Meaning: The quote "We teach people that they upset themselves. We can't change the past, so we change how people are thinking, feeling and behaving today" by psychologist Albert Ellis encapsulates the core principles of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on changing irrational beliefs and thought patterns to improve emotional and behavioral well-being.

Albert Ellis, who developed REBT in the 1950s, believed that it is not external events that cause emotional distress, but rather individuals' interpretations and beliefs about those events. In other words, Ellis posited that people upset themselves by their interpretations of events, rather than the events themselves being inherently upsetting. This idea is central to the concept of cognitive distortions, which are irrational and unrealistic thought patterns that contribute to emotional and behavioral difficulties.

REBT emphasizes the ABC model, which stands for Activating event, Beliefs, and Consequences. According to this model, when an activating event occurs (A), individuals form beliefs (B) about the event, which then lead to emotional and behavioral consequences (C). Ellis's quote reflects the idea that while the past cannot be changed, individuals can modify their beliefs and interpretations about past events in order to influence their present thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

The core of REBT lies in identifying and challenging irrational beliefs. Ellis categorized these irrational beliefs into three main types: demandingness, awfulizing, and low frustration tolerance. Demandingness refers to the tendency to hold rigid and unrealistic expectations of oneself, others, and the world. Awfulizing involves catastrophizing or exaggerating the negative consequences of events. Low frustration tolerance pertains to the inability to tolerate discomfort, frustration, or inconvenience.

REBT encourages individuals to identify these irrational beliefs and replace them with rational, adaptive beliefs. Through this process, individuals can learn to view events from a more realistic and flexible perspective, leading to healthier emotional responses and more constructive behaviors.

Ellis's quote also underscores the importance of focusing on the present moment. While the past cannot be changed, individuals have the capacity to alter their current thinking, emotional responses, and actions. By challenging and modifying their beliefs in the present, individuals can experience significant improvements in their overall well-being.

Furthermore, the quote aligns with the emphasis on personal responsibility within REBT. It suggests that individuals have the power to influence their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors through their interpretations of events. This idea of self-responsibility is a key aspect of REBT, as it empowers individuals to take an active role in their own emotional and behavioral change processes.

In summary, Albert Ellis's quote reflects the fundamental principles of REBT, highlighting the role of irrational beliefs in causing emotional distress and the potential for individuals to change their current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors by modifying their interpretations of past events. It underscores the focus on the present moment, personal responsibility, and the transformative power of challenging and replacing irrational beliefs with rational alternatives. Through these principles, REBT offers a powerful framework for promoting emotional resilience and psychological well-being.