Home | Business News | Browse by Publication | A | Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association

Conversation with a genius: a tribute to Albert Ellis.

Article Excerpt
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

As I departed on a balmy Friday night in mid-May 2006, from what was to be Dr. Albert Ellis' last Friday night workshop, I told Debbie Joffe-Ellis, his wife, that I would call her in September to schedule a visit for another group of counseling students. In September 2006, I learned that Dr. Ellis was recuperating from pneumonia. In October, his condition had not improved. January might be a better time for Dr. Ellis to resume his Friday evening sessions.

I suggested we visit Dr. Ellis at his nursing home. In December, on three different occasions, groups of students experienced Dr. Ellis replicating his Friday night workshops. On one Saturday, we even managed to see him in the emergency room.

At each visit, in spite of his visible discomfort, attached to a feeding tube and speaking in a raspy voice, he was his former spirited self, simply dazzling everyone. He was in his element, a shining star. The students were enthralled.

Throughout the spring, I was able to continue my visits to the nursing home and hospital. I had the unique opportunity and rare privilege to interview Dr. Ellis with his wife about bullying. What follows are excerpts from our meetings in which I asked questions regarding the use of REBT and bullying.

Debbie Joffe-Ellis, PhD, is a psychologist trained in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. She assisted her husband in his workshops, writings, and in other aspects of his work. During the interview, she was able to complete his thoughts and explain his words when he faltered.

Background

"In essence, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) theory holds that people are primarily responsible for their feelings about themselves, others, and the environment and/or whether they want to be perpetually disturbed by them" (Thompson & Rudolph, 2000, p. 188). The bully seems to enjoy wearing a victim down. Espelage, Mebane, and Adams (2004) question whether or not bullies lack empathic feelings. They claim further research needs to be conducted to study the link between prosocial behaviors and empathy (Espelage, Mebane, & Adams, p. 39). If bullies receive empathy training, will that change their actions? Utilizing REBT might be a viable intervention strategy to assist bullies and victims. Could it be applied to a bullying situation? If victims can rationally control their feelings after being bullied, will this diffuse the bullying? Will this shift in attitude change how the victim feels about himself or herself? Could the bully benefit? Ellis' earlier theory, Rational Emotive Therapy, PET, states "... our emotions stem mainly...

View this article FREE - Now for a Limited Time, try Goliath Business News
Free for 3 Days!