Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT) is an evidence-based, transdiagnostic treatment targeting mental health disorders characterized by excessive overcontrol. Overcontrol is characterized by emotional inhibition, perfectionism, rigid and rule governed behaviors, and difficulty connecting with others. As such, emotional overcontrol can result in aloof and distant social relationships, social isolation and loneliness. Diagnoses that commonly exhibit traits of overcontrol include refractory depression, treatment-resistant anxiety, anorexia nervosa, autism spectrum disorder, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. RO DBT helps people learn skills to increase flexibility, curiosity, openness, and social connectedness with goals of reducing loneliness, improving relationships, and creating a life worth sharing with others. Treatment modalities include individual therapy with a focus on improving social connectedness, a skills training class, and between session phone coaching to help clients implement skills in real life situations.

Evidence Based Article(s)