Texas Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) Practice Exam

The development of Rational Emotive Therapy (RET) is primarily attributed to Albert Ellis, who introduced this therapeutic framework in the 1950s. RET is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on identifying and changing irrational beliefs that lead to emotional disturbances and maladaptive behaviors. Ellis posited that individuals often hold unrealistic or distorted beliefs about themselves and their circumstances, which can lead to various psychological issues.

Through RET, clients learn to recognize these irrational thoughts, evaluate their validity, and replace them with more rational and constructive beliefs. This therapeutic approach emphasizes the role of cognition in emotional well-being, illustrating how changing one's thinking can lead to improved emotional states and behavior. Ellis's work laid the groundwork for various cognitive therapies that followed, solidifying his influence in the field of psychology and counseling.