What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy built on a simple but powerful idea:
Our emotions are shaped not just by what happens to us — but by how we interpret what happens.
CBT focuses on identifying and examining our thoughts (cognitions) and how those thoughts influence our behaviors and emotional responses.
Cognitive reframing with a licensed therapist can look like traditional talk therapy — you will be heard, understood, and validated. But we don’t stop there.
We actively work to:
• Identify distorted or unhelpful thinking
• Problem-solve practical concerns Refocus on what is within your control
• Reframe how you interpret challenges
• Take intentional action that leads to sustainable behavioral change
You won’t just feel supported — you’ll leave sessions with tools.
CBT is structured, collaborative, and goal-oriented. It’s not about pretending things are fine. It’s about learning to think in ways that reduce unnecessary emotional suffering while increasing effectiveness in your life.
What Is Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)?
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is a philosophical and clinical offshoot of CBT.
Its roots go back to the Stoic philosopher Epictetus, who wrote:
“People are not disturbed by things, but by the views they take of them.”
REBT focuses specifically on irrational beliefs — rigid, absolute, and demanding ways of thinking that intensify anxiety, depression, anger, and shame.
For example:
“I can’t stand people who are rude.”
An REBT-informed reframe might be:
“I don’t like rudeness. But I can withstand it.”
Expanded further:
• I may not know what that person is dealing with.
• I don’t need the world to behave exactly how I prefer.
• I can choose how I respond rather than demand things be different.
Preference vs. Demands
REBT highlights the difference between:
Preferences (“I want things to go well.”)
and
Demands (“Things must go well.”)
We can prefer success, approval, fairness, or kindness.
But when preferences turn into rigid demands —
when we tell ourselves:
• “I must not fail.”
• “People must treat me well.”
• “Life must be fair.”
— we increase our likelihood of emotional disturbance.
Rigid thinking fuels anxiety.
Absolute thinking fuels depression.
Demandingness fuels anger.
Flexible thinking reduces suffering.
What This Means in Therapy
In our work together, we will:
• Identify core beliefs driving distress
• Examine whether they are logical, helpful, or rigid
• Challenge absolute thinking
• Replace demands with preferences
• Build tolerance for discomfort
• Strengthen unconditional self-worth
You will feel heard.
You will be challenged — respectfully.
And you will learn to respond to life with greater flexibility, clarity, and emotional stability.
Rational Psychotherapy 