Find a Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapist in NYC & Manhattan
In New York City—especially fast-paced areas like Midtown, the Upper East Side, Tribeca, and Chelsea—high achievers often experience a silent battle between external success and internal self-criticism.
At Uncover Mental Health Counseling, our Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) in NYC helps challenge irrational beliefs that fuel perfectionism, anxiety, and self-doubt. By reframing harmful thought patterns, REBT helps you genuinely appreciate your accomplishments and build a healthier relationship with yourself.
You may have learned to tune out the voice that says you’re “never enough,” pushing forward in spite of it. But who would you be without that constant internal pressure? Through REBT and virtual therapy across New York State, you can learn science-based tools to silence negative thinking, improve emotional resilience, and live with more clarity—even while pursuing big goals.
What Is Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy?
Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) is an evidence-based form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focused on identifying and changing irrational beliefs that negatively impact emotions, self-esteem, and behavior.
Our REBT therapists in NYC use a structured approach based on the ABC model:
(A) Activating Event
The event, situation, or trigger that sparks a negative emotional response.
Examples: criticism at work, performance pressure, relationship conflict, or a past memory.
Your REBT therapist will teach problem-solving skills such as assertive communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making to help you handle activating events more effectively.
(B) Beliefs
Beliefs are the thoughts you attach to the triggering event.
For high achievers, these beliefs often sound like:
- “If I’m not perfect, I’m a failure.”
- “Other people’s approval determines my worth.”
Your therapist helps challenge and reframe these beliefs through cognitive restructuring, thought-challenging, visualization, and examining evidence.
(C) Consequences
The emotional and behavioral reaction that follows—such as anxiety, self-criticism, avoidance, or anger.
To manage these consequences, REBT teaches grounding skills, mindfulness, breathwork, self-soothing strategies, and emotional regulation tools for real-world application in demanding NYC environments.
Symptoms Addressed by REBT Therapy in NYC
REBT at Uncover Mental Health Counseling helps address challenges such as:
- Persistent anxiety or depression
- Procrastination and avoidance
- Guilt, shame, or self-blame
- Low frustration tolerance
- Self-sabotaging patterns
- Difficulty handling criticism
- Perfectionism and career-related stress
- Passive-aggressive or aggressive reactions
Why REBT Is Valuable for NYC Professionals & Students
In a city where success is expected and pressure is constant, REBT becomes a powerful tool:
- Fast-Paced NYC Lifestyle: Build emotional resilience amid intense work demands.
- Multicultural Communities: Navigate conflict, communication differences, and relationship strain.
- Mental Health Awareness: Encourages early intervention to prevent burnout.
- Life Transitions: Promotions, layoffs, breakups, relocation, or academic stress.
- Substance Misuse Prevention: Calm the beliefs and emotions that fuel unhealthy coping.
Whether you live or work in Lower Manhattan,
, Midtown, or the Upper West Side, REBT can help you stay grounded and emotionally balanced.
Virtual REBT Therapy Across New York State
Because many New Yorkers have tight schedules or long commutes, Uncover Mental Health Counseling offers virtual REBT therapy sessions statewide.
This allows professionals, students, and parents to receive treatment from home, the office, or during breaks—without the commute or time constraints.
If you’re in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Long Island, or Westchester—you can work with a REBT therapist from anywhere.
Treatment Process at Uncover Mental Health Counseling
- Initial Assessment & Goal Setting
- Cognitive Exploration — Identifying harmful beliefs
- Challenging & Reframing Thoughts
- Skill-Building for Emotional Regulation
- Homework to Practice Skills in Real Life
- Progress Tracking & Feedback
- Long-Term Independence & Support
Our approach is structured, collaborative, and practical—ideal for people with busy schedules.
Benefits of REBT for High-Achieving New Yorkers
- Efficient and goal-focused approach
- Clear, logical tools that make sense to analytical thinkers
- Reduces self-criticism, perfectionism, and emotional overload
- Strengthens resilience, confidence, and self-acceptance
- Helps prevent burnout and improves work-life balance
- Boosts communication in relationships and at work
If constant self-criticism, anxiety, or negative thinking is getting in the way of your happiness, you don’t have to keep pushing through alone.
Our REBT therapists in NYC combine Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for powerful, lasting change.
Call (646) 868-8480
Email info@uncovercounseling.com
Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT)?
REBT is a therapeutic approach that addresses and rectifies irrational beliefs leading to emotional distress. It equips individuals with the skills to identify, challenge, and replace self-defeating beliefs and behaviors with healthier ones.
What is the primary goal of REBT therapy?
The primary goal of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is to help individuals achieve emotional well-being and behavioral change by identifying and challenging their irrational beliefs. This includes:
- Recognizing the impact of irrational beliefs on emotions and behaviors.
