Description
The focus of this course will be on strategies to identify and restructure clients’ dysfunctional beliefs and constructing more adaptive beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. REBT’s conceptualization of emotions and common errors new REBT Therapists make will also be addressed.
Number of Didactic hours: 16
Number of Supervision hours: 2
- 16 Contact Hours/ 16 Continuing Education Credits will be provided by Albert Ellis Institute for completion of the Didactic portion only.
- 18 Contact Hours/ 18 Continuing Education Credits will be provided by Albert Ellis Institute for completion of the Didactic and Peer Counseling portion.
Target Audience: Psychologists, social workers, mental healthy counselors, graduate students, nurses, and medical doctors
Instructional Level: Beginner
Module 1: The Theory of REBT
This module is an introduction to Albert Ellis’ theory of emotional disturbance, including its origins and the ABC framework (Activating event-Beliefs-emotional and behavioral Consequences). Core irrational beliefs (demandingness, frustration intolerance, awfulizing, global rating of self and others) and the consequential unhealthy negative emotions (anxiety, anger, depression, guilt, shame, hurt) and maladaptive behaviors (procrastination, abuse of substances, verbally and physically lashing out at others, etc.) will be addressed.
Module 2: Clinical Interventions and Strategies
This module will cover the clinical implications of Ellis’ distinction between disturbed and non-disturbed emotions; how one goes about assessing irrational beliefs; the distinction between practical versus emotional problems and solutions; why REBT proposes addressing emotional problems before practical problems; and the prerequisite insights necessary before disputing client irrational beliefs. There will be a focus on the B (Belief) and C (emotional and behavioral consequences) connection. This ultimately asks clients to assume responsibility for their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; thereby, giving them control to change them.
Module 3: Dealing with Emotions in REBT
This module discusses the binary model of distress as it relates to emotions. A review of the inference themes of the dysfunctional negative emotions (depression, anxiety, anger, shame, guilt, hurt) and the functional negative emotions (sadness, concern, annoyance, disappointment, regret), as well as the respective behavioral/action tendencies, will be addressed.
Module 4: Mistakes to Avoid in REBT
Beginning therapists practicing REBT make a variety of errors, including not being active and directive, not setting an agenda, not recognizing when the target emotion has changed during a session, and allowing clients to spend too much time talking about their past, etc. This lecture reviews the common errors therapists make as well as strategies to correct them.
Online Peer Counseling (optional):
If you are interested in receiving a Primary Certificate in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, participants will be required to select a day to conduct four rounds of peer counseling, where they will serve as the therapist to demonstrate the skills learned in the didactic portion of the training. During peer counseling, an REBT Core Faculty Trainer will observe each participant working with a volunteer, who will discuss a real problem. Participants will receive in vivo feedback of their demonstrated skills with the opportunity to correct their errors and enhance their practice.
Available dates and times for Peer Counseling:
- December 4, 2026 – 9:00 am – 1:00 pm EST
- March 5, 2027 – 9:00 am – 1:00 pm EST
- May 21, 2027 – 9:00 am – 1:00 pm EST
**Peer Counseling sessions are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Upon registration, you will be sent an email prompting you to select one of the available dates prior to having access to the training. If you cancel with less than 48 hours notice, you will be charged a $50 rescheduling fee. If you do not attend your scheduled Peer Counseling session without notice, you will be charged a fee of $150 to reschedule.
Learning Objectives for the Didactic Portion Only:
Participants will learn to:
- Explain the REBT theory of emotional and behavioral disturbance and change.
- Describe REBT’s conceptualization of emotions from a binary distress perspective.
- Explain the process of motivational syllogism used for undermotivated clients.
- Explain the four irrational beliefs as they relate to emotional and behavioral disturbance.
- Demonstrate to clients the connection between beliefs and emotions/behaviors.
- Identify and restructure clients’ irrational beliefs.
- Demonstrate how to develop new adaptive beliefs, emotions, and behaviors.
- Describe at least ten (10) common errors new REBT therapists make.
- Describe intervention strategies to address errors made by new REBT therapists.
- Compile a list of cognitive, emotive, and behavioral homework assignments to be negotiated with clients.
- Identify obstacles to homework completion.
- Describe strategies to overcome identified obstacles.
Learning Objectives for the Peer Counseling Portion Only:
Participants will learn to:
- Demonstrate the ability to identify an activating event, emotional and behavioral consequences, and irrational beliefs.
