Explanation and Justification

[DISCLAIMER]

To provide a psychoeducational lesson on my approach to Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), I find it useful to illustrate how the scripts which we tell ourselves are constructed (made or formed by combining or arranging parts or elements; set in logical order).

First, it may be worthwhile to distinguish between thoughts and beliefs. A “thought” is an individual act or product of thinking. A “belief” is a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in a person or thing.

Whereas a thought is merely a fleeting idea, a belief is a thought that one strongly holds as true and that influences one’s perspective and behavior. Essentially, a belief is a thought that has been affirmed and integrated into one’s cognitive framework. It’s considered true, though not perfect.

Second, I draw a distinction between description and prescription. A description is simply a thought or discourse intended to give a mental image of something experienced. On the other hand, a prescription is the thought or action of laying down authoritative rules or directions.

For instance, I may assert that toothpaste brand X is the favorite option for cleaning my teeth, as this is merely a description. Alternatively, if I declared that everyone else must also appreciate the brand, because it’s undeniably believed to be the best, then I’d be using a prescription.

Third, I differentiate between morals and ethics. A “moral” is a person’s standard of behavior or belief concerning what is and isn’t acceptable for the individual and other people. Morals thus relate to what’s considered good, bad, right, wrong, or otherwise acceptable or unacceptable.

An “ethic” is a set of moral principles, especially those relating to or affirming a specified group, field, or form of conduct. Whereas morals relate to what is thought of as pleasing or displeasing behaviors and beliefs, ethics – based on morals – are the social rules by which we pledge to live.

For context, a principle is a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption that serves as a rule or code of conduct with habitual devotion to this subjective morally and ethically right standard. Thus, principles are a form of values (something intrinsically desirable).

Fourth, with my approach to care for mental, emotional, and behavioral health (collectively “mental health”), I invite people to consider scripts which are rational (in accordance with both logic and reason) – especially regarding events which correlate with strong feelings.

On the topic of feelings, I often find it valuable to clarify what this element represents in regard to the construct of beliefs. I state this, because people generally misuse this term.

A “feeling” relates to either: 1. Emotion (i.e., joy, fear, anger, sorrow, disgust, surprise, etc.) or 2. Sensation (e.g., tightened or stiffened jaw). If the word “feel” (or any derivative thereof) can be replaced with “hunch,” “thought,” or “belief” (or any derivative thereof), it’s not a feeling.

Thus, it’s improper to say something along the lines of “I feel like you did that to get back at me,” because what one typically intends on communicating is “I believe that you did that to get back at me.” Noteworthy, there’s a foundation for quibbling with this sort of misuse.

In REBT, unfavorable beliefs which cause unpleasant consequences are rigorously challenged. However, feelings (i.e., emotions and sensations) aren’t confronted. Thus, proper use of feelings-based language affords a person the opportunity to examine the logic and reason one uses.

Here, “logic” is the interrelation or sequence of facts or events when seen as inevitable or predictable, and “reason” is a statement offered in explanation or justification. Here, “explanation” is the act or process of explaining—to make plain or understandable.

Per the American Psychological Association (APA), explanation is further defined as “an account that provides a meaning for some phenomenon or event in terms of causal conditions, a set of beliefs or assumptions, or a metaphor that relates it to something already understood.”

Take the current blogpost, for instance. I’m explaining my approach to REBT. This is a particularly useful matter of understanding when it comes to the ABC model, an REBT tool that takes a scientific approach to well-being. Regarding scientific explanation, the APA states:

[A]n account of an event, behavior, or thought that is couched in terms of an established set of scientific principles, facts, and assumptions.

Typical forms of explanation may be reductionistic, analyzing a phenomenon into components and describing how they combine to produce the phenomenon; ontogenic, relating the phenomenon to a universal set of developmental stages; empiricistic, describing a phenomenon in terms of the conditions that have been observed to produce it; or metaphoric or categorical, identifying a phenomenon as similar in some important respects to other phenomena already understood.

