In the realm of mental health, rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) stands out as a powerful tool for personal growth and change by identifying and challenging unhelpful thinking that leads to emotional distress. At Philosophical and Cognitive Therapy (PACT), we embrace this approach, integrating REBT with philosophical counseling to provide a unique and effective therapeutic experience. Our goal is to help clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves, navigate life's challenges, and cultivate a more fulfilling way of living.
REBT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy developed by psychologist Albert Ellis in the 1950s. It focuses on uncovering and altering unhelpful thinking that leads to emotional and behavioral difficulties. REBT is based on the premise that it is not the events themselves that cause emotional distress, but rather the way we think about those events. By identifying and challenging unhelpful thinking patterns, individuals can learn to replace them with more constructive thoughts, leading to healthier emotions and behaviors.
At PACT, we integrate REBT with philosophical counseling to offer a unique therapeutic approach. REBT forms the foundation of our methodology, centering on the identification and exploration of deep-seated thinking patterns that underpin emotional distress. In conjunction, our practice explores individual attitudes toward life and circumstances, enriching the therapeutic dialog with philosophical insights. By encouraging clients to view their challenges through a philosophical lens, we foster a deeper understanding and more profound personal growth, moving beyond symptom alleviation to lasting change.
The combination of REBT and philosophical counseling helps to facilitate thought and conversation about the human experience. Below is a short list of some of the most common issues that our clients have explored using REBT and philosophical counseling:
Philosophical and Cognitive Therapy is licensed in New York and California, serving clients virtually in NYC, Brooklyn, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and beyond, and in person at our San Diego office. Begin your journey towards greater self-awareness and well-being.
REBT offers numerous potential benefits, including the ability to identify and change unhelpful thinking that contributes to emotional distress, improve self-esteem and self-acceptance, enhance problem-solving skills, and promote healthier emotional and behavioral responses. It can also lead to a more positive outlook on life, increased resilience to stress, and improved relationships.
REBT is rooted in philosophical principles, drawing heavily from Stoicism and the works of philosophers such as Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius. These philosophies emphasize the idea that individuals can control their reactions to events by changing their thinking and attitudes. REBT also incorporates elements of existentialism, focusing on personal responsibility and the freedom to choose one's responses to life's challenges.
Philosophical counseling enriches the REBT process by offering a broader framework that encourages individuals to explore fundamental beliefs and assumptions about life, existence, and values. By integrating philosophical insights, individuals gain a deeper understanding of their thought patterns and behaviors, leading to more profound personal growth and a broader perspective on their challenges.
To explore more about philosophical counseling and related approaches, check out the following pages on our site:
Julia Baum specializes in helping adults navigate emotional challenges through personalized therapy and counseling. With a unique blend of cognitive and philosophical approaches, Julia draws on her training in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) and studies in Stoicism and Existentialism to foster personal growth and self-understanding.
Emily Hughes is a Licensed and Board Certified Creative Arts Therapist with over a decade of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, low self-esteem, and life transitions. Blending creative arts therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness, Emily provides a personalized therapeutic experience tailored to each of her client’s needs.
We welcome anyone interested in REBT to contact us for a free 15-minute phone consultation. This gives us an opportunity to determine if we are a good match based on your needs and our expertise and availability. Licensed in New York and California, our virtual philosophically informed CBT therapists serve clients in NYC, Brooklyn, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and beyond, as well as in person at our San Diego office.
The first session is an opportunity to meet your therapist face-to-face and engage in a comprehensive assessment, covering your personal history, goals, and expectations for therapy. This meeting helps both you and your therapist understand your unique experiences and develop a plan tailored to your needs. If, for any reason, either of you feels the match is not the right fit, we can provide personalized referrals based on the information you have shared to help you find a better match.
In the early sessions of therapy, we work with you to establish a clear focus and direction for our work. Every client’s journey is unique, so our approach is to meet you exactly where you are. These initial sessions are key for building rapport and trust, creating a foundation for open communication and collaboration. This time allows us to explore your needs, set meaningful goals, and ensure you feel supported as we begin this journey together.
The intention of ongoing sessions is to explore deeply held beliefs about yourself, others, and the world, while challenging and replacing unhelpful thought patterns. Through this process, you can cultivate more constructive beliefs, behaviors, and perspectives, promoting personal growth aligned with your well-being.
At PACT, we offer a unique approach that harmonizes REBT with its fundamental philosophical roots. Our licensed therapists, based in New York and California, provide virtual sessions to clients in NYC, Brooklyn, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and beyond. We also offer in-person sessions in San Diego (by appointment only). By exploring your personally held philosophies, we can help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and a more meaningful approach to living.
We are dedicated to serving as a guiding light for our clients, leading you past the obstacles that have obscured your path to self-realization. We support you in cultivating a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you, finding meaning in life, and developing resilience to navigate life's challenges with clarity and purpose.
