Radically Open-DBT
Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT)
What is Radically Open-DBT?
Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) is a relatively new evidence-based treatment for individuals with excessive emotional over-control. ‘Self-control’ is usually seen as a good thing, however too much self-control can cause difficulties. Excessive self-control is associated with social isolation and poor interpersonal relations and it contributes to conditions like anorexia nervosa.
Maladaptive over- control is seen as a problem of emotional loneliness - not necessarily lacking contact with others…...but lack of social connectedness with others. If there is a part of you that wants to feel and be closer to others, RO-DBT may be for you.
We are social beings and we know that 3 core components of emotional well-being are:
-
Openness to feedback, even when this is challenging
-
Flexibility in our responses, to ever changing demands
-
Communication of our emotions, recognising that expressing emotion is crucial when forming close interpersonal bonds.
RO-DBT treatment strategies aim to build:
-
Flexible responding to the demands of the moment
-
Emphasis on the importance of authentic emotional expression to build positive interpersonal relationships
-
Self enquiry into our usual responses
-
Ability to manage unexpected or challenging feedback
RO-DBT is a transdiagnostic approach and helps us to learn about our own social - emotional functioning and how this can sometimes get in the way of experiencing ourselves and ourselves in relationships.
RO-DBT has a range of skills that can help you learn more about the skills that you do use to cope with the demands of life and relationships, while also discovering new ones that you can use tap into when the situation calls for it.
RODBT should not be confused with learning behaviours to "mask better" - masking is a compelx and exhausting survival strategy for autistic people! RODBT does not involve intentionally learning neurotypical behaviours and minicking these in social situations. We are not into this! Autistic people don't need to mask just to make others comfortable. There are benefits to RODBT for individuals on the spectrum and other neurotypes. As with any therapuetic intervention, it needs to fit each person's unique lived experience.
Set intentions, purpose and goals with your individual therapist that works for you!
Could RODBT Be Right for You?
Do you tend to be someone who is highly responsible, organised and conscientious, but sometimes finds these strengths getting in the way of living the life you want?
You might recognise yourself in some of the following (though not necessarily all of them or in every situation):
Dutiful and highly responsible
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Cautious or avoidant of risk and novelty
-
Someone who likes to plan ahead
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Finds it difficult to genuinely connect with others
Strongly values rules and doing the "right" thing
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Often feels misunderstood or unappreciated
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Struggles to relax, let go or be playfu
These qualities aren't inherently problematic. In fact, many are strengths. The question is whether they make it harder to experience meaningful relationships, flexibility and emotional wellbeing.
The key question is...
Is what you show on the outside different from what you experience on the inside? RODBT helps people become more:
Open and receptive
Flexible and adaptable
Socially connected and authentic
Hear From One of Australia's Leading RODBT Clinicians
Tanya Franic is the Co-Founder of The Centre for RODBT & DBT and was one of Australia's first RODBT Scholars, bringing extensive experience in Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy to her clinical work.
She has presented alongside fellow RODBT clinicians at national conferences, including ANZAED, and is passionate about helping people experience greater openness, connection and emotional wellbeing through this evidence-based approach.
Alongside RODBT, Tanya integrates a range of therapeutic modalities including SSCM, DBT, CBT, ACT, EMDR, IPT, Mindfulness and Compassion Focused Therapy. Her work is grounded in psychodynamic and systemic principles, allowing her to tailor therapy to the unique needs of children, adolescents, adults, families and service systems.
Explore Our Other Methodologies
No single therapeutic approach is right for everyone. Our clinicians draw on a range of evidence-based methodologies, tailoring treatment to each person's unique experiences, goals and needs.
Good to know
RO-DBT is a transdiagnostic approach and helps us to learn about our own social - emotional functioning and how this can sometimes get in the way of experiencing ourselves and ourselves in relationships.
RO-DBT has a range of skills that can help you learn more about the skills that you do use to cope with the demands of life and relationships, while also discovering new ones that you can use tap into when the situation calls for it.
RODBT should not be confused with learning behaviours to "mask better" - masking is a compelx and exhausting survival strategy for autistic people! RODBT does not involve intentionally learning neurotypical behaviours and minicking these in social situations. We are not into this! Autistic people don't need to mask just to make others comfortable. There are benefits to RODBT for individuals on the spectrum and other neurotypes. As with any therapuetic intervention, it needs to fit each person's unique lived experience. Set intentions, purpose and goals with your individual therapist that works for you!
What is Radically Open-DBT?
Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) is a relatively new evidence-based treatment for individuals with excessive emotional over-control. ‘Self-control’ is usually seen as a good thing, however too much self-control can cause difficulties. Excessive self-control is associated with social isolation and poor interpersonal relations and it contributes to conditions like anorexia nervosa.
Maladaptive over- control is seen as a problem of emotional loneliness - not necessarily lacking contact with others…...but lack of social connectedness with others. If there is a part of you that wants to feel and be closer to others, RO-DBT may be for you.
We are social beings and we know that 3 core components of emotional well-being are:
1) Openness to feedback, even when this is challenging
2) Flexibility in our responses, to ever changing demands
3) Communication of our emotions, recognising that expressing emotion is crucial when forming close interpersonal bonds.
RO-DBT treatment strategies aim to build:
1) Flexible responding to the demands of the moment
2) Emphasis on the importance of authentic emotional expression to build positive interpersonal relationships
3) Self enquiry into our usual responses
4) Ability to manage unexpected or challenging feedback
Are you the sort of person who is some of the following (not necessarily all or in all contexts!) - remember it is only when these things get in the way of being you!... dutiful, avoids risk and novelty, plans ahead, struggles to genuinely and authentically connect with others, follows rules, feels unappreciated, struggles to relax and be playful?
The key question really...
"Is what you show on the outside different to your inner experiences, thoughts, and sensations?"
Would you like help to be more:
1. Receptive and open
2. Flexible
3. Socially connected
More information about Radically Open DBT can be found at www.radicallyopen.net
If you would like to talk to us more about RODBT and whether this approach fits you, please contact us on 9555 4810 or email us at info@treatyourselfwell.com.