Rationality. Rationality refers to people using efficient, flexible, logical, and scientific
ways of attempting to achieve their values and goals (Dryden & Neenan, 2004;
Ellis, 1962, 1973, 1999a, 2001c, 2005b; Wilson, 2010), not to the absence of feelings
or emotions. Therapy with REBT shows individuals how they can get more of
what they want from life by being rational (efficient, logical, and flexible). This
means that they may reexamine early parental or religious teachings or beliefs
they had previously accepted. As this is done, they develop a new philosophy of
life that leads to increased long-range happiness (responsible hedonism).
These philosophies, which have been abbreviated here, are communicated to
clients to help them not only alleviate current problems but also develop a philosophy
of life that will help them deal with problems as they present
themselves.