Albert Ellis

Albert Ellis was a pioneering American psychologist, psychotherapist, and author, best known for developing Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)—one of the first forms of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Born in 1913 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ellis earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Columbia University. Dissatisfied with the limitations of psychoanalysis, he created REBT in the 1950s as a more direct and action-oriented approach to mental health, emphasizing the role of beliefs in shaping emotions and behavior.

As a prolific author, Albert Ellis wrote over 80 books and hundreds of articles aimed at both professionals and the general public. His influential works include A Guide to Rational Living, How to Stubbornly Refuse to Make Yourself Miserable About Anything—Yes, Anything!, and The Myth of Self-Esteem. Through his writings, Ellis promoted the idea that by challenging irrational beliefs and adopting more rational, constructive thinking, people could achieve emotional well-being and greater life satisfaction.

One of Ellis’s most quoted insights is, “You largely construct your depression. It wasn’t given to you. Therefore, you can deconstruct it.” Another foundational quote is, “The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own.” These statements reflect Albert Ellis’s core belief in personal responsibility and the power of rational thought. His work continues to influence modern psychology and self-help literature, helping people worldwide change the way they think and live.