Because I use a holistic approach to Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) in my personal and professional life, I’ve learned to incorporate flexible structure and routine into my daily behavior and through encouragement of my clients when using this helpful intervention tool.
Being flexible refers simply to the ability to be easily modified to respond to altered circumstances or conditions. This is in opposition to rigidity which relates to the inability or unwillingness to be change or adapt to situations and events.
Structure refers to construction or arrangement according to a plan, such as giving a pattern or organization to something. For instance, client X may structure her day so that she’s able to exercise from home on days in which she’s unable to attend classes at a gym.
Routine relates to performance as part of a regular procedure rather than for a special reason. As an example, client X routinely exercises in the comfort of her home on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, as she attends class at a gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The importance of flexibility cannot be overstated. Suppose client X is unable to physically train for an entire week, due to travel. If she’s inflexible, client X will likely disturb herself with irrational beliefs about missing opportunities to work out.
Noteworthy, flexible structure and routine is as unique to each of my clients as I am to each of them. How I conduct my schedule, and how often, may not be beneficial for everyone with whom I practice REBT.
Likewise, I doubt your anti-fragile pattern of organization that is practiced as a regular procedure would suit everyone you know. Therefore, finding what works for you, structuring accordingly, and implementing your routine often—all with flexibility in mind—is a personal matter.
This crucial component of healthy self-care could greatly improve your life. If you’d like to know more about how I use this tool along with other REBT techniques, don’t hesitate to reach out.
If you’re looking for a provider who works to help you 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 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 helping you to feel better, I want to help you get better!
Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW
References:
Drazen Zigic. (n.d.). Sportswoman doing abs exercises while following online tutorial over laptop at home [Image]. Freepik. Retrieved from https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/sportswoman-doing-abs-exercises-while-following-online-tutorial-laptop-home_26766559.htm#page=2&query=flexible%20flexibility&position=0&from_view=search&track=ais&uuid=79ada5b9-a1fa-4d4b-a98b-79f600665d51
Hollings, D. (2022, March 15). Disclaimer. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disclaimer
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Hollings, D. (2022, May 31). Holistic approach to mental health. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/holistic-approach-to-mental-health
Hollings, D. (n.d.). Hollings Therapy, LLC [Official website]. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/
Hollings, D. (2023, May 18). Irrational beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/irrational-beliefs
Hollings, D. (2023, September 19). Life coaching. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/life-coaching
Hollings, D. (2022, March 25). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-emotive-behavior-therapy-rebt
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