Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT)
What Is Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT)?
Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) is a therapy approach designed to help people who tend to be overly controlled in their emotions, behavior, or relationships.
Some people cope by keeping their emotions tightly controlled, avoiding vulnerability, striving for perfection, or relying heavily on routines and rules. While these strategies may provide a sense of safety or control, they can sometimes make it difficult to adapt to change, connect with others, or express emotions openly.
RO-DBT focuses on developing greater openness, flexibility, and connection with others.
How Does RO-DBT Work?
RO-DBT helps clients recognize patterns of overcontrol and develop skills for responding more flexibly to themselves, other people, and changing circumstances.
Treatment may focus on:
- Increasing openness to new experiences and perspectives
- Developing greater emotional expression
- Becoming more flexible when circumstances change
- Strengthening social connection and relationships
- Recognizing patterns of rigid or overly controlled behavior
- Practicing new ways of communicating and responding to others
- Developing greater awareness of how behaviors affect relationships
The goal is not to eliminate self-control. Instead, RO-DBT helps clients develop a healthier balance between self-control and openness.
Who Can Benefit From RO-DBT?
RO-DBT may be helpful for people who tend to be highly self-controlled, perfectionistic, rigid, or reluctant to express their emotions.
It may be particularly relevant for people who:
- Have difficulty being emotionally open with others
- Frequently hold emotions in or avoid vulnerability
- Struggle with perfectionism or rigid expectations
- Find it difficult to adapt when plans or expectations change
- Feel socially disconnected despite wanting closer relationships
- Tend to be highly self-critical
- Have difficulty asking for help or showing emotional needs
A clinician can help determine whether RO-DBT is an appropriate fit for your concerns and treatment goals.
What Can RO-DBT Help With?
RO-DBT may be incorporated into treatment when patterns of overcontrol contribute to emotional or interpersonal difficulties.
It may be helpful for concerns involving:
- Perfectionism
- Emotional inhibition
- Social isolation or disconnection
- Rigid thinking or behavior
- Difficulty adapting to change
- Interpersonal difficulties
- Self-criticism
- Difficulty expressing emotions or needs
RO-DBT at Modern Me Psychology
At Modern Me Psychology, RO-DBT is incorporated into individualized treatment based on each client’s needs and goals.
Your clinician can help you understand patterns of overcontrol and develop greater flexibility, emotional openness, and connection with others. RO-DBT strategies may also be integrated with other therapeutic approaches when appropriate.
Our Clinicians Who Use RO-DBT
Related Approaches
Depending on your needs and treatment goals, RO-DBT may be used alongside approaches such as:
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
Explore our Conditions We Treat and Individuals pages to learn more about therapy options at Modern Me Psychology.
Ready to Get Started?
If you feel stuck in patterns of perfectionism, emotional restraint, or disconnection from others, therapy can provide a supportive place to explore new ways of responding.
Services are available in person at our Roselle, Illinois office and through telehealth for clients located in Illinois.
We accept several insurance plans, and coverage varies by plan and clinician. Contact us to confirm your benefits and whether your preferred provider and service are covered.
