Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT) is a new evidence based treatment targeting a spectrum of disorders characterized by excessive self-control, often referred to as overcontrol (OC). It is supported by 20 years of clinical experience and research that parallels established guidelines for treatment development

The problem of overcontrol

Individuals characterized by overcontrolled coping tend to be serious about life, set high personal standards, work hard, behave appropriately, and frequently will sacrifice personal needs in order to achieve desired goals or help others. However, inwardly overcontrolled individuals often feel “clueless” about how to join in with others or establish intimate bonds. Unfortunately, rigid and over-controlled coping appears to result in poor interpersonal relationships and general difficulties with adapting to changing environmental circumstances, leading to emotional loneliness, depression and other related problems. Thus, overcontrol works well when it comes to sitting quietly in school or building a rocket; but it creates problems when it comes to social relationships.

Furthermore, there is evidence that people with chronic mental health problems, such as treatment resistant or chronic depression and anorexia nervosa, suffer from problems of untreated overcontrol, including maladaptive perfectionism, cognitive rigidity, insistence on sameness, strong personal needs for structure and symmetry, greater self-criticism, rigid internalised expectations, excessive control of spontaneous emotion, inordinate fears of making mistakes, aloof interpersonal functioning and social isolation.

Overcontrolled individuals often feel “clueless” about how to join in with others or establish intimate bonds … overcontrol works well when it comes to sitting quietly in school or building a rocket; but it creates problems when it comes to social relationships

Self Control – the ability to inhibit competing urges, impulses, behaviors, or desires and delay gratification in order to pursue future goals

Radical openness

Radical Openness is the core philosophical principle and core skill in RO DBT. Radical Openness is a way of behaving, but it is also a state of mind informed by the central premise that emotional well-being involves the confluence of the above three features: openness, flexibility, and social connectedness. As a state of mind, Radical Openness involves actively seeking our personal unknown in order to learn from an ever-changing environment. Radical Openness also enhances relationships because it models humility and the willingness to learn from what the world has to offer.