RATIONAL-EMOTIVE BEHAVIOR-THERAPY - A TOUGH-MINDED THERAPY FOR A TENDER-MINDED PROFESSION

Objections to Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) seem to exceed the mere rational preference for one approach over another Ziegler sug gested that James's dichotomy between Tough- and Tender-Mindedness mig ht explain REBT's appeal to some and its failure to attract others. RE BT is a predominantly Tough-Minded therapy, but the counseling profess ion is largely Tender Minded. In this article, the author examines why Tender-Minded counselors may not accept REBT, what common mispercepti ons of REBT may contribute to this rejection, and how the two might be reconciled. Intervention strategies for Tender-Minded counselors are suggested.