In the March edition of Journal of Rational Emotive and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy there is an article by Wouter Backx that addresses this notion of healthy vs. unhealthy emotions with the difference being qualitative vs. quantitative based upon the beliefs that underpin. Windy Dryden's article in the same issue alludes to this, as well. Indeed, REBT does not promote indifference. Emotional reactions to undesirable circumstances are expected to be an appropriate level of intensity that matches one's level of concern or desire relative to the circumstance in order to prompt us to action designed to change the circumstance more to our liking. However, many times circumstances cannot be changed and our desires are not met which may prompt grief and mourning, but we are able to bear it while continuing to pursue meaning and satisfaction in our lives.
Sadly, people often have discomfort anxiety/ intolerance that promotes them to seek counseling to rid them of their discomfort which would then make the goal of therapy be to attain indifference - not a legitimate goal for therapy. A more adaptive goal would be to learn to live with the disappointments in ourselves, others and life and to vigorously pursue making ours the best life it can be.
Sadly, people often have discomfort anxiety/ intolerance that promotes them to seek counseling to rid them of their discomfort which would then make the goal of therapy be to attain indifference - not a legitimate goal for therapy. A more adaptive goal would be to learn to live with the disappointments in ourselves, others and life and to vigorously pursue making ours the best life it can be.
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