What is rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) at Foundations?
Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) counseling in Loveland and Windsor at Foundations Counseling helps you spot the rigid beliefs that drive strong emotions like anxiety, anger and shame, then practice more flexible ways of thinking. It is private pay, about $200 per session, with a free consultation and a first appointment usually within 48 hours.
What is REBT and how does it work?
REBT starts from a simple idea: events matter, but what we believe about them shapes how we feel and act. A National Library of Medicine overview of behavioral therapies describes REBT as using the ABC model, where A is the activating event or adversity, B is your beliefs, and C is the consequences. Say a coworker sends a critical email (A). If the belief underneath is "I must never make mistakes, and if I do I am a failure" (B), the result may be shame, a sleepless night and avoiding your inbox (C). Your counselor helps you find that belief and question it: Is it true? Is it helpful? Would you hold a friend to it? Over time you practice a firmer, kinder belief such as "I strongly prefer to do well, and a mistake does not make me a failure."
How is REBT different from CBT?
REBT is part of the cognitive behavioral family. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you notice automatic thoughts that are inaccurate or harmful and change the patterns that follow, which the National Institute of Mental Health describes in its overview of psychotherapies. REBT shares that goal and puts extra weight on demands, the musts and shoulds we place on ourselves, other people and life, and on accepting yourself as a whole person even when you fall short. Many counselors blend the two, so you do not need to choose one before you start.
What can REBT help with?
People often look into REBT when the same reactions keep showing up: worry that spirals, anger that feels bigger than the moment, perfectionism, procrastination, guilt or a harsh inner critic. It can be part of counseling for anxiety, anger management and self-esteem. Your counselor will look at the whole picture with you, not just the beliefs, and adjust the approach to what you need.
What does an REBT session look like?
Sessions are collaborative and fairly active. You bring a recent situation that went badly, and together you map it out, name the belief that did the damage, and test it. Expect your counselor to ask direct questions and, at times, gently push back. Many people practice between sessions by writing out an ABC for a hard moment or trying a new response in real life, then reporting back on what happened.
Who will I work with?
Some Foundations counselors use REBT in their work. You can meet them in the team section on this page, or tell us what you need when you reach out and we will match you with a counselor who fits. Your first meeting with that counselor is a free consultation. If the first match does not feel right, our Counselor Match Guarantee means we will find another counselor who is.
Sessions are in person at our offices in Loveland and Windsor, or through online counseling anywhere in Colorado.
What does REBT at Foundations not cover?
If you are thinking about suicide or are in emotional crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911. Foundations offers outpatient talk therapy, so it is not the right fit for an active crisis, and it does not include medication, psychiatry or emergency care. Questions about medication belong with your physician. REBT is also not the place to start if you need help processing trauma at a slower pace, or if you need an evaluation for a court, school or employer. Tell us what is going on when you reach out and we will point you to the right kind of care.
Ready to talk?
For a place to start at home, read seeing your cognitive distortions and learning to change them. When you are ready, book a free consultation or call 970.227.2770. Tell us what is going on and what you hope will change, and we will take it from there.
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GUARANTEED COUNSELOR MATCH
REBT can feel direct, and that works best when you trust the person asking the hard questions. If your first match is not the right fit, we will find another Foundations counselor who is. How the Counselor Match Guarantee works.
Learn MoreHOW WE WORK WITH REBT
Your counselor learns what keeps tripping you up, then works with you on the beliefs underneath it and on what you do next.
- Mapping a hard moment with the ABC model so you can see the belief behind the reaction.
- Questioning rigid musts and shoulds and practicing more flexible ones, often alongside CBT.
- Between session practice that fits your life, such as writing out a situation or trying a new response.
Meet the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) Team
3 counselors Loveland 2 Windsor 1
Do You Feel...
What brings people to counseling rarely arrives as one clear moment. More often it builds quietly: a feeling that lingers, a pattern that keeps repeating, a sense that something is off. If any of these sound familiar, reaching out to Foundations is a simple first step.
Rules You Must Never Break
Living by demands like "I must never fail" or "people should always treat me fairly," and feeling crushed or furious when life does not go along with them.
Anger That Flares Fast
Do small frustrations turn into big reactions? Often a belief about how others should act sits underneath, and noticing it can help you respond in a steadier way.
Shame Over Mistakes
Feeling like one error makes you a failure as a person, and replaying it for days instead of seeing it as something you did, not who you are.
Anxiety Built on Worst Cases
Jumping to "this will be awful and I cannot stand it," so that ordinary uncertainty feels unbearable and keeps you avoiding things you want to do.
Perfectionism That Wears You Out
Holding yourself to standards no one could meet, then feeling anxious or worthless when you fall short, even when others think you are doing well.
A Need for Approval
Do you feel you must be liked or approved of to be okay? That belief can make criticism feel devastating and keep you saying yes when you mean no.
Guilt Out of Proportion
Feeling guilty or upset far beyond what a situation calls for, and sensing that your reaction is making a hard moment much harder than it needs to be.
Putting Things Off
Procrastinating because a task feels too hard, too boring or too risky to get wrong, then feeling frustrated with yourself as the pile keeps growing.
Feeling Crushed by Setbacks
Are your emotions knocking you flat instead of fitting what happened? It is possible to care deeply about outcomes without being overwhelmed by every disappointment.
Answers to Common Questions
Is REBT just positive thinking?
Will REBT stop me from feeling upset?
What does unconditional self acceptance mean in REBT?
What are the costs associated with counseling or therapy sessions at Foundations?
Does Foundations accept Insurance?
What if I need to reschedule my counseling session?
Are you available in the evenings or on weekends?
How long does REBT usually take?
Can I do REBT online?
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We understand that the journey to emotional well-being begins with connecting you to the right counselor. That's why we proudly offer our unique Counselor Match Guarantee. We don't just pair you with any counselor; we meticulously match you with someone who aligns with your specific needs, preferences, and goals for healing and growth. If the initial pairing needs to be corrected, we encourage you to explore our diverse and experienced team until you find the perfect fit.
Your comfort and progress are paramount, so we ensure you always have a supportive and confidential environment to pursue your journey of self-discovery and healing. Choose us as your trusted partner in this transformative experience—because your well-being deserves the utmost care.
Begin your journey today and take the first step towards a brighter, more fulfilling tomorrow. Let us guide you to emotional wellness with our dedicated and compassionate counseling services.
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