Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RO DBT) is an empirically based therapy proven to effectively treat emotional loneliness.

Self-control is generally beneficial, but some individuals may experience excessive self-control, known as overcontrol. These individuals are often high-achievers—driven, goal-oriented, and seemingly put together—but they may struggle to relax. This can lead to behaviors such as being overly inhibited, perfectionistic, and cautious, ultimately leaving them feeling drained by social interactions To learn more about RO DBT check out this link to access Radically Open Blended Learning online.

Maggie is over-the-moon to be the first art therapist on the RO DBT Senior Clinician Team! She deeply values the effectiveness of this treatment for those who suffer in silence, managing their pain with such control that few, if any, realize how much they are struggling.

Curious how RO DBT informs an art therapy session? Check out Maggie’s blog post - Art therapy, not knowing, and new learning.

What’s the difference between DBT and RO?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was developed in the early 90s to help individuals who were chronically suicidal and emotionally dysregulated, particularly those with borderline personality disorder. RO DBT, a new treatment, emerged in the early 2000s to address the challenges of people who are emotionally overcontrolled—the opposite of the individuals DBT was designed to help. You can find a detailed comparison of the two here.

Check out the Special Issue on RO DBT in the Behavior Therapist from March 2018 dedicated entirely to RO DBT.