Such an explanation stated systematically is generally known as a theory.

When using the ABC model, people rigorously explain use of logical (or illogical) beliefs. As expressed above, this process also relates to “justification”—the act or an instance of justifying something. Here, “justifying” relates to proving or showing to be just, right, or reasonable.

As well, “just” regards having a basis in or conforming to fact or reason. The APA thusly defines three separate forms of justification:

1. in ethics, the process of determining right actions and appropriate beliefs.

2. in clinical psychology, defensive intellectualization, as in making an excuse for an action, cognition, or affect that one knows to be or is considered to be wrong or indefensible.

3. in epistemology, a concept of intellectual responsibility regarding the norms of belief about ideas, actions, emotions, claims, theories, and so forth.

When using the ABC model, one can reasonably expect to encounter each of these forms of justification. The takeaway point here is that use of logical beliefs alone doesn’t necessarily result in rational thinking. This is why explanation and justification are needed (i.e., reason).

For clarity, explanation answers “how’ or “why” something happened (i.e., causal/descriptive), as this form of reasoning focuses on facts and context. Description of this sort isn’t the kind of cognitive content that inherently causes self-disturbance.

Alternatively, when used in the clinical psychology form described by the APA, justification answers “should it have happened” or “was it right,” as this form focuses on moral or logical reasons to defend an action or belief as good or valid. This is a matter of prescription.

Notably, not all prescriptions serve self-disturbing functions. As an example, I preferably should drink water. The justification for this prescriptive belief is that it’s right (i.e., healthy) to stay properly hydrated in order to stay alive. Herein, I’ve explained why I drink water.

Provided you understand the distinction between explanation and justification, I’ll put a final point on this topic. An explanation clarifies a situation (e.g., “For the sake of clarity, I explain”), as a justification argues for its rightness (e.g., “To remedy ignorance, explaining is right”).

When practicing the ABC model, I often use syllogisms (a deductive scheme of a formal argument consisting of a major and a minor premise and a conclusion). For instance, a modus ponens syllogism abides by the following logical form: If p, then q; p; therefore, q.

If you understand how beliefs are constructed while using daily practice of the ABC model and unconditional acceptance techniques pertaining to REBT (p), then you’ll be less likely to self-disturb by use of irrational beliefs (q).

You understand how beliefs are constructed while using daily practice of the ABC model and unconditional acceptance techniques pertaining to REBT (p).

Therefore, you’ll be less likely to self-disturb by use of irrational beliefs (q).

For context, a syllogism is generally comprised of a major premise (e.g., if p, then q), a minor premise (e.g., p), and a resulting conclusion (e.g., q). For the sake of argument, it’s inferred that both premises which lead to a conclusion are presumed to be true.

Bear in mind that the premises in an argument, proposition, supposition, thought, or belief of this form will always lead to the conclusion. This is the case even when the premises aren’t actually true.

Equally, in order to be considered rational, the argument, proposition, or belief empirically must remain in accordance with both logic and reason. Otherwise, the proposed syllogism may simply follow logical form while not remaining in accord with reason.

Given this context, the syllogistic example I used follows logical form. Furthermore, I maintain that it’s reasonable, because REBT has over 50 years of data to support my belief in this psychotherapeutic modality. Therefore, I maintain that my script is rational.

Finally, it’s worth noting that what may be considered rational by one person or party may be deemed irrational by another individual or group. Although you may believe in objective morality, ethics, rationality, and so on, I see no evidence to support this belief.

In any event, regarding the current blogpost, I’ve illustrated how mental scripts are constructed. Presuming you understand the material demonstrated herein, I invite you to dispute your irrational beliefs if and when they arise—and they will automatically present themselves!

Through disputation, you can destruct (the state or fact of destroying) unproductive beliefs which don’t serve your interests and goals while constructing more effective new beliefs. This is how to un-disturb yourself.

