Tinku has been undergoing Rational Emotive Therapy (RET). Identify the correct sequence of the therapeutic process:

(A) Negative emotions and behav iours as consequences of the antecedent event are identified and noted

(B) Client’s irrational beliefs which are distorting present reality are identified

(C) Antecedent events which caused psychological distress are noted

(D) The irrational beliefs are refuted by the therapist through non-directive questioning

(E) Eventually, the client is able to replace the irrational beliefs with the rational ones.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is (C), (B), (A), (D), (E).

Explanation:
Rational Emotive Therapy (RET), developed by Albert Ellis, is based on the ABCDE model of emotional and behavioral correction. To understand why the sequence (C), (B), (A), (D), (E) is correct, we can map the given statements to the steps of the therapeutic process:

1. (C) Antecedent events which caused psychological distress are noted: This represents the 'A' (Activating / Antecedent Event) in the ABC model. The therapy begins by identifying the specific event or situation that triggered the distress.

2. (B) Client’s irrational beliefs which are distorting present reality are identified: This represents the 'B' (Belief System) in the model. The therapist works with the client to uncover the underlying irrational beliefs they hold about the activating event.

3. (A) Negative emotions and behaviours as consequences of the antecedent event are identified and noted: This represents the 'C' (Consequences). The therapist notes the emotional and behavioral outcomes resulting from the activation of the client's irrational beliefs.

4. (D) The irrational beliefs are refuted by the therapist through non-directive questioning: This represents the 'D' (Disputing). In this phase, the therapist actively challenges and disputes the client's irrational beliefs to help them see their unhelpful or unrealistic nature.

5. (E) Eventually, the client is able to replace the irrational beliefs with the rational ones: This represents the 'E' (Effect). The ultimate goal of the therapy is for the client to adopt a new, cognitive philosophy and replace self-defeating beliefs with rational, constructive ways of thinking.