Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) both fall under the umbrella of cognitive-behavioral therapies and share many similarities. However, they have distinct differences in their theoretical underpinnings and therapeutic techniques. Here's an overview:

1. Historical Differences:
• REBT: Developed by Albert Ellis in the mid-1950s, REBT is often considered the first form of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Ellis believed that it was not events themselves that upset people, but the beliefs about the events (Ellis, 1962).
• CBT: Aaron T. Beck is widely regarded as the founder of CBT, which emerged in the 1960s. Beck's approach emphasized the role of cognitive distortions and schemas in the development of emotional disturbances (Beck, 1976).
2. Theoretical Underpinnings:
• REBT: REBT is based on the ABC model, where A stands for the activating event, B for the belief about the event, and C for the emotional consequence. The therapy aims to challenge and change irrational beliefs (B) that cause emotional distress (C).
• CBT: While CBT also looks at thought patterns, it delves deeper into cognitive distortions, information processing, and underlying schemas that shape an individual's beliefs and perceptions.
3. Nature of Beliefs:
• REBT: Ellis categorized beliefs as either rational or irrational, where irrational beliefs can lead to negative emotional and behavioral outcomes. He highlighted three core irrational beliefs: demandingness (e.g., "I must be perfect"), awfulizing (e.g., "It's terrible when things don't go my way"), and low frustration tolerance (e.g., "I can't stand it") (Ellis & Harper, 1975).
• CBT: Beck proposed that individuals possess cognitive distortions like overgeneralization, black-and-white thinking, and catastrophizing. These distortions, rather than broad-based irrational beliefs, lead to emotional disturbances (Beck, Rush, Shaw, & Emery, 1979).
4. Therapeutic Techniques:
• REBT: Techniques in REBT are more direct and confrontational. The therapist might directly challenge a client's irrational beliefs and provide rational alternatives.
• CBT: CBT practitioners use a variety of strategies, such as cognitive restructuring, behavior experiments, and guided discovery, where the therapist assists the client in discovering and modifying distorted thinking.
5. Role of Emotion:
• REBT: Ellis believed that by changing irrational beliefs, one could directly change negative emotions. He often emphasized thinking over feeling.
• CBT: CBT takes a more integrative approach, considering thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as interrelated components. It often addresses emotions more directly than REBT.
6. Homework:
• Both therapies emphasize the importance of homework or assignments. However, in REBT, there's a pronounced focus on disputing irrational beliefs outside of sessions, while CBT may assign a wider range of exercises that encompass cognitive, emotional, and behavioral domains.

References:

• Beck, A. T. (1976). Cognitive therapy and the emotional disorders. New York: International Universities Press.
• Beck, A. T., Rush, A. J., Shaw, B. F., & Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive therapy of depression. New York: Guilford Press.
• Ellis, A. (1962). Reason and emotion in psychotherapy. New York: Lyle Stuart.
• Ellis, A., & Harper, R. A. (1975). A new guide to rational living. North Hollywood, CA: Wilshire Book Company.