What is Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT)?
Radically Open (RO) DBT is a treatment for people who have tendencies to overly control their lives and emotions. In order to feel safe and avoid vulnerability, overly controlled (OC) people work hard, self- sacrifice, avoid risk, follow rules, and delay gratification. OC People tend to have very high expectations of themselves and others, a strong sense of what’s right and wrong, and a high need for order and structure, in ways that interfere with happiness, spontaneity, relaxation, and relationships. OC people may feel like they are doing all the right things in their lives, and yet they are frustrated and confused that they still feel emotionally lonely, and they long for a deeper connection in a relationship.
RO-DBT teaches us to be more flexible in our responses to life, to question our actions and reactions through self-enquiry, and to enhance our emotional vulnerability to create more intimate bonds with others. Following RO tenants helps to create “a life worth sharing” by enhancing intimacy and vulnerability. We learn the importance of social signaling, being vulnerable with others, increasing flexible responses, and sharing needs to connect authentically with others. The most common RO-DBT tools and building blocks for the treatment are self-enquiry, diary cards, behavior chains, and learning the RO Skills.
How can RO-DBT help you, may ask? It focuses on the following:
- Increase Flexibility: Learn to adapt to changing circumstances and let go of rigid thinking patterns.
- Enhance Social Connections: Develop skills to form and maintain close, authentic relationships.
- Embrace Vulnerability: Understand the value of openness and learn to express your true self.
- Reduce Perfectionism: Challenge unrealistic standards and cultivate self-compassion.
RO-DBT Helps:
- Perfectionism
- Over Control
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder
- Cluster C Personality Disorder
- Avoidant Personality Disorder
- Treatment-Resistant Depression & Anxiety & More
RO-DBT Symptoms
- Chronic Anxiety
- Chronic Depression
- Avoiding New Experiences
- Highly Perfectionistic Tendencies
- Sensitivity To Threat
- Rigidity & Over-Reliance on Rules
- Relinquishing Control
- Imploding On Self Rather Than Exploding On Others
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of RO-DBT Do I Need?
There are three types of RO-DBT: RO-DBT skills training group, individual RO-DBT, and RO-DBT skills coaching. Usually, a combination of a RO-DBT skills training class and individual RO-DBT or RO-DBT skills coaching is recommended for optimal outcomes. The actual RO-DBT skills, which form the foundation of the RO-DBT practice, are taught in a group setting. RO-DBT is based on using the skills, so the RO-DBT skills class is an essential part of your RO-DBT Treatment.
What is a RO-DBT Skills Training?
Each group is structured: beginning with Mindfulness (meditation), a homework review is conducted to show how you are using your RO-DBT skills to assess what is and isn’t working. Then, we teach the next skill, and Homework assigned for what to practice for the week.
What is RO-DBT Skills Coaching?
RO-DBT skills coaching is used when clients need individualized, intentional focus on applying and understanding the RO-DBT skills taught in the group. Clients may find that RO-DBT skills do not provide the level of support they need to really change the behaviors they identify as problems. RO-DBT skills coaching helps clients get highly individualized support in understanding RO-DBT skills, how to apply them in their lives, and provides one-on-one support outside of group for skills integration. Skills coaching with the RO-DBT skills training group is a highly effective and efficient way to build a life worth sharing.
Individual RO-DBT in Atlanta, GA
Individual RO-DBT is used in conjunction with the RO-DBT skills training class to increase the level of care for clients with behavioral problems that significantly interfere with their quality of life and relationships. Individual RO-DBT Therapy is highly structured and uses self-enquiry and a diary card to efficiently target the most important behaviors to address in therapy. Clients discuss life-threatening behaviors (When applicable); therapeutic alliance ruptures, social signaling problems, all using a structured format of behavior chain analysis. This is a very highly effective behavior change therapy.
Contact Deepen Wellness in Atlanta, GA, About RO-DBT Today
Here at Deepen Wellness, we provide RO-DBT in both individual and group settings. Our experienced therapists will guide you through the process, helping you build a life that’s not only worth living but also worth sharing. For more information, contact us today by calling (404) 964-6629 or by clicking the “start your journey” button below!