Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Logotherapy-Enhanced REBT: An Integration of Discovery and Reason

  • Published:
Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy and Albert Ellis’s Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) are at seemingly opposite ends of the psychotherapeutic spectrum. However, a close review of the assumptions and philosophy of each school of therapy reveals that these two systems are compatible. We propose that a Logotherapy-enhanced REBT can increase human achievement and happiness by balancing the individual discovery of meaning with the pursuit of reason. This integrated and enhanced therapy will help human beings participate in positive life experiences and take greater responsibility for change. Fruitful and beneficial aspects of a Logotherapy enhanced-REBT are explored with respect to cognitions, emotions, and the reduction of rumination. Conclusions are drawn, limitations are discussed, and future recommendations are outlined.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Arkowitz, H. (1997). Integrative theories of therapy. In P. L. Wachtel & S. B. Messer (Eds.), Theories of psychotherapy: Origins and evolution (pp. 227–288). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baer, L. (2001). Imp of the mind: Exploring the silent epidemic of obsessive bad thoughts. New York: Penquin Putnam.

    Google Scholar 

  • Corrie, S., & Milton, M. (2000). The relationship between existential-phenomenological and cognitive-behaviour therapies. The European Journal of Psychotherapy, Counseling and Health, 3, 7–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, A. (1994). Reason and emotion in psychotherapy (Rev. ed.). New York: Carol.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, A. (1996). Better, deeper, and more enduring brief therapy. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, A. (2001). Feeling better, getting better, staying better: Profound self-help therapy for your emotions. Ascadero, CA: Impact.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, A., & Grieger, R. (Eds.). (1996). Handbook of rational-emotive therapy (Vols. 1–2). New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, A., DiGiuseppe, R., MacLaren, C., & Doyle, K. (2002, February). A 9-hour intensive REBT workshop for professionals and the public. Symposium conducted in Dallas, TX.

  • Ellis, A., & Harper, R. A. (1997). A guide to rational living (3rd ed.). North Hollywood, CA: Melvin Powers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis, A., & Dryden, W. (1997). The practice of rational emotive behavior therapy (Rev. ed.). New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frankl, V. E. (1986a). General existential analysis (pp. 25–175). The doctor and the soul (4th ed.). New York: Vintage Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frankl, V. E. (1986b). Special existential analysis (pp. 176–216). The doctor and the soul (4th ed.). New York: Vintage Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frankl, V. E. (1988a). Metaclinical implications of psychotherapy (pp. 15–30). The will to meaning: Foundations and applications of logotherapy. New York: Penguin Books. (Original work published 1969).

    Google Scholar 

  • Frankl, V. E. (1988b). What is meant by meaning? (pp. 50–79). The will to meaning: Foundations and applications of logotherapy. New York: Penguin Books. (Original work published 1969).

    Google Scholar 

  • Frankl, V. E. (1988c). The existential vacuum: A challenge to psychiatry (pp. 83–98). The will to meaning: Foundations and applications of logotherapy. New York: Penguin Books. (Original work published 1969).

    Google Scholar 

  • Frankl, V. E. (1988d). Self-transcendence as a human phenomenon (pp. 31–49). The will to meaning: Foundations and applications of logotherapy. New York: Penguin Books. (Original work published 1969).

    Google Scholar 

  • Frankly, V. E. (1997). Viktor Frankl—recollections: An autobiography. New York: Perseus Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frankl, V. E. (2000a). Man’s search for meaning: An introduction to Logotherapy (Rev. ed.). Boston: Beacon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frankl, V. E. (2000b). Man’s search for ultimate meaning (Rev. ed.). New York: Perseus.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frogatt, W. (1997). Good stress: The life that can be yours. New Zealand: Harper Collins.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goodwin, D. W., Guze, S. B., & Robins, E. (1969). Follow-up studies in obsessional neurosis. Archives of General Psychiatry, 20, 182–187.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hutchinson, G. T. (2002). A logotherapeutic approach to the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. The International Forum for Logotherapy, 25, 46–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lukas, E. (1986). Guilt and the question of meaning. Meaning in suffering. Berkeley, CA: Institute of Logotherapy Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lukas, E. (1998). Logotherapy textbook: Meaning-centered psychotherapy consistent with the principles outlined by Viktor E. Frankl. Toronto, Canada: Liberty Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahoney, M. (1991). Human change processes: The scientific foundations of psychotherapy. New Jersey: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahoney, M. (2003). Constructive psychotherapy. New York: Pergamon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nielsen, S. L., Johnson, W. B., & Ellis. A. (2001). Counseling and psychotherapy with religious persons: A rational emotive behavior therapy approach. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Noonan, J. R. (1971). An obsessive-compulsive reaction treated by induced anxiety. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 25, 293–295.

    Google Scholar 

  • Norcross, J. C. (Ed.) (1995). A roundtable on psychotherapy integration: Common factors, technical eclecticism, and psychotherapy research. Journal of Psychotherapy Practice and Research, 4, 248–271.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wampold, B. (2001). The great psychotherapy debate: Models, methods, and findings. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Geoffrey T. Hutchinson.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Hutchinson, G.T., Chapman, B.P. Logotherapy-Enhanced REBT: An Integration of Discovery and Reason. J Contemp Psychother 35, 145–155 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-005-2696-x

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-005-2696-x

Keywords

Navigation