Youth is a critical period for the formation of values, and ideological and political education in universities is a key way to cultivate correct values and shape good behavior patterns among college students. Applying rational emotion therapy to ideological and political education in universities can enhance students’ emotional management ability and mental health level, and guide them to form correct values. Through various approaches such as curriculum design, innovative teaching methods, psychological counseling and consultation, as well as campus culture and activities, new perspectives and paths are provided for the innovative development of ideological and political education.