Parents of exceptional children face numerous challenges in their efforts to meet the needs of their child. Reaction to the realization that a problem exists in the child's development or educational achievement may lead to emotional distress which can be self-defeating. Such parents often benefit from a direct approach to addressing these issues in a supportive atmosphere. Rational-Emotive Therapy (RET) can provide a useful foundation for a counseling and consultation program for the parents of exceptional children. RET suggests that parents' distress is a result of their negative and irrational appraisal of their child's problem. The practitioner generally begins by helping parents identify and challenge their negative emotions. This self-help orientation, if clearly presented to parents, helps them cope with their child more effectively and better assist in his/her special education. Within the context of the special education delivery system, RET can be applied in individual consultation, in parent education and training, and in ongoing group counseling and therapy. (JAC)