- Apply cognitive restructuring strategies to change irrational beliefs.
- Create healthier rational beliefs to change dysfunctional emotions and maladaptive behaviors to functional emotions and self-preserving behaviors.
Eligibility for Professional Certificate:
Open to psychologists, counselors, social workers, physicians, nurses, and graduate students. The minimum qualification for certificate candidacy is a master’s degree in psychology or counseling, M.S.W., M.D., R.N., or an equivalent degree based on the regulations of the jurisdiction where one practices. Proof of degree or license must accompany the registration form.
Required Reading:
A Practitioner’s Guide to Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy 3rd Edition by R. DiGiuseppe, K. A. Doyle, W. Dryden, & W. Backx
Dealing with Emotional Problems Using Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT): A Practitioner’s Guide -2nd Edition by W. Dryden
* Some instructors may receive royalties for the publication of any texts, books, articles, chapters, or psychological tests that are required, discussed and/or referred to in the presentations.
Evaluation of Knowledge:
- Successful completion of all quizzes (75%) as well as a final exam (75%) provided by AEI on the theory and practice of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. Participants will have up to three attempts at passing quizzes and two attempts for the final exam.
Evaluation of Skills:
- Skills rating no higher than an average skills rating of 3.5 utilizing the Albert Ellis Institute ITSPRC Evaluation form across the peer counseling sessions by at least two AEI Core Faculty Trainers. If the participant does not meet this requirement, they can provide additional demonstration(s) of peer counseling skills as necessary, to be reviewed by an approved faculty member at an additional cost to the participant.
Core Faculty Trainers:
Kristene A. Doyle, Ph.D., Sc.D., Executive Director and Core Faculty Trainer, Albert Ellis Institute
Raymond Digiuseppe, Ph.D., Sc.D., Director of Professional Education and Core Faculty Trainer, Albert Ellis Institute
Michael Hickey, Ph.D., Director of Psychological Evaluations and Core Faculty Trainer, Albert Ellis Institute
Core Faculty Trainers:
Kristene A. Doyle, Ph.D., Sc.D.
Kristene A. Doyle, Ph.D., Sc.D. is the Executive Director of Albert Ellis Institute (AEI) and a Core Faculty Trainer. Dr. Doyle is Director of Clinical Services, founding Director of the Eating Disorders Treatment and Research Center (EDTRC), and a licensed psychologist at AEI. She is also a Diplomate in Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (RE & CBT) and serves on the Diplomate Board. During her 30-year tenure at AEI, Dr. Doyle has held various leadership roles including Associate Executive Director, Training and Development Coordinator, and Director of Child and Family Services.
In addition to training and supervising AEI’s fellows and staff therapists, Dr. Doyle conducts numerous workshops and professional trainings throughout the world. With a distinguished international presence, Dr. Doyle has influenced the growth and practice of RE & CBT in countries spanning several continents including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Dr. Doyle’s clinical and research interests include Eating Disorders & Weight Management, RE & CBT treatment of children and adolescents, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapeutic Process, Outcome & Dissemination. Dr. Doyle is co-author of A Practitioner’s Guide to Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy, 3rd edition and Deliberate Practice in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. She is also the co-editor of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a Global Context and Cognitive Behavior Therapies: A Guidebook for Practitioners. She is co-editor of The Journal of Rational-Emotive Cognitive-Behavior Therapy. She has contributed numerous book chapters on topics such as the treatment of eating disorders, ADHD, group therapy, clinical supervision, and coping with loss. She has presented her research at several national and international conventions, including those of the American Psychological Association (APA), Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (EABCT), and the World Congress of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. In addition, Dr. Doyle has published in numerous scientific journals, some of which include Journal of Social Behavior and Personality and The Journal of Rational-Emotive Cognitive-Behavior Therapy.
In addition to her work at AEI, Dr. Doyle is appointed as Full Adjunct Professor at St. John’s University in both the Clinical Psychology and School Psychology Doctoral Programs, where she has taught for 26 years. She was a Full Adjunct Professor serving as a supervising psychologist at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY for five years.
Dr. Doyle is a member of the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene Medical Reserves Corps. She served on the Board of Directors for The Institute of General Semantics and The Advisory Council for Rescuing Leftover Cuisine (RLF).
Dr. Doyle has served as an expert commentator during multiple media appearances spanning ABC’s 20/20, Access Hollywood, Channel 2, and Channel 11 News. Dr. Doyle has also been quoted in prestigious publications including The New York Times, U.S. News and World Report, Associated Press, and The Wall Street Journal.
