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 hard work, self- sacrifice, avoid risk, follow rules and delay gratification. OC People tend be have very high expectations of themselves and others, tend to have a strong sense of wrong and right, and tend to have a high need for order and structure in a way that interferes 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 deeper connection in relationship.

RO DBT teaches us to be more flexible in our responses to life, question our actions and reactions through self- enquiry and enhance 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.  Most common RO DBT tools and building blocks for the treatment are self-enquiry, diary cards, behavior chains, and learning the RO Skills.