To dispute or not to dispute: Ethical REBT with religious clients

Disputation of irrational beliefs is the most commonly utilized therapeutic strategy among therapists practicing from a Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) framework. Very little attention has been given to the unique ethical concerns that arise when REBT practitioners treat devoutly religious clients or clients presenting with uniquely religious problems. Ignoring client religious variables altogether or directly challenging and disputing specific religious beliefs both appear ethically problematic. This article offers a summary of the changing perspective on the compatibility of REBT and religion and an exploration of the ethics of disputing with religious clients. Finally, the author offers a preliminary model for both general and specialized use of disputational techniques with religious clients.