Group Counseling via Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) for Low Self-Esteem

Adolescence is a critical period characterized by significant physical, psychological, and social changes. For students at MAN Kota Palangka Raya, this developmental phase often brings challenges related to self-perception and self-worth. Low self-esteem in students can lead to academic underachievement, social withdrawal, and anxiety. This page explores the application of Group Counseling using the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) approach as an effective intervention strategy.

Understanding the Problem: Low Self-Esteem

Self-esteem acts as the cornerstone of a student's mental health. When students view themselves negativelyoften believing they are incapable, unattractive, or socially ineptit hinders their ability to participate fully in school life. Low self-esteem is frequently rooted in irrational beliefs, such as the need for constant external approval or the catastrophic interpretation of minor mistakes.

What is Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)?

The Mechanism of Change: The ABC Framework

To assist students at MAN Kota Palangka Raya, counselors utilize the ABC model:

• A (Activating Event): The situation causing distress (e.g., failing a test).
• B (Beliefs): The student's irrational interpretation (e.g., "I am a total failure because I failed this test").
• C (Consequence): The emotional result (e.g., depression, withdrawal).

REBT helps students dispute (D) these irrational beliefs, leading to new, effective, and rational philosophies (E) about themselves.

Implementing Group Counseling

Group counseling is particularly beneficial in a school setting because it creates a supportive environment where students realize they are not alone in their struggles. The implementation process at MAN Kota Palangka Raya involves several structured stages:

1. Formation and Orientation

Students exhibiting signs of low self-esteem are identified through observation and academic performance. They are then introduced to the purpose of the group, establishing norms of confidentiality and mutual respect.

2. The Transition Phase

Counselors work to build trust among participants. In this phase, students begin to share their experiences regarding their insecurities, effectively lowering their defenses.

3. The Working Phase (The REBT Intervention)

This is the core of the service. Counselors facilitate sessions where students identify their irrational thoughts. Through group dialogue, members help one another challenge these "musts" and "shoulds." For example, if one student fears public speaking due to a fear of judgment, the group role-plays and dissects the irrationality of the catastrophic thinking associated with making a mistake.

4. Termination

The final phase focuses on consolidating the cognitive shifts made during the process and ensuring the students feel empowered to apply these rational skills independently in their daily school life.

Conclusion: Impact on Students

By implementing REBT in group counseling, MAN Kota Palangka Raya provides students with a toolkit for life. Instead of being victims of their own negative self-talk, students learn to become their own therapists. The shift from irrational, self-defeating beliefs to rational, accepting self-evaluations is key to boosting self-esteem. When students value themselves, they perform better academically, build healthier friendships, and develop the resilience necessary to thrive in their future endeavors.