NCJ Number
163909
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Dated: January 1995 Pages: 31-33
Date Published
January 1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The author contends that the orientation adopted by Ellis and other practitioners of rational-emotive behavior therapy is well-suited to work with young offenders and has direct and practical implications for therapeutic procedures and practices.
Abstract
The primary philosophical premise of rational-emotive behavior therapy is that all human beings are equal in worth, regardless of their conduct. Other philosophical assumptions of rational-emotive behavior therapy are that all humans are basically hedonistic, that psychological assessment should be an ongoing and vital part of the treatment process, and that clinical intervention should be efficient. Certain basic insights should be communicated to young offenders: (1) emotional and behavioral disturbances are caused primarily by inappropriate mental processes and not by outside factors; (2) emotional disturbances, regardless of their origin, are prolonged when they are transformed into harmful thought processes; and (3) lasting changes usually come only with hard work aimed at changing inappropriate thoughts and behaviors. In addition, therapists should recognize that deep change is both desirable and achievable. 1 reference