Lastly, there’s a term that’s circulated for the past couple decades or so. Perhaps you’ve heard it. “Mansplaining” is to explain something to a woman in a perceivably condescending way that assumes she has no knowledge about the topic. Personally, there’s no use for this shaming term.

I’m a man and a professional REBT practitioner. If you consume the content of my blog, work with me in mental health sessions, or otherwise seek clarity, then you can reasonably expect that I’m going to explain various matters, as my justification for my doing so regards precision.

If explanation and justification stemming from a man is something you evidently don’t appreciate, then you’re welcome not to consume my content or seek my services. Alternatively, if you would like more information about REBT, then please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

Photo credit (edited), fair use

References:

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Explanation. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/explanation

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Justification. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/justification

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Scientific explanation. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/scientific-explanation

David, D., Cotet, C., Matu, S., Mogoase, C., and Stefan, S. (2017, September 12). 50 years of rational‐emotive and cognitive‐behavioral therapy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Journal for Clinical Psychology. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5836900/

Hollings, D. (2024, May 24). A scientific approach to mental health. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/a-scientific-approach-to-mental-health

Hollings, D. (2025, October 19). Adhering to invisible scripts. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/adhering-to-invisible-scripts

Hollings, D. (2024, November 15). Assumptions. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/assumptions

Hollings, D. (2024, November 24). Automatic thoughts and beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/automatic-thoughts-and-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2024, October 29). Cognitive continuum. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/cognitive-continuum

Hollings, D. (2024, March 19). Consequences. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/consequences

Hollings, D. (2024, October 27). Correlation does not imply causation. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/correlation-does-not-imply-causation

Hollings, D. (2025, June 17). Daily practice. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/daily-practice

Hollings, D. (2022, October 5). Description vs. prescription. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/description-vs-prescription

Hollings, D. (2024, October 21). Desire. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/desire

Hollings, D. (2022, March 15). Disclaimer. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disclaimer

Hollings, D. (2024, July 10). Empirical should beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/empirical-should-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2025, March 9). Factual and counterfactual beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/factual-and-counterfactual-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2023, September 8). Fair use. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fair-use

Hollings, D. (2025, June 9). “Feeling better” doesn’t help you understand or change behaviors. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/feeling-better-doesn-t-help-you-understand-or-change-behaviors

Hollings, D. (2024, May 17). Feeling better vs. getting better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/feeling-better-vs-getting-better-1

Hollings, D. (2025, March 5). Five major characteristics of four major irrational beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/five-major-characteristics-of-four-major-irrational-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2023, October 12). Get better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/get-better

Hollings, D. (2024, August 27). Guilt and shame are choices. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/guilt-and-shame-are-choices

Hollings, D. (2025, September 22). Hey you! You’re losing your mind! Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/hey-you-you-re-losing-your-mind

Hollings, D. (n.d.). Hollings Therapy, LLC [Official website]. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/

Hollings, D. (2025, January 26). Ignorance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/ignorance

Hollings, D. (2024, May 10). Inferred meaning. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/inferred-meaning

Hollings, D. (2024, January 2). Interests and goals. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/interests-and-goals

Hollings, D. (2025, May 2). It’s outside of my control and influence. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/it-s-outside-of-my-control-and-influence

Hollings, D. (2025, March 4). Justification. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/justification

Hollings, D. (2025, October 13). Knowledge, wisdom, understanding. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/knowledge-wisdom-understanding

Hollings, D. (2023, September 19). Life coaching. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/life-coaching

Hollings, D. (2023, September 8). Lived experience. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/lived-experience

Hollings, D. (2023, January 8). Logic and reason. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/logic-and-reason

Hollings, D. (2024, March 31). M-m-m-musturbation. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/m-m-m-musturbation

Hollings, D. (2022, June 23). Meaningful purpose. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/meaningful-purpose

