To dispute or not to dispute: Ethical REBT with religious clients

Disputation of irrational beliefs is the most commonly utilized therapeutic strategy among therapists practicing from a Rational Emotive Behavior Ther apy (REBT) framework. Very little attention has been given to the unique et hical concerns that arise when REBT practitioners treat devoutly religious clients or clients presenting with uniquely religious problems. Ignoring cl ient religious variables altogether or directly challenging and disputing s pecific religious beliefs both appear ethically problematic. This article o ffers a summary of the changing perspective on the compatibility of REBT an d religion and an exploration of the ethics of disputing with religious cli ents. Finally, the author offers a preliminary model for both general and s pecialized use of disputational techniques with religious clients.