What is RO-DBT?
Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) is a treatment for overcontrol.
Overcontrol can look like:
- Holding emotions in instead of expressing them
- Being very cautious or self-contained
- Not knowing how to show what you feel
- Feeling “fine” on the outside but distant inside
In daily life, this can mean you are responsible, careful, and steady, but still feel disconnected in close relationships.
RO-DBT helps by building radical openness. This means practicing small steps of openness and flexibility, even when it feels uncomfortable. Over time, this can help you connect with others in a new way.
A key part of RO-DBT is how we show up with other people. This is called social signaling. It means how we communicate through words, tone, facial expression, and body language.
When these signals are very limited or controlled, other people may have a harder time understanding us, even when we want connection.
We are wired for connection. Most people do best when they feel understood and connected to others.
Who RO-DBT helps
RO-DBT is for people who tend to be overcontrolled. It has the strongest research support for anorexia nervosa.
It may also help with:
- Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
- Paranoid Personality Disorder
- Avoidant Personality Disorder
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Depression or anxiety that has not improved with past treatment
RO-DBT focuses less on labels and more on patterns of overcontrol that can get in the way of connection. These patterns can show up as emotional distance, even when someone wants closeness.
What can change with RO-DBT
People often work toward:
- Feeling more open and less guarded
- Sharing emotions more clearly
- Feeling less alone
- Building closer, more trusting relationships
- Becoming more flexible in how they think and respond
These changes usually happen slowly, through practice in real life, not quick fixes.
How RO-DBT works
RO-DBT helps you change how you show up with others, especially in communication.
Treatment usually includes:
- Weekly individual therapy
- About 30 weeks of skills classes
In treatment, you learn to:
- Notice how you come across to others
- Speak more directly and clearly
- Try new ways of connecting in daily life
- Build trust over time through small steps
Why this matters
Connection is not just a “nice to have.” It is something humans need. It affects how supported and understood we feel in daily life. Even when life looks fine on the outside, feeling disconnected can be painful and lonely.
Self-control and independence are also real strengths. People with high control are often steady, reliable, and thoughtful.
RO-DBT does not take these strengths away. It helps you keep them while also building more openness and connection. The goal is not to change who you are, but to help control and connection work together instead of pulling against each other.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is RO-DBT different from standard DBT?
Yes. RO-DBT focuses on overcontrol. Standard Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses on undercontrol.
Do I need an individual RO-DBT therapist to join skills classes?
Not necessarily. It helps to have a therapist supporting you outside of class, even if they are not RO-DBT trained.
Do I need to want more social connection to start RO-DBT?
You will set personal goals in treatment. It helps if at least one goal relates to connection or close relationships.
How do I engage in RO-DBT Services at The Concord Center?
Complete the inquiry form
After you reach out, our team will review your information and follow up to learn more and discuss next steps.