- Challenging and disputing these irrational beliefs to make them more rational and constructive.
- Achieving more rational and adaptive emotional responses.
- Developing healthier, goal-oriented behaviors.
- Promoting unconditional self-acceptance and reducing self-criticism.
- Enhancing an individual's ability to cope with life's challenges and adversities.
What are the 3 main beliefs of REBT?
What are the 3 main beliefs of REBT?
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is built upon three fundamental beliefs:
- A. The "A" stands for Activating Event: This refers to the external situations or events that trigger emotional and behavioral responses. It's important to recognize that it's not the events themselves that cause emotional distress, but rather our beliefs and interpretations of those events.
- B. The "B" stands for Belief: Beliefs are at the core of REBT. They encompass our thoughts, assumptions, and evaluations about the activating events. REBT distinguishes between two types of beliefs: rational and irrational. Rational beliefs are flexible, objective, and based on evidence, while irrational beliefs are rigid, unrealistic, and often unrealistic.
C. The "C" stands for Consequence: This represents the emotional and behavioral outcomes of our beliefs. In REBT, it is recognized that irrational beliefs lead to negative emotional consequences, such as anxiety, anger, or depression, as well as self-defeating behaviors. Rational beliefs, on the other hand, lead to more positive and constructive emotional and behavioral consequences.
How is REBT different from traditional talk therapy?
Traditional talk therapy often involves discussing past experiences and emotions to gain insight and understanding. REBT, on the other hand, is action-oriented and solution-focused. It emphasizes practical techniques and strategies that individuals can use to change their thought patterns and behaviors in the present and future. While traditional talk therapy can be exploratory and insight-driven, REBT is more goal-oriented and focused on identifying and altering irrational beliefs that contribute to emotional distress. At Uncover Mental Health Counseling, we incorporate the benefits of both REBT and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to ensure a comprehensive approach to mental well-being.
How long does REBT treatment typically last?
The duration of REBT treatment varies depending on the individual's needs. Some people may experience significant improvements in just a few sessions, while others may benefit from a more extended engagement. Our therapists at Uncover Mental Health Counseling will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your specific circumstances.
Is REBT suitable for children and adolescents?
Yes, REBT can be adapted for children and adolescents. It provides valuable tools for young individuals to develop emotional resilience, improve problem-solving skills, and address issues such as school-related stress, social anxiety, and family conflicts. Therapists who work with children and adolescents often modify their approach to make it developmentally appropriate and engaging for younger clients.
Can REBT be used for couples therapy?
Yes, REBT can be applied to couples therapy. It is effective in helping couples address communication problems, conflicts, and emotional issues by identifying and challenging irrational beliefs that may be contributing to relationship difficulties. REBT can equip couples with the skills to communicate more effectively and manage their emotions in ways that promote a healthier relationship.
Is REBT effective for managing anger and frustration?
Yes, REBT is highly effective in helping individuals manage anger and frustration. It teaches techniques to identify and change the irrational beliefs that underlie these emotions. By addressing the core beliefs that lead to anger and frustration, individuals can develop more constructive responses and healthier ways of dealing with these challenging emotions.
Is REBT covered by insurance?
In many cases, REBT therapy is covered by insurance, but coverage may vary depending on your insurance provider and the specific policy you have. To determine coverage and any requirements for reimbursement, it's advisable to contact your insurance company directly. It may be necessary for your therapist to provide specific information or documentation to facilitate the insurance claims process
What can I expect during an REBT session?
During an REBT session, you can expect to engage in discussions related to your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors concerning the issue you're addressing in therapy. Your therapist will guide you through a structured process that includes identifying irrational beliefs, challenging them, and replacing them with rational ones. You'll also receive practical strategies and homework assignments to work on between sessions. The specific content of each session will depend on your unique goals and needs.
Are there self-help resources for REBT?
Yes, there are numerous self-help resources available for individuals interested in learning about and applying REBT concepts and techniques on their own. These resources include books, workbooks, online courses, and apps that introduce REBT principles and provide exercises for self-improvement. While self-help resources can be valuable, working with a qualified therapist can provide personalized guidance and support tailored to your specific needs.
Is REBT suitable for individuals who are not experiencing specific issues but want to enhance their emotional well-being?
Absolutely. REBT is not solely for addressing problems; it is also a philosophy that promotes emotional well-being as a way of life. It provides practical skills and a mindset that can benefit anyone looking to lead a more emotionally healthy and fulfilling life. Individuals who are not facing specific issues can still benefit from REBT by learning to manage their emotions more effectively, improve their problem-solving skills, and enhance their overall well-being. It's about achieving personal growth and a higher level of emotional resilience.
