Quotes by Albert Ellis

About Albert Ellis:

Albert Ellis is generally considered to be one of the originators of the cognitive revolutionary paradigm shift in psychotherapy and the founder of cognitive-behavioral therapies. Based on a 1982 professional survey of USA and Canadian psychologists, he was considered as the second most influential psychotherapist in history (Carl Rogers ranked first in the survey; Sigmund Freud was ranked third).
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I started to call myself a rational therapist in 1955; later I used the term rational emotive. Now I call myself a rational emotive behavior therapist.

Albert Ellis

I thought foolishly that Freudian psychoanalysis was deeper and more intensive than other, more directive forms of therapy, so I was trained in it and practiced it.

Albert Ellis

In the old days we used to get more referrals, because people had insurance that paid for therapy. Now they belong to HMOs, and we can only be affiliated with a few HMOs.

Albert Ellis

I wrote several articles criticizing psychoanalysis, but the analysts weren't listening to my objections. So I finally quit after practicing it for six years.

Albert Ellis

Many psychoanalysts refused to let me speak at their meetings. They were exceptionally vigorous because I had previously been an analyst and they were very angry at my flying the coop.

Albert Ellis

Most people would have given up when faced with all the criticism I've received over the years.

Albert Ellis

People don't just get upset. They contribute to their upsetness.

Albert Ellis

People have motives and thoughts of which they are unaware.

Albert Ellis

Self-esteem is the greatest sickness known to man or woman because it's conditional.

Albert Ellis

You largely constructed your depression. It wasn't given to you. Therefore, you can deconstruct it.

Albert Ellis

I think it's unfair, but they have the right as fallible, screwed-up humans to be unfair; that's the human condition.

Albert Ellis

I'm very happy. I like my work and the various aspects of it - going around the world, teaching the gospel according to St. Albert.

Albert Ellis

If something is irrational, that means it won't work. It's usually unrealistic.

Albert Ellis

As a result of my philosophy, I wasn't even upset about Hitler. I was willing to go to war to knock him off, but I didn't hate him. I hated what he was doing.

Albert Ellis

Author Bio

  • NameAlbert Ellis
  • DescriptionAmerican psychologist
  • BornSeptember 27, 1913
  • DiedJuly 24, 2007
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionBehaviour Therapist; Psychologist; Author; Scientist
  • AwardsHumanist Of The Year