Topics for Consideration for a Summit Agenda
Albert Ellis wished to see REBT continue past his time, to maintain its uniqueness, and for people trained in the method to continue to build and advance REBT. The future progression of the system will depend upon the credibility of those who continue what Albert Ellis started and the quality of the work that they produce.
Albert Ellis' prodigious work and writings directly or indirectly positively influenced the lives of millions, and stimulated the development of allied systems of cognitive-behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, and others. Few have matched Albert Ellis' dedication, persistence, work output, and quality of contribution to the betterment of humanity. Still, much work remains to build upon the work Albert Ellis initiated:
- Continue to develop and promote the REBT delivery system to advance community health and individual happiness;
- Train and develop professional counselors and therapists in the application of REBT;
- Support the continuation of the system through research and practice.
Starting now, an organized, purposeful, and persistent effort to advance REBT can significantly add velocity to the viability of this bedrock psychological services delivery system. This effort is to be done independent of the AEI as it is currently constituted, which Albert Ellis described as the "fake" AEI.
Many trained in REBT have a strong stake in advancing the REBT system while at the same time distancing themselves from the Albert Ellis Institute as it is currently constituted. Therefore, in support of the many, with the aim of advancing REBT, a summit planning conference on the future of REBT will be conducted in two parts. This will be followed by an implementation phase.
Phase one involves a meeting of some of the most senior fellows and Board in Waiting members to consider the future of REBT and to develop an agenda. This will convene within the next thirty days.
Phase two is a conference for Board in Waiting members and other parties of interest who have a stake in the evolution of REBT. Members of this group will consider agenda issues and firm up a preliminary action plan.
Phase two will convene on September 28, 2007. This phase opens a more intensive opportunity for Board in Waiting members, and other parties of interest, to take part in the shaping of an REBT strategic plan for the future.
Phase three involves implementation and modifications based upon experience and reality.
At all three stages, people from the REBT community, who wish to participate in the advancement of REBT but who choose not to affiliate with the current Albert Ellis Institute as it is currently constituted, can provide their thoughts, guidance, and counsel. This input is welcomed. Until the mechanisms for this process are formalized, you are invited to send your comments to at the REBTnetwork.org, which was Albert Ellis's website. The agenda for Phase one follows.
Phase One
Phase one will be implemented by a small group of the most senior REBT fellows and supervisors who are members of the Board in Waiting. In this phase, the group will consider:
- General strategies to assure a bright future of REBT.
- How to implement training and development programs that are consistent with the REBT model that Al initiated and intended.
- New models and strategies for promoting REBT through theory, research, and practice, as well as through improving tested models already found effective.
- The feasibility of organizing the promotion and development of REBT around a new "hub" model. The hubs are major training sites located in various parts of the country that support the training initiatives of qualified REBT practitioners within the designated zone. Each hub center will enjoy autonomy, issue training certificates, provide continuing education credit, produce products for sale, and network with the other hubs and a committee of the most senior fellows. (This represents a decentralized approach.)
- Methods for supporting the training efforts and therapeutic work and production of fellows, associate fellows, and people with recognized special talents and capabilities. Members of this group have already demonstrated that they understand and can ably apply REBT at higher levels of efficiency and effectiveness. By supporting members of this group's efforts to train and develop other REBT practitioners, and by supporting their efforts, we support the advancement of REBT.
- The refinement and development of self-help materials for public dissemination.
- Instructional designs for specialist professional training: e.g., anger management, procrastination, depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, stress management, group therapy methods, etc.. The goal is to make such programs highly competitive.
- Instructional designs for workshops to teach the basics of REBT and specialist areas such as the application of methods of scientific inquiry to solve problems in daily living, optimizing performances, and to deal with the "big four" of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and procrastination.
- Methods for dealing with complex problem issues involving coexisting conditions such as perfectionism, self-doubts, indecisiveness, procrastination, and other common human problems in daily living.
- Strategies for refining the teaching or other ways to recognize irrational beliefs, and related forms of cognitive distortions, developing emotional tolerance skills, and engaging proactively in problem-solving behaviors to support personal health and happiness.
- School-based initiatives to bring rational principles into the classroom.
- Promoting research and evolving the system through evidence-based techniques that are consistent with the philosophy and delivery structure of REBT.
- Evolving an ethical code for REBT.