The therapist or the client plays a "rational alter-ego" — an inner adviser with rational beliefs. The client plays themselves with irrational beliefs; the therapist plays a rational "other self". Then the roles swap: the client steps into the rational alter-ego. The technique joins cognitive work with emotive immersion in role.
Step-by-step guide
- Explain the technique: "I will play the more rational you — the one you want to become"
- The client describes the situation and the IB in the first person
- The therapist, in the role of the rational alter-ego, answers gently but firmly
- Initially the therapist leads the dialogue; gradually hands over the rational alter-ego role to the client
- The client tries to answer themselves rationally — the therapist corrects if needed
- Debrief: how convincing was the client in the role of the rational self?
- Assign self-practice: "hold an inner dialogue with the rational you"
When to use
- When the client well understands the rational position but cannot "apply it to themselves"
- In high self-criticism and the inner critic
- For training the application of rational beliefs to concrete situations
Key phrases
I will be your rational adviser. Tell me what you think about this situation.
[As the alter-ego] You made a mistake. It is unpleasant. But it does not make you worthless.
Now try to play the rational you — answer me as a reasonable person would.
Follow-up questions
How did you feel in the role of the rational self? Easy or awkward?
Which was harder: being yourself with the IB, or being the rational self?
Remember this inner voice — practice it each time an IB appears.
Alternative phrasings
Play the wiser you — not the harsher one. The alter-ego is kind and firm, never cruel.
When you hesitate in the role, that hesitation shows us the next belief to work.
Swap roles twice and the gap between the two voices narrows fast.
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not let the "rational alter-ego" become a cruel critic — it is gentle and accepting
- ⚠️ Distinguish the technique from psychodrama — here the focus is on cognitive beliefs, not relationships
- ⚠️ Some clients "drop out of the role" — they need the instruction to stay in the persona
Source: Ellis, A. & MacLaren, C. (2005); Dryden, W. (2009). Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy: Distinctive Features
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.