A Psychological Framework for Emotional Understanding and Support
People with learning difficulties are often understood mainly in terms of cognitive or adaptive challenges. However, emotional experiences play an equally important role in wellbeing, behavior, and quality of life.
Emotional distress is not only linked to external limitations, but also to how experiences are interpreted, tolerated, and emotionally processed. At the Hellenic Institute of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (RECBT), emotional difficulties are approached through a structured, respectful, and evidence-based psychological framework that promotes emotional regulation, self-acceptance, and resilience.
How RECBT Helps
RECBT focuses on the connection between life situations, beliefs, and emotional responses. People with learning difficulties may experience increased emotional vulnerability due to repeated failure, reduced autonomy, social exclusion, overprotection, or difficulties expressing emotions.
Common emotional difficulties include anxiety, frustration, shame, anger, withdrawal, and reliance on reassurance. These responses are understandable, but they can become intensified when supported by rigid or unhelpful beliefs such as “I can’t cope,” or “If I struggle, I am useless.”
RECBT helps individuals develop more flexible, realistic, and compassionate beliefs, allowing emotions to be regulated rather than suppressed.
Regulation, Not Control
RECBT emphasizes emotional regulation instead of control. Clients learn to recognize and name emotions, tolerate discomfort, respond calmly to challenges, and build self-acceptance that is not dependent on performance.
Support is also provided to families, caregivers, and professionals, helping them encourage emotional expression without reinforcing helplessness or avoidance.
Who Can Benefit
RECBT-based support is suitable for children, adolescents, and adults with learning difficulties, as well as families, caregivers, and professionals working in educational or care settings.
RECBT Goal
The goal is not to eliminate emotional discomfort, but to strengthen emotional resilience, confidence, and adaptive coping, supporting greater autonomy and wellbeing over time.