National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

What role does the therapist play in Rational Emotive Psychotherapy?

1. The therapist acts as an educator

2. The therapist provides instructions

3. The therapist remains passive

4. The therapist focuses on emotional support

The correct answer is: The therapist acts as an educator

In Rational Emotive Psychotherapy (REP), the therapist primarily acts as an educator to help clients understand how their beliefs contribute to their emotional distress. This therapeutic approach, developed by Albert Ellis, emphasizes the identification and alteration of irrational beliefs that lead to negative emotional outcomes. As an educator, the therapist guides clients through the process of recognizing and challenging their cognitive distortions. By providing information about how thoughts influence feelings and behaviors, the therapist empowers clients to take an active role in their mental health. This educational aspect is crucial, as it encourages clients to develop greater insight and skills for managing their emotions and thoughts constructively. In contrast, remaining passive or merely providing emotional support does not align with the proactive and interactive nature of this therapeutic approach. The therapist's role is dynamic and involves actively engaging with the client to foster understanding and change. Therefore, the emphasis on education underscores the goal of bringing clients to a place of self-awareness and cognitive restructuring, which is central to the philosophy of Rational Emotive Psychotherapy.