Radically Open DBT

Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT) is an evidence-based treatment designed for individuals who struggle with excessive self-control, emotional overcontrol, and social disconnection. While traditional DBT focuses on helping people who experience intense emotional dysregulation and impulsivity, RO DBT targets a different pattern, one characterized by perfectionism, rigidity, emotional inhibition, and difficulty expressing vulnerability or forming close relationships. RO DBT helps clients increase openness, flexibility, and social connectedness by learning how to communicate emotions more authentically, take healthy risks in relationships, and reduce the pressure to appear in control at all times. The goal is not to reduce standards or motivation, but to help clients live more connected, balanced, and meaningful lives.

  • RO DBT is a specialized form of therapy designed for people who tend to be overly controlled in their emotions and behavior. It focuses on increasing openness, social connectedness, and emotional expression rather than simply reducing distress.

  • Traditional DBT is designed for individuals who experience emotional undercontrol, such as impulsivity or intense mood swings. RO DBT was developed for people with emotional overcontrol, including perfectionism, rigidity, high self-criticism, and social withdrawal.

  • RO DBT may be helpful for people who struggle with chronic depression, anxiety, perfectionism, restrictive eating patterns, obsessive or rule-governed thinking, or feeling emotionally distant from others despite functioning well outwardly.

  • RO DBT focuses on skills that increase openness, flexibility, and genuine connection with others. Clients learn how social signaling, vulnerability, and emotional expression impact relationships and overall well-being.