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College of Arts and Sciences

Internationally Recognized Psychologist Deborah Joffe Ellis to Visit Seton Hall  

Photo of Joffe EllisCelebrated psychologist Debbie Joffe Ellis – the wife of the late Albert Ellis, who was known as the father of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and the cognitive approach to psychology – will be presenting at Seton Hall on Friday, April 6, 2018.

As a part of the College of Arts and Sciences' Distinguished Lecturer Series, Debbie Joffe Ellis will present "The Power and Passion of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy: The Pioneering Cognitive Approach" and will feature insights into the groundbreaking philosophy of REBT. Ellis worked alongside her late husband for many years, giving public presentations and professional trainings, as well as collaborating on writing and research projects until his passing in 2007. Ellis has dedicated herself to sharing REBT with as many people as possible.

"We are appreciative of the President's Advisory Council's support of the College of Arts and Sciences' Distinguished Lecturer Series," said Dean Peter Shoemaker. "Through this program over the years we have been pleased to feature some of the leading intellects and public figures in the world. And Debbie Joffe Ellis is one more example of What Great Minds Can Do at Seton Hall."


 

Known for creating a warm rapport with audience members, Ellis communicates the philosophy, methods and techniques of REBT, attempting to distinguish the difference between healthy and unhealthy thinking. She also utilizes live demonstrations of the approach with audience members who volunteer to participate. Ellis is a licensed psychologist and mental health counselor and is an adjunct professor at Columbia University. She is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association, the Australian Psychological Society, and the American Counseling Association.

"A great deal of the empirically-validated interventions in psychotherapy we see today are a result of the ideas put forth by Albert Ellis," said Professor Andrew Simon, Department of Psychology at Seton Hall. "The work of Debbie Joffe Ellis is carrying her late husband's ideas forward, educating a new generation on fundamental components of psychology. It is an honor to welcome Ellis to campus and have the opportunity to interact with her directly."

In 1993, Ellis was awarded a gold medal (along with Mother Teresa and the physician to the Dalai Lama) for her contributions to the field of alternative medicine by the Indian Board of Alternative Medicine in affiliation with the World Health Organization.

Ellis has also been recognized for her volunteer work with responders to the 9/11 terrorist attack and the family members of its victims, and for her contributions to the international development of educational programs for addiction treatment in Mexico. She currently has a private practice in New York City and is a highly sought-after speaker for lectures, workshops and seminars across the globe.

Ellis' presentation is open to the public and is of interest to students and professionals in the fields of psychology, philosophy and counseling. You can find additional information about Debbie Joffe Ellis here.

Presenter: Debbie Joffe Ellis, Ph.D. 
Title: "The Power and Passion of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy: The Pioneering Cognitive Approach"
Date: Friday, April 6, 2018, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
Location: Stafford 110