Final answer:
Cognitive therapy is the primary technique used in rational-emotive therapy, which involves challenging irrational beliefs and changing behavior or adding healthier cognitions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The technique most commonly utilized in rational-emotive therapy is cognitive therapy. Rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT) focuses on identifying irrational beliefs and patterns of thought that lead to emotional or behavioral issues. In this therapeutic approach, rationalization is a concept that involves justifying behaviors by substituting acceptable reasons for less-acceptable real reasons. Cognitive therapy within REBT helps individuals confront and change these irrational beliefs by challenging and disputing them with more rational and realistic thoughts. This can involve changing discrepant behavior, using rationalization or denial less, and introducing new, healthier cognitions.
An individual might rationalize their smoking habit by saying that it suppresses appetite and therefore is good for their health. REBT would challenge this rationalization by presenting evidence to the contrary and helping the individual adopt more constructive beliefs, like recognizing the health risks of smoking and considering healthier ways to control weight.