Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RO DBT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach developed to be similar to traditional Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Where DBT would be effective for clients who are reporting issues with being able to control or regulate their emotions or behavior (“under controlled”), RODBT is effective for clients who report issues related to “over-controlling” their emotions and/or behaviors. This training will instill a fundamental understanding of RODBT theory and techniques. We will focus on the difference between DBT and RO-DBT, the theory of over versus under-control behaviors, and some basic practices used in RO-DBT.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Explain a new biosocial theory for Over-Control
- Learn the difference between DBT and RO-DBT
- Describe the RO-DBT treatment structure
- Learn some of the practices used in the RO-DBT treatment hierarchy
Syllabus:
Foundations of RO-DBT
- Developed by Dr. Thomas Lynch for clients with maladaptive overcontrol
- Evidence-based, transdiagnostic approach
- Informed by behavioral theory, mindfulness, dialectical philosophy, and Malamati Sufism
- Targets disorders including chronic depression, anorexia, OCD, avoidant and schizoid personality disorders
Objective #1: The Biosocial Theory for Over-Control
- Overcontrol is characterized by emotional inhibition, perfectionism, rigidity, and social isolation
- OC individuals show high detail-focus, threat sensitivity, and low reward sensitivity
- Early environments reinforce pain tolerance, rule-following, and suppression of emotion
- Overcontrol often leads to emotional loneliness despite surface-level social functioning
Objective #2: Comparing RO-DBT and Standard DBT
- DBT addresses undercontrolled clients with impulsivity and emotion dysregulation
- RO-DBT addresses overcontrolled clients with aloofness, avoidance, and perfectionism
- Standard DBT encourages effort and change; RO-DBT encourages openness and letting go
- RO-DBT targets low openness, poor social signaling, and inflexible responding
Objective #3: Diagnostic Differences and Attachment Styles
- Overcontrolled disorders: chronic depression, anorexia, OCD, avoidant PD, autism spectrum
- Undercontrolled disorders: borderline PD, bipolar, histrionic PD, substance use
- OC clients often present with avoidant attachment and discomfort with therapist intimacy
- RO-DBT emphasizes curiosity and non-directiveness in therapy
Objective #4: RO-DBT Treatment Structure and Targets
- Individual sessions begin with orientation, values, and self-identification as OC
- Skills classes begin in session 3 and continue weekly
- Primary treatment targets: increase openness, flexible responding, emotional expression
- Decrease maladaptive overcontrol, aloofness, and emotional loneliness
Objective #5: Radical Openness and Social Signaling
- Radical Openness is the willingness to seek out disconfirming feedback to grow
- Not approval-seeking or mindless acceptance, but active curiosity and adaptability
- Social signaling deficits contribute to loneliness and relationship struggles
- RO-DBT enhances social safety through facial expressions, body language, and warmth
Objective #6: Skills in RO-DBT
- Self-Enquiry: exploring discomfort and reactivity to feedback
- Flexible Mind: ADOPTS, DEF(initely!), and VARIES skills to shift perspective and behavior
- Social Signaling: using eye contact, facial expressions, and open body posture
- Vulnerability and Open Expression: expressing authentic feelings despite fear
- Gratitude, empathy, problem-solving, and mindful reflection are core practices
Objective #7: Experiential Practice and Commitment
- RO-DBT is experiential and requires repeated, real-time practice
- Encourages clients to challenge their assumptions and engage differently in relationships
- Focuses on changing physiology, not just cognition, to create behavioral flexibility
- Enhances connectedness, emotional awareness, and self-understanding
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Stacy Blankenship, LCSW
Recording Date: 12/02/2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com