Question

Aman is experiencing anxiety due to academic pressure. He often thinks, “I am not good enough” and “I am a failure.” These thoughts cause him to withdraw from social activities and friends. How would Rational Emotive Therapy (RET) help Aman manage his anxiety?

Answer 1

Rational Emotive Therapy (RET) would first use the ABC analysis to identify the antecedent (academic pressure), Aman’s irrational beliefs (“I am not good enough”, “I am a failure”), and their emotional and behavioural consequences (anxiety, withdrawal). The therapist would then question and refute these irrational beliefs through careful, non-directive questioning, helping Aman see that poor performance does not mean total failure. Gradually, he would replace these irrational ideas with more rational ones (e.g., “I can improve with effort,” “One test does not define me”), which would reduce his anxiety and help him re-engage with studies and friends.