Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) is a new approach to mental health treatment that is gaining popularity among clinicians and patients alike. This innovative therapy was developed by Dr. Thomas Lynch, a clinical psychologist from the United Kingdom, and it is based on the principles of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
DBT is a therapeutic approach that was developed in the 1980s by Dr. Marsha Linehan. This form of therapy is primarily used to treat people who have borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, it has also proven to be effective in treating other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
RO-DBT, on the other hand, was developed specifically to treat individuals who have emotional over-control, or an excessive need for control in their daily lives. This need for control often leads to social isolation, rigid behaviors, and problems with social and emotional functioning. RO-DBT focuses on teaching patients how to be more open, vulnerable, and flexible in their interactions with others.
The goal of RO-DBT is to help patients become more open and flexible in their behavior, which in turn can help them improve their relationships and overall quality of life. This involves practicing skills such as emotional expression, being open to feedback, and accepting uncertainty.
RO-DBT differs from traditional DBT in several ways. First, it utilizes a more structured approach, with specific protocol and training guidelines for therapists. Second, it places a greater emphasis on social signaling and the importance of social connection in mental health. Finally, it addresses the issue of excessive need for control differently than traditional DBT.
RO-DBT uses a combination of individual and group therapy sessions, along with skill-building exercises, to help patients develop the skills they need to become more open and flexible. Patients are taught mindfulness, self-awareness, problem-solving, and distress tolerance skills, which can help them better manage their emotions and respond to difficult situations more effectively.
One of the key components of RO-DBT is the use of skills training classes, which are taught in a group setting. These classes are designed to help patients learn the skills needed to become more open and flexible, and they focus on topics such as social signaling, emotional expression, and problem-solving.
Overall, RO-DBT is a promising new approach to mental health treatment that offers hope to individuals who struggle with emotional over-control and other mental health issues. Its focus on social signaling and the importance of social connection is particularly relevant in today’s world, where many people are feeling isolated and disconnected due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With its structured approach and emphasis on skill-building, RO-DBT has the potential to become an important tool in the fight against mental illness.