Radically-Open DBT

What is Radically-Open DBT?

Are you the sort of person who is some of the following:

• dutiful
• avoids risk and novelty
• plans ahead
• struggles to really connect with others
• follows rules
• feels unappreciated
• struggles to relax and be playful?

RO DBT is a new evidence-based treatment for patients with emotional over-control. ‘Self- Control’ is usually seen as a good thing, however too much self-control can cause difficulties. Excessive self-control is associated with social isolation and poor interpersonal relations and it contributes to conditions like anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, chronic depression and autistic spectrum disorders.

We are social beings and we know that 3 core components of emotional well-being are:

• Openness to feedback, even when this is challenging
• Flexibility in our responses, to ever changing demands
• Communication of our emotions, recognizing that expressing emotion is crucial when forming close interpersonal bonds

RO-DBT treatment strategies aim to build:

• Flexible responding to the demands of the moment
• Emphasis on the importance of authentic emotional expression to build positive interpersonal relationships
• Self-inquiry into our usual responses
• Ability to manage unexpected or challenging feedback
• Greater receptivity and openness
• Stronger social connections

For more on RO-DBT, please see this link