Albert Ellis, the founder of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy and the ‘grandfather’ of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, died on 24 July 2007. Aged 93 – in itself a considerable achievement for a person who had suffered ill-health for most of his life – in true Ellis style he continued to practise almost till the day he died.

My earliest contact with Albert Ellis was in 1991, when he graciously agreed to provide an introduction to my first book.  I use the word graciously on purpose.  Dr Ellis was regarded by many as a ‘stroppy’ individual, a directive psychotherapist and a professional who spoke his mind without fear of disapproval.  What many people did not see was Albert Ellis the gentleman, who communicated in his correspondence with an endearing old world courtesy. And for the world's most famous psychotherapist to set aside time to assist an unknown practitioner from a tiny country showed a significant generosity of spirit.

Meeting Dr Ellis face-to-face in New York, when he supervised some of my therapy work, there remains an unforgettable memory of the supervisor lying on a recliner with his eyes closed. Just when it appeared that he had fallen asleep, he sat up, turned off the tape recorder, and described in great detail what he thought of the interview. At that time, he would have been almost 80, yet his mind was as crisp as that of a young person.

When a notable person dies, it is common to say that the world will be poorer for his passing.  This does not quite fit Albert Ellis.  What he has given to humanity will continue - and grow. Let’s say that the world is richer for his having been here.

Wayne Froggatt

New Zealand Centres for
Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy &
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

July 2007