Chillaxin’!
Today I attended a lecture on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy given by UTPB’s Assistant Professor in Counseling, Robert Zeglin, Ph.D., LPC, NCC. It was last week that I registered for the lecture, and I remember thinking that I’d not studied REBT in-depth, and that it would be good for me to take a better look at it. On top of that, Zeglin’s research has been connected to sexuality, and I’m close to finishing certification as an AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists) – certified therapist, a process that has taken me some time to accomplish. I’ve been excited about both making the connection with someone in the sexuality field and learning about REBT.
I discovered that my excitement was not unfounded. Zeglin was an excellent lecturer, REBT was right up my alley, and he informed me about a sexuality advocacy group that was previously unknown to me. As he began discussing REBT theory, I realized how close the information was to the ANT (Automatic Negative Thought) model I’ve used from Dr. Daniel Amen and life coaching I’d received from different coaches associated with Erhard Seminars Training such as Dr. Phil and the former Millenium 3 trainings, now associated with Landmark training.
The presentation on REBT theory was not a tough sell for me, because I am a fan of cognitive therapy, which encourages clients to rethink irrational beliefs. But it was Zeglin’s own description of Ellis’ techniques that stirred my pondering about how much better I could provide therapy to my clients with some tweaking of my own technique as a counselor. I can’t think of a much better effect from continuing education than to make me a better therapist.
Finally, the connection with a fellow sexuality educator was pleasing, as the subject of sexuality itself tends to be a difficult one in West Texas, where people are more uncomfortable about such discussion in an open way. Learning from Dr. Zeglin about ALGBTIC (Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Issues in Counseling), and by association TALGBTIC (the Texas organization) was helpful, considering that these populations have some of the highest depression and suicide rates.
2017 thus far has been challenging emotionally, from national and state government expectations to just routine crazy weather, allergies, kid homework, and January / Feb (winter?) seeming long. What a nice change in pace to better learn my craft and to meet a kindred spirit!