Hollings, D. (2024, March 4). Mental, emotional, and behavioral health. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/mental-emotional-and-behavioral-health

Hollings, D. (2025, March 16). Modus ponens. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/modus-ponens

Hollings, D. (2023, October 2). Morals and ethics. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/morals-and-ethics

Hollings, D. (2024, March 13). Objective morality. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/objective-morality

Hollings, D. (2024, April 22). On disputing. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-disputing

Hollings, D. (2023, September 3). On feelings. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-feelings

Hollings, D. (2023, April 24). On truth. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-truth

Hollings, D. (2025, April 9). Perception, action, and will. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/perception-action-and-will

Hollings, D. (2023, June 3). Perfect is the enemy of good. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/perfect-is-the-enemy-of-good

Hollings, D. (2025, September 9). Personal responsibility and accountability. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/personal-responsibility-and-accountability

Hollings, D. (2024, July 20). Perspective shift. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/perspective-shift

Hollings, D. (2025, May 3). Predictability of logic. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/predictability-of-logic

Hollings, D. (2024, July 10). Preferential should beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/preferential-should-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2024, May 26). Principles. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/principles

Hollings, D. (2024, January 1). Psychoeducation. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychoeducation

Hollings, D. (2023, September 15). Psychotherapeutic modalities. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychotherapeutic-modalities

Hollings, D. (2024, May 5). Psychotherapist. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychotherapist

Hollings, D. (2022, March 24). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-emotive-behavior-therapy-rebt

Hollings, D. (2025, August 13). Rational versus irrational thoughts and beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-versus-irrational-thoughts-and-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2024, March 14). REBT and emotions. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rebt-and-emotions

Hollings, D. (2024, January 20). Reliability vs. validity. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/reliability-vs-validity

Hollings, D. (2024, January 4). Rigid vs. rigorous. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rigid-vs-rigorous

Hollings, D. (2022, November 1). Self-disturbance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/self-disturbance

Hollings, D. (2024, April 21). Sensation. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/sensation

Hollings, D. (2023, October 17). Syllogism. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/syllogism

Hollings, D. (2024, January 8). The baseball rule of life. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-baseball-rule-of-life

Hollings, D. (2025, October 22). The construct. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-construct

Hollings, D. (2025, January 2). The distinction between law and justice. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-distinction-between-law-and-justice

Hollings, D. (2024, September 17). The E-C connection. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-e-c-connection

Hollings, D. (2025, April 12). The oblivion of directionlessness. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-oblivion-of-directionlessness

Hollings, D. (2024, February 6). This ride inevitably ends. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/this-ride-inevitably-ends

Hollings, D. (2025, February 28). To try is my goal. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/to-try-is-my-goal

Hollings, D. (2025, January 9). Traditional ABC model. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/traditional-abc-model

Hollings, D. (2025, July 3). Trust the process. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/trust-the-process

Hollings, D. (2024, October 20). Unconditional acceptance redux. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unconditional-acceptance-redux

Hollings, D. (2025, March 13). Unscientific thinking and believing. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unscientific-thinking-and-believing

Hollings, D. (2024, November 24). Values. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/values

Hollings, D. (2024, September 29). Well, well, well. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/well-well-well

Hollings, D. (2025, April 12). What’s the big idea? Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/what-s-the-big-idea

Hollings, D. (2025, August 26). You are not your image. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/you-are-not-your-image

Pch.vector. (n.d.). Pensive tablet user looking and pointing finger away [Image]. Freepik. Retrieved from https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/pensive-tablet-user-looking-pointing-finger-away_6628832.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=6&uuid=267e7bc6-8be7-4b36-a7ba-7d758c83f2bc&query=explanation

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Categorical proposition. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Categorical_proposition

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Empiricism. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empiricism

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Epistemology. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistemology

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Metaphor. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Ontogeny. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontogeny

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Reductionism. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reductionism

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Theory. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory