Pages two and three of The REBT Therapist’s Pocket Companion address flexibility versus (vs.) passion and rational vs. irrational. I appreciate these distinctions, because I find that people tend to have different assumptions about how these concepts apply to Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT).
Because I maintain that the words we use matter, allow me to define each of these terms. A “flexible” person is one who is ready and able to change, so as to adapt to different circumstances.
For instance, when cutoff in traffic, a person experiencing flexibility may initially be surprised or afraid. However, unlike an inflexible individual, the flexible person may throw up a hand in protest and carry on without self-disturbing into the unproductive event of a road rage scenario.
When speaking about being “passionate,” I’m referring to that which is capable of, affected by, or expressed through an intense feeling (emotion or bodily sensation). As an example, a person can be passionate towards a romantic interest or sociopolitical cause.
For the former, expression of joyous, pleasurable, or loving sentiment is conveyed. For the latter, advocating justice for an aggrieved party may be accomplished through righteous indignation (displeasure motivated by perception of a profound moral or ethical lapse).
Noteworthy, it’s quite possible for an individual to be flexible and passionate at the same time. Using the aforementioned traffic example, a driver can express displeasure through what one source describes as the “universal hand sign for ‘what is this fucker doing” while at the same time refraining from aggravating the already tense situation.
Interestingly, I suspect that some people approach REBT as a practice of ascending to the status of infallible virtue. However, each of us is a fallible human being and we will inevitably disturb ourselves from time to time—yes, even the REBT practitioners among us.
This is because humans aren’t necessarily capable of using absolute rational thought. By “rational,” I’m referring to that which is based on or in accordance with logic and reason.
One way of differentiating between logic and reason is to consider the problem with an immature artificial intelligence’s solution for curing cancer—kill everyone who has cancer. Logically, it makes sense. However, it isn’t a reasonable solution if human life is to be valued.
Often, people use flawed premises when conducting logical reasoning. Perhaps a brief illustration may be of benefit to the reader. Consider the following syllogism which is based on a faulty premise:
Major premise: All motorists are rational people.
Minor premise: The person who just pulled a gun on you in traffic is a motorist.
Conclusion: Therefore, the person who just pulled a gun on you in traffic is a rational person.
The major premise is inaccurate, because people who brandish weapons in traffic aren’t morally, ethically, or lawfully considered rational actors. Consequently, the logical reasoning of this syllogism doesn’t follow.
When I discuss the term “irrational,” I’m referring to that which isn’t logical or reasonable. Keeping with the current example, it isn’t reasonable or rational to commit what in Texas is considered aggravated assault with a deadly weapon simply because a person is upset when in traffic.
The REBT Therapist’s Pocket Companion’s page three invites REBT practitioners to use psychoeducation when teaching clients about the difference between “rational” and “irrational.” Herein, I’ve discussed these distinctions.
Nonetheless, as has been the case when sharing this information with people in my personal and professional life, some individuals maintain a negative connotation in relation to these terms. “Rational” is seen as a form is superiority while “irrational” is viewed as “crazy;” or so I’ve been reliably informed.
For people who inflexibly refuse to accept the actual definitions of these words, I remain flexible and open to synonyms of the terms. Instead of “rational,” I could suggest “helpful.” Rather than “irrational,” I may use “unhelpful.” Throughout my blog, I’ve demonstrated similar flexibility.
Herein, I’ve differentiated between flexibility vs. passion and rational vs. irrational. As imperfect humans, we can be irrationally passionate regarding a significant number of matters. Using REBT, I aim to help people reduce unhelpful reactions to these instances.
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:
Dryden, W. and Neenan, M. (2003). The REBT Therapist’s Pocket Companion. Albert Ellis Institute. ISBN 0-917476-26-3. Library of Congress Control Number: 20031044378
Hollings, D. (2022, March 15). Disclaimer. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disclaimer
Hollings, D. (2023, September 8). Fair use. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fair-use
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. (2022, November 4). Human fallibility. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/human-fallibility
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. (2023, October 2). Morals and ethics. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/morals-and-ethics
Hollings, D. (2024, January 1). Psychoeducation. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychoeducation
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. (2023, March 9). Road rage. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/road-rage
Hollings, D. (2022, November 1). Self-disturbance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/self-disturbance
Hollings, D. (2023, October 17). Syllogism. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/syllogism
Philchil23. (2014). The universal hand sign for “what is this fucker doing...” Reddit. Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/2droyn/the_universal_hand_sign_for_what_is_this_fucker/
Stefamerpik. (n.d.). Displeased woman looking out from side window and pointing with hand while driving car on blurred foreground [Image]. Freepik. Retrieved from https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/displeased-woman-looking-out-from-side-window-pointing-with-hand-while-driving-car-blurred-foreground_27158247.htm#page=4&query=rage&position=6&from_view=search&track=sph&uuid=1d85cbe8-56f3-499c-9970-2a03881d615e