Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy: A Behavioral Change Model for Executive Coaching?

Abstract

The authors suggest the use of A. Ellis's (1971A. Ellis's ( , 1994 rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT) as a tool to help clients effect behavioral change in the context of a coaching relationship. The article begins with a brief overview of REBT followed by an argument for its usefulness in an executive coaching context. The authors outline the therapeutic components of REBT that may facilitate executive coaching and discuss the circumstances under which REBT may not be appropriate.We would like to acknowledge Richard R. Kilburg and Serge Desmarais for their insightful comments on earlier revisions of this article.

Effects of rational emotive behavior coaching on occupational stress and work ability among electronics workshop instructors in Nigeria

“…Thus, the outcomes of the present study indicate that REBC, being easy to understand and directly applicable to client problems, is an appropriate tool for use in coaching. [38] According to Sherin and Caiger, [37] the therapeutic components of REBT can facilitate a coaching relationship. Further research on REBC is needed in other zones in Nigeria and in other countries, as well as with other categories of workers, to validate the present findings and help workers overcome stress and maladjustment in their occupational setting by becoming their own self-coach.…”

“…[35] David et al [36] used the coaching program to enhance resistance to stress and improve performance in a sample of 59 middle and top managers from an Italian multinational banking group. Sherin and Caiger [37] stated that the therapeutic components of REBT are useful for helping clients effect behavioral change in the context of a coaching relationship. REBT is seen as an appropriate tool for use in coaching in that clients readily understand its model of psychological disturbance and change and are able to effect changes in behavior.…”

Effects of rational emotive occupational health therapy intervention on the perceptions of organizational climate and occupational risk management practices among electronics technology employees in Nigeria

“…[24] Nieuwenhuijsen et al's [3] results support the application of rational emotive behavior therapy for reducing irrational beliefs in employees with disorders of adjustment. Several other studies support the use of rational emotive behavior therapy as a tool for helping clients effect a change in behavior and thinking styles [25,26] and its wider application in the workplace. [27–31] In the present study, the rational emotive occupational health therapy intervention program is a rational emotive behavioral health counseling intervention delivered by smartphone, WhatsApp chat application, and e-mail.…”

Efficacy of Immunity-to-Change Coaching for Leadership Development

“…Distorted beliefs can then lead to dysfunctional emotional, behavioral, and cognitive consequences (c) (Ellis, 1962). Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy theory maintains that there are only a few dysfunctional cognitions that are at the root of irrational beliefs: demands (this must happen), absolute thinking (all or none, no in-between), catastrophizing (exaggerating the negative consequences of an event), low frustration tolerance (demand for ease and comfort), and global evaluations of human worth (people can be rated, and some are less valuable than others) (Sherin & Caiger, 2004). Although rooted in similar philosophies, Immunity-to-Change coaching does not limit the scope or breadth of beliefs and assumptions that underlie cognitions and behaviors.…”