therapist uses three specific steps of the basic ABC DEF procedure of REBT, namely the B-C connection, D rationale and negotiation of F, to formulate the patient’s problems, regulate the therapeutic process, and manage the therapeutic alliance. The negotiation of F establishes the goals of the therapy and the specific REBT contract. The B-C connection and the rationale of D help the patient to detach from his or her irrational beliefs. The healthy attitude is not to have negative thoughts but rather to tolerate them and not take seriously their demands and awfulizing aspects. This REBT attitude anticipates metacognitive procedures. It is this unceasing sharing of the rationale of the therapy that allows the REBT therapist to show empathy and respect toward the patient.