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Hypothetical Change

  • Writer: Deric Hollings
    Deric Hollings
  • Apr 18
  • 5 min read

 

For this blogpost, I’m challenging myself to decisively present information without making my point unnecessarily convoluted with verbosity of language. (I’m not off to a great start.) 

 

Herein, I seek to address a hypothetical (involving or being based on a suggested idea) approach to change (to make different in some particular). In particular, I’m discussing hypothetical change regarding Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT).

 

First, allow me to define a few terms related to mental content and actions-based experience. 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 some 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.

 

The last definitional term addresses “behavior” which is the way in which someone conducts oneself or behaves—to manage the actions of (oneself) in a particular way. REBT examines thoughts and beliefs which impact the way people behave, as demonstrated by the ABC model.

 

Second, when teaching people about REBT, I find it useful to explore thoughts and beliefs which are irrational—mental content which isn’t in accordance with both logic and reason. “Logic” is the interrelation or sequence of facts or events when seen as inevitable or predictable.

 

“Reason” is a statement offered in explanation or justification. When illustrating logic and reason (or lack thereof) regarding mental content, I often use syllogisms as examples. For instance, consider the following:

 

Form (hypothetical) –

If p, then q; if q, then r; therefore, if p, then r.

 

Example –

If I routinely think irrationally, then I’ll habitually believe in an irrational manner. If I’ll habitually believe in an irrational manner, then I’ll consistently behave irrationally. Therefore, if I routinely think irrationally, then I’ll consistently behave irrationally.

 

The major and minor premises of this hypothetical syllogism use a logical form which leads to a reasonable conclusion. Now, using this rational (i.e., logical and reasonable) conclusion, consider the following hypothetical syllogism as it relates to change:

 

Form (hypothetical) –

If p, then q; if q, then r; therefore, if p, then r.

 

Example –

If I routinely challenge irrational beliefs, then I’ll consistently behave rationally. If I’ll consistently behave rationally, then I’ll change my life in accordance with my interests and goals. Therefore, if I routinely challenge irrational beliefs, then I’ll change my life in accordance with my interests and goals.

 

Lastly, this hypothetical approach to change which uses tenets of the REBT ABC model arguably requires understanding of and belief in this method of rational living. Moreover, it necessitates routine practice of the method in order to alter one’s life in a meaningful way.

 

While I’m not used to writing short posts, I challenged myself to resolutely present information about REBT without making my point unnecessarily long-winded. (I think I did okay.) If you’d like to know more about hypothetical change, I look forward to hearing from you.

 

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


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References:

 

Hollings, D. (2022, May 17). Circle of concern. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/circle-of-concern

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

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

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

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

Hollings, D. (2025, March 16). Hypothetical syllogism. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/hypothetical-syllogism

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. (2023, March 20). Practice. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/practice

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. (2024, May 15). Rational living. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-living

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

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. (2024, January 16). Understanding, belief, and practice. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/understanding-belief-and-practice

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

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