Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Radically-open dialectical behavior therapy (RO DBT) is a type of therapy that treats disorders of overcontrol, where people exhibit a level of self-control that interferes with their ability to function effectively, connect with others, and be flexible when needed.

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This is a relatively new therapy that helps clients who struggle with having too much control to feel flexibility and ease in life (e.g., perfectionists/type-A personalities). The therapy examines biological and social roots that lead to over-control and helps clients increase flexibility and closeness in relationships. I am still in training but have been in an organization/consultation team practicing RO-DBT for the last 9 years as well as supervision. I complete training in 2025.

— Alison Alderdice, Psychologist

I am intensively trained in RO-DBT, lead weekly skills classes, and provide adherent RO-DBT individual therapy. RO is geared towards over-controlled people who find their perfectionism to be maladaptive at times, to feel overwhelmed, emotionally lonely, burnt out, find their rigid, black-and-white, or overly rule-governed thinking and behavior to be getting in the way of your relationships or overall well-being.

— Sarah Nehdi, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
 

We have clinicians intensively trained in a highly sought-after treatment, Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT), a specialized treatment for Chronic Depression, Anorexia-Nervosa, and disorders of Over-Control (OC). RO-DBT promotes openness, flexibility, and direct communication. PSYCHe also offers a once weekly RO-DBT Skills Class on Wednesdays (5:00-6:30pm CST/ 6:00-7:30 EST). Group offers a psychoeducational, skills-based setting to learn flexibility, openness, and social connection. Enroll now!

— PSYCHe PLLC, Psychologist in Nashville, TN

I am a Level 2 certified Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Counselor.

— Bevin Katira, Associate Clinical Social Worker

Radically Open DBT is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the importance of openness and acceptance. It encourages clients to embrace uncertainty, challenge rigid beliefs, and cultivate a sense of curiosity and wonder. By fostering a more open mindset, clients can develop greater flexibility, resilience, and the ability to navigate life's challenges with greater ease. I incorporate RO principles into my sessions to support clients when appropriate.

— Jennifer Yoder-Clevidence, Licensed Professional Counselor in Athens, OH
 

RO-DBT treats disorders of overcontrol like anorexia, OCD, and chronic depression. It combines DBT with cultivating openness and flexibility. The core idea is that these disorders stem from invalidating childhoods that led to rigid coping strategies of emotional suppression. Overcontrol becomes maladaptive in adulthood, causing isolation and detachment. RO-DBT focuses on learning openness as an antidote - being receptive to new experiences, willing to share thoughts/feelings, and perspectives

— IAN BARKER, Counselor in Tampa, FL

I am a qualified RO-DBT Practitioner and have completed all three levels of RO-DBT through the Radically Open Institute. I lead a skills class for parents and adults to assist clients in increasing flexibility, openness, and connectedness.

— Apiffany Gaither, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Huntersville, NC
 

Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RO DBT) is an empirically based therapy that effectively treats people with emotional loneliness. I offer individual RO DBT and RO Skills Classes, where participants learn skills help increase openness to new experiences, flexibility in an ever changing environment, and social connectedness. RO DBT also informs the work that I do as an art therapist.

— Maggie Ritnour, Therapist in Brooklyn, NY

I am a qualified RO-DBT Practitioner and have completed all three levels of RO-DBT through the Radically Open Institute. I facilitate a skills class for parents and adults to assist clients in increasing flexibility, openness, and connectedness.

— Apiffany Gaither, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Huntersville, NC
 

I am level 3 trained in Radically Open DBT. RO DBT is a great treatment to help clients learn flexibility, openness, social connection and to reduce emotional restraint, cognitive rigidity and behavioral control.

— Valerie Akins, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Plano, TX

I am Level 1 trained in RO-DBT and have experience facilitating both individual RO-DBT sessions as well as co-leading RO-DBT skills groups. RO-DBT is a trans diagnostic treatment that has been found to be effective with folks struggling with perfectionism, showing emotions, and being flexible in relationships.

— Erin Dryden, Therapist in Austin, TX
 

Radically Open is an evidence based model (aka, the kind you can really trust) that treats OVERCONTROL. What the hell is that? Glad you asked. Overcontrol takes your anxiety and depression symptoms and makes them chronic and treatment-resistant. And then adds a whopping side dish of perfectionism. Simply, over control is a term for people who have so much self control they can suppress their emotion, out work most everyone, and end up victim to their own perfectionism.

— Emilea Richardson, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Charleston, SC

Radically Open DBT is my primary passion and area of expertise. Intensively trained and supervised in 2017 by treatment developer Dr. Thomas Lynch. I am a certified senior trainer in RO DBT, a member of the international senior clinician team, and a presenter and co-author in the areas of RO DBT with teens and families. You can find more information about my roles in the RO DBT community at https://www.radicallyopen.net/trainers-and-supervisors.html

— Heidi Ison, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tampa, FL
 

RO-DBT is a 30-week individual/group intervention designed to address overcontrol, or Stress Response System patterns that rely on excessive self-control. It is focused on Radical Openness, or openness to change and a commitment to reframing unwanted or distressing bodily sensations, emotions, or thoughts as opportunities for growth and learning. Clients will learn to regulate their nervous systems and engage in authentic social signaling.

— Laurie Finnegan, Licensed Clinical Social Worker