The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) publishes guidelines for the use of health technologies. This is primarily focussed on evidence-based evaluations of effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Mindfulness have been approved by NICE, then adopted by the National Health Service, NHS. They have been shown to be effective in helping to manage psychological challenges which include:

• Stress related ailments
• Anger Management
• General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Eating Disorders, including Anorexia and
• Bulimia
• Phobias
• Insomnia
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and
• Depression

The central principle of CBT (developed by the psychiatrist Aaron T. Beck) is that how we react to an event is largely determined by our views of it – our perceptions – and not the event itself. CBT provides a framework to examine and re-evaluate some of our less helpful perceptions, and develop more helpful alternatives. This enables clients to overcome some of the challenges above.

So how is Rational Emotive Behaviour therapy, REBT, similar or different to CBT?

REBT was developed in the mid-1950s by Albert Ellis, a New York psychotherapist, about ten years before CBT. It follows a philosophy developed by the ancient Greek philosopher, Epictetus. In essence, he stated that it’s not the things in life that disturb you, but the beliefs you hold about those things.

REBT follows an elegant ABCDE Model; an activating event (A) triggers beliefs (B) that cause consequences (C). These beliefs are challenged and disputed (D) to promote a more effective (E) and rational way of perceiving that same original activating event.

So, if you’re feeling disturbed and stuck, REBT helps you challenge the unhealthy beliefs that are causing this feeling. It also identifies and embeds alternative healthy beliefs that help you move ahead.

Change your beliefs and you change the way you think, feel and act. This can be somewhat daunting, as beliefs are usually long held, shaped by the positive and negative things we experience throughout life.

However, acknowledging there is a need to change and taking responsibility for your own psychological well-being is the first step. With some commitment, effort and guidance this can be achieved. The prize at the end is feeling noticeably better about yourself and others around you.