Raymond DiGiuseppe, Ph.D., Sc.D.
After earning a B.S. degree from Villanova University, Dr. DiGiuseppe received his Ph.D. from Hofstra University in 1975. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at AEI in 1977. In 1980 he became AEI’s Director of Professional Education, a position he has held since then. He is also a Core Faculty Trainer for Albert Ellis Institute. He has trained hundreds of therapists in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) throughout the world. He received the Jack Krasner Early Career Contribution Award from APA’s Division of Psychotherapy (29) and was elected a fellow of the American Psychological Association’s divisions of Psychotherapy, Clinical, School, and Family Psychology.
Dr. DiGiuseppe joined the faculty of St. John’s University in 1987 and is presently professor and chair of the psychology department. He has been very active in the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT). Dr. DiGiuseppe helped develop the Diplomate in Behavioral Psychology (1986-87) and served on the Diplomate board. He was associate program chair (1995), and program chair (1996) for ABCT. He has served on the editorial board of ABCT’s Cognitive and Behavioral Practice. He served as ABCT convention coordinator (1997 – 2000) and associate convener for the 2001 World Congress for Behavior Therapy. Dr. DiGiuseppe developed and promoted popular convention formats such as the Master Clinician Series and the World Rounds demonstrations. Dr. DiGiuseppe was elected ABCT representative-at-large in 2001 and recently served as President of the organization.
Dr. DiGiuseppe has contributed to the scientific and clinical literature with six books, more than 120 chapters and articles, and hundreds of conference presentations. He has co-authored two psychological tests, The Anger Disorders Scale (for Adults, and the Anger Regulation and Expression Scale (for children and adolescents). He co-authored several books on REBT including the Practitioner’s Guide to Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. His present scholarship focuses on clinical aspects of anger and REBT, on which he lectures widely.
Michael Hickey, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist, Core Faculty Trainer, and the founding Director of the Center for Psychological Evaluation and the Center for Treatment and Research of Obsessive-Compulsive & Related Disorders at Albert Ellis Institute (AEI). A graduate of Western New England University, Dr. Hickey earned his B.A. in Psychology, Summa Cum Laude, and received the University’s prestigious Alumni Award for graduating with the highest cumulative grade point average. He went on to earn his M.A. and Ph.D. in Combined Clinical and School Psychology at Hofstra University and completed a pre-doctoral internship and fellowship at AEI.
During his 20-year tenure at AEI, Dr. Hickey has also trained numerous students and mental health professionals in the method and application of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (RE&CBT). He has conducted several public lectures and professional workshops on a variety of topics including evidence-based treatment for Anxiety Disorders, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Dr. Hickey’s doctoral dissertation examined the role of disgust sensitivity as an understudied emotional component in BDD and was one of the first to publish an empirical investigation on this topic. Additional clinical and research interests include the etiology and treatment of anxiety disorders, BDD, and other Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders. Dr. Hickey has published his work in peer-reviewed journals including the International Journal of Cognitive Therapy and the American Journal of Psychotherapy. He has authored and co-authored several book chapters on topics such as REBT, anxiety disorders in children and adults, couples therapy, and clinical supervision. He is also on the editorial review board for the Journal of Rational-Emotive Cognitive-Behavior Therapy.
Dr. Hickey has held memberships in the American Psychological Association (APA), the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), the International Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Foundation (IOCDF), and the New York State Psychological Association. He has presented his research at annual conventions for APA, ABCT, and IOCDF. In the media, Dr. Hickey has provided expert advice on overcoming social anxiety on New York City’s PIX 11 Morning News. In addition to his work at AEI Dr. Hickey has held adjunct faculty positions at Molloy University, Post University, Hofstra University, St. John’s University. He was also an Adjunct Assistant Professor serving as supervising psychologist at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Cost: $650 – Didactics Only (Completion of the didactic portion does not result in a Primary Practicum Certificate.) Participants have 6 months to complete this portion.
Cost: $950 – Didactics and Peer Counseling (Upon successful completion of both portions, you will receive a Primary Practicum Certificate.) Participants have a total of 12 months from date of registration to complete the certificate program.
*Due to the nature of online course materials, no refunds will be made*
Albert Ellis Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Albert Ellis Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Albert Ellis Institute has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5145. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Albert Ellis Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Albert Ellis Institute is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0133.
Albert Ellis Institute is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0131.
Albert Ellis Institute is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0019.
