Radically Open DBT (RO DBT) is a new treatment that targets over-controlled behavior. It has been used to treat some of the rigid responses and emotional inhibition thought to underlie many treatment-resistant conditions, such as chronic depression, treatment-resistant anxiety disorders, anorexia nervosa, avoidant, paranoid, and obsessive compulsive personality disorders and autism spectrum disorders. RO-DBT was developed by Tom Lynch, PhD and has been informed by over 20 years of clinical and experimental research.
To hear Tom describe the need for the development of this new treatment click here: www.radicallyopen.net/about/ and select Professor Thomas Lynch. Video is about 8 minutes.
RO DBT treatment involves a combination of weekly class meetings and individual therapy. In the class, novel strategies are introduced that target social connectedness and reduction of unhelpful envy, bitterness, and revenge. In the RO class, skills designed to activate the neural substrates associated with social-safety and desires for affiliation, such as nonverbal social-signaling skills linked to the mirror neuron system and the establishment of trust, will be taught in addition to skills on forgiveness of self and others, self-enquiry and openness, and breaking-down over-learned inhibitory barriers.
In individual therapy with an RO DBT therapist, the patient addresses specific themes of over control that impact their life negatively. Many over controlled patients have abandoned therapy several times in their lives. This usually occurs when they do not feel understood or when they feel shame upon revealing their struggles. RO DBT targets these alliance ruptures to make it possible for the patient to remain in therapy and do the work they wish to do. Clients who have an on-going relationship with a clinician of another orientation may remain with that therapist and use the class as an adjunct to their on-going work. Additionally, research shows that skills class alone is effective. The inclusion of individual therapy is preferred but not required.
To find out more or to refer a patient to a class, contact us.
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RO DBT Classes
All Classes meet for 2 hours/weekly
30 week cycle
Clients may enter an on-going class following individual orientation and commitment, typically 4 sessions.
$65 per class
Separate classes will be offered for adolescents and adults