Question

Shyam believes that he should be loved by everybody, all the time. Most of his beliefs have a 'must' or 'should' component. When things don't go his way, he feels distressed. Suggest a suitable therapy that will make Shyam think deeper about his irrational belief system and help him to feel better.

Answer 1

The therapy that will force Shyam to reflect more deeply on his illogical beliefs and improve his emotional state is known as Rational Emotive Therapy (RET). The central thesis of this therapy is that irrational beliefs mediate between antecedent events and their consequences.

Irrational beliefs are assessed through questionnaires and interviews. In the process of RET, the irrational beliefs are refuted by the therapist through a process of non-directive questioning. The nature of questioning is gentle, without probing or being directive. The questions make the client think deeper into her/his assumptions about life and problems. Gradually, the client is able to change irrational beliefs by making a change in her/his philosophy about life. The rational belief system replaces the irrational belief system and it brings a reduction in psychological distress.