Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and the Power of Acceptance

An interview with Dr. Walter J. Matweychuk

Walter J. Matweychuk, Ph.D is a psychologist based in New York City, specializing in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and working with clients worldwide. He teaches a graduate course on cognitive behavior therapy at New York University and demonstrates REBT every Saturday at 9 a.m eastern time. The demonstration, which is free to attend, is hosted on Zoom and draws approximately 175 attendees from around the globe. This is one of the ways he disseminates the sensible ideas of REBT alongside his website, REBTDoctor.com.

How did you first become interested in this area?

After being trained in REBT, I became interested in classical philosophy. My mentor, Albert Ellis, the originator of REBT, taught that REBT is rooted in ancient and modern philosophy and borrows heavily from Stoicism. By studying classical philosophy, I thought I could deepen my understanding of REBT and become a more effective psychotherapist.

What are the most important concepts or ideas that you teach others?

I teach people how to accept what they dislike in themselves, others, and life. I don’t prescribe acceptance; I show them how they prevent themselves from achieving a state of acceptance when they face adversity by holding rigid and extreme attitudes toward adversity. Unconditional acceptance of the self, others, and life enables people to work steadily at changing what they do not like and have some happiness while tolerating that which is unchangeable.

Tell us about Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy: A Newcomer's Guide.

This book was written initially to introduce REBT to psychotherapists and coaches. It concisely presents the core ideas and strategies of this practical approach to emotional change. Potential clients will profit from it because REBT is an accessible theory. One must first understand REBT to use it effectively; this brief introduction readily explains this powerful system of ideas and strategies.

Do you have a favorite quote that you use?

Epictetus taught that

People are disturbed not by things but by their views of them. (Enchiridion, Ch. 5)

I present this powerful quote and modify it to “People are disturbed not by adversity, but their rigid and extreme attitudes towards adversity.” By emphasizing rigid and extreme attitudes, I take Epictetus's famous dictum and make it consistent with REBT’s theory of emotional disturbance.

What advice would you give someone who wanted to learn more about what you do?

I recommend visiting my REBTDoctor.com website and listening to the free educational resources there. I also strongly recommend attending my free Saturday REBT demonstrations, where you can watch me discuss and apply the practical ideas and strategies of REBT to a volunteer’s problem. You can register to obtain the free Zoom link on my website.

Suppose you were able to give a talk or workshop at the original location of Plato’s Academy, in Athens.

I would be honored to give a 90-minute presentation at the original location of Plato’s Academy entitled Accepting What You Cannot Change – An Essential Life Skill because

1. Although we prescribe acceptance, I genuinely believe we do not teach people how to accept what they cannot change.

2. Everyone has unfulfilled desires and burdens.

3. Plato would agree with the gist of my presentation. My presentation at the original location of Plato’s Academy would both honor his work and continue the effort to assist humanity through philosophical education.

What question would you like to leave us to think about?

Think of one of the most painful losses, failures, or undeserved burdens you have experienced in life to date. What would it mean to accept it? How would you be better off if you did accept it? What stops you from accepting it?

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Dr, Matweychuk will be speaking on Overcoming Unhealthy Anger with Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy at our virtual event, The Philosophy and Psychology of Anger on Saturday, March 22nd. Tickets are available by donation at eventbrite.