By Albert Ellis, Ph.D. (1968 / Revised 2002)
In this provocative and deeply influential essay, our mentor Dr. Albert Ellis addresses the critical limitations of classical, passive therapy. He explains in detail why endlessly digging into the past and focusing solely on feelings rather than action often gives clients a “good excuse not to work hard at helping themselves”—ultimately prolonging their distress instead of resolving it.
This piece represents the very philosophical core of our work at Mallory Creek. It perfectly illustrates why we rely on an active, cognitive-behavioral approach, why we reject therapeutic passivity, and why we firmly believe that real, profound change requires structured, focused action in the present.
[Read the full article: Is Psychoanalysis Harmful? by Albert Ellis, Ph.D.]
Modern psychotherapy is undergoing a massive transformation, moving away from rigid, outdated dogmas and toward evidence-based science. In this compelling new work, Dr. Mike Abrams bridges the gap between deep psychological theory and practical healing, offering a fresh, modern roadmap for both clinicians and individuals seeking real change.
The Science of Real Change: Why traditional, unscientific approaches are fading, and how cutting-edge research is redefining how we understand human behavior and emotional healing.
Integrative Insights: How decades of clinical practice merge with modern psychological breakthroughs to tackle complex mental health challenges.
Exclusive Expert Perspectives: Deep-dive interviews with leading minds in psychotherapy, providing rare insights and specialized knowledge you won’t find anywhere else.
“When science and clinical experience collide, therapy becomes truly transformative.”
👉 Read the Full, In-Depth Introduction and Background to the Book
Traditional psychotherapy has relied on decades-old dogmas for too long. In The New CBT: Evolution and Psychotherapy, Dr. Mike Abrams bridges the gap between modern clinical practice and evolutionary science, offering a groundbreaking roadmap for understanding the human psyche.
The Evolutionary Edge: Why understanding our ancestral past (the EEA) is essential for solving modern emotional and psychological struggles.
Redefining Disorders: How behaviors traditionally labeled as psychological disorders—such as intense jealousy—were actually vital adaptive survival strategies.
The Evolution of Therapy: Moving away from unscientific traditions toward a rigorous, evidence-based approach that transforms clinical outcomes.
“Many psychological problems that appear to be disorders are actually functional solutions mismatched with a new environment.”
(Excerpt from the book Sexuality: Development, Cases and Treatment by Dr. Mike Abrams — Read the complete text and full chapter via the link at the bottom).
When examining human sexuality and relationships, an evolutionary approach offers crucial insights into why we behave the way we do. As explored in human evolutionary psychology—drawing extensively on the foundational works of researchers like David Buss—our contemporary romantic and sexual choices are deeply shaped by the ancient challenges faced by our ancestors.
Thousands of years ago, survival, gene dissemination, and offspring protection dictated the rules of mating. Because biological and social costs of reproduction differed drastically between the sexes, men and women developed distinct psychological adaptations and strategies:
Today, although modern couples navigate a very different environment, these underlying evolutionary mechanisms continue to influence:
Authors: Dr. Mike Abrams, Dr. Albert Ellis, and Dr. Lidia Abrams
This landmark volume offers a rigorous, critical examination of personality theories and human behavior, serving as a vital bridge between classical psychological paradigms and modern clinical science.
The book carries profound historical and academic significance, as it was co-authored by the legendary Dr. Albert Ellis—universally recognized as the founder of cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) and one of the most influential psychotherapists in history. Written alongside Dr. Mike Abrams and Dr. Lidia Abrams, this definitive work provides deep insights into the mechanisms shaping human psychology, normal versus abnormal behavior, and transformative therapeutic approaches.
For clients at Mallory Creek Retreat, this publication stands as a testament that your work with Dr. Mike and Dr. Lidia Abrams is rooted not in pop psychology, but in decades of rigorous scientific research, academic authority, and elite clinical mastery.
Authors: Dr. Albert Ellis, Dr. Michael Abrams, and Dr. Lidia Dengelegi
This groundbreaking volume is the first to systematically explore the complex biological and psychological underpinnings of eating habits and weight control, applying the proven principles of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Co-authored by the legendary Dr. Albert Ellis alongside Dr. Michael Abrams and Dr. Lidia Dengelegi, the book moves far beyond conventional diet culture. It teaches the vital REBT principle of unconditional self-acceptance—showing how to maintain self-worth even when facing self-defeating behaviors—paving the way for genuine, long-term self-control and emotional well-being.
A masterclass in bridging clinical science with everyday behavioral change, this work highlights the deep, scientifically grounded expertise that defines the therapeutic approach at Mallory Creek Retreat.
Authors: Dr. Michael Abrams and Dr. Albert Ellis
This deeply compassionate yet clinically rigorous guide explores one of the most challenging human experiences: facing terminal illness and the profound emotional impact it brings.
Co-authored by Dr. Michael Abrams and the legendary Dr. Albert Ellis, this work applies the proven principles of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) to help patients, their families, and practitioners navigate the overwhelming emotional terrain of grief, fear, and existential distress. Rather than offering empty platitudes, the book provides practical, structured cognitive tools to maintain psychological resilience, emotional dignity, and inner peace during life’s most difficult transitions.
This powerful publication reflects the profound empathy, human-centric approach, and uncompromising clinical depth that Dr. Mike Abrams and Dr. Lidia Abrams bring to every aspect of their therapeutic practice.
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