Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Disorders of Overcontrol

Self-control, the ability to inhibit competing urges, impulses, or behaviors is highly valued by most societies. However, excessive self-control has been linked to social isolation, aloof interpersonal functioning, maladaptive perfectionism, constricted emotional expressions, and difficult-to-treat mental health problems, such as anorexia nervosa, obsessive compulsive personality disorder, and refractory depression.

The aim of this workshop is to introduce clinicians to the theoretical foundations, treatment strategies and new skills underlying Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (R...Read moreO DBT) for disorders of overcontrol (Lynch, 2018).

While RO DBT uses dialectical and behavioral strategies, the interventions used are substantially different to those used in standard DBT. For example, RO DBT contends that emotional loneliness represents the core problem for overcontrol, not emotion dysregulation. The biosocial theory for overcontrol posits that temperamental biases for heightened threat sensitivity and diminished reward sensitivity transact with early family experiences to result in an overcontrolled coping style leading to social ostracism – secondary to low openness and social signalling deficits. A novel thesis linking the communicative functions of emotional expression to the formation of close social bonds will be introduced, as well as new clinical skills linking treatment targeting to social signalling deficits. New approaches designed to activate a neurobiological-based social-safety system, signal cooperation, and encourage genuine self-disclosure will be introduced. Less...

Learning Objectives

• Explain a new biosocial theory for overcontrol.
• Describe the RO-DBT treatment structure.
• Utilize new RO-DBT treatment strategies designed to enhance willingness for self-inquiry and flexible responding.
• Describe the RO-DBT treatment hierarchy.
• Describe a novel treatment mechanism positing open expression = trust = social connectedness.
• List examples of strategies designed to improve pro-social cooperative signalling via activation of the parasympathetic nervous system’s social-safety system.

Learning Levels

• Beginner

Friday, February 02, 2024

09:00 AM MST - 04:00 PM MST