REBT focuses on the emotional well being of an individual examining his or her thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. This is not dissimilar when compared with CBT. In fact, Aaron Beck, the pioneer of CBT, is often cited with Alfred Ellis, the pioneer of REBT. REBT tends to be more directive and is action-oriented. REBT focuses on the present and challenges unhelpful thinking that yields emotional distress or self-defeating behaviors.