Albert Ellis (1913-2007) was a highly influential psychotherapist who founded Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), a pioneering form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on helping individuals identify and change irrational beliefs. Born in Pittsburgh and raised in New York City, Ellis overcame numerous adversities in his early life, which influenced his development of a pragmatic approach to psychotherapy. He pursued his higher education at the City University of New York and Columbia University, where he earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology. His work has left a lasting impact on the field, fundamentally shaping modern psychotherapy practices   .

Ellis’ approach to therapy emphasized a direct, confrontational method, where therapists actively challenge clients’ irrational beliefs to alleviate emotional distress. This method was shaped by his belief that people’s emotional problems are rooted in their irrational and self-defeating beliefs. Ellis was a prolific author and a staunch advocate for his therapeutic approach, contributing significantly to the cognitive revolution in psychotherapy. His writings and teachings at the Albert Ellis Institute in New York have influenced generations of therapists and continue to be a cornerstone in psychotherapy training programs worldwide.