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RADICALLY OPEN DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY (RO DBT)
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What is RO DBT Skills Group and How is it Different From DBT?
A Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT) Skills Group is similar to a traditional DBT skills group through meeting weekly for at least an hour, reviewing homework, and being skills focused. RO DBT focuses on helping individuals develop skills to increase emotional flexibility, social connectedness, and openness. Unlike standard DBT, which targets emotional dysregulation, RO DBT is designed for individuals with overcontrolled personality traits. Individuals who fall under the realms of overcontrol suppress emotions, avoid vulnerability, and have difficulty with emotional expression and interpersonal openness. RO DBT is particularly effective for people with chronic depression, anxiety, OCPD, or anorexia nervosa.
RO DBT Skills Group Incorporates:
Focus on Radical Openness
The core concept of Radical Openness is about being open to feedback, vulnerability, and change. In RO DBT groups, members are encouraged to let go of the self-control and rigidity that characterize overcontrolled behaviors. They practice being open to their emotions and the emotions of others, which can help increase emotional freedom and social connectedness.
Unlike traditional DBT, which emphasizes acceptance of emotions, RO DBT emphasizes emotional expression and being willing to receive and act on feedback from others, particularly in social contexts.
Core Skills in RO DBT In a RO DBT skills group, the following four main skill modules are taught, aimed at improving social signaling, emotional expression, and flexibility:
a. Mindfulness of the Moment (Mindfulness and Radical Openness)
Skills Focus: In RO DBT, mindfulness isn’t just about accepting one’s feelings; it’s about practicing emotional openness and flexibility in response to changing situations.
How It Works: Participants learn to notice how they respond to feelings and situations with rigid emotional control and practice being open to change, feedback, and vulnerability.
Example Skill: Participants might practice noticing when they shut down or avoid feelings and then gradually allow themselves to feel or express those emotions, even if it feels uncomfortable.
b. Social Signaling
Skills Focus: Overcontrolled individuals may struggle with nonverbal communication, which can lead to misinterpretation of their intentions or feelings by others. This skill focuses on improving social interactions by teaching participants to send clear signals (e.g., showing warmth, smiling, using appropriate body language) to increase connection.
How It Works: In the group, members practice using more open and approachable body language, expressing empathy, and showing vulnerability. This can reduce social isolation and help individuals feel more connected to others.
Example Skill: Group members may practice exercises like learning to use open body language or make eye contact to increase warmth and emotional expression in social situations.
c. Opposite Action (Acting with Openness)
Skills Focus: This skill involves encouraging individuals to engage in behaviors opposite to their usual overcontrolled, emotionally constricted tendencies.
How It Works: Group members practice doing the opposite of what their usual avoidance or rigidity urges them to do. For example, if a person tends to shut down during an emotional conversation, they might practice opening up or asking more questions to engage emotionally.
Example Skill: If someone has the habit of withdrawing during stress, the opposite action would be to practice engaging with others or expressing emotion during stressful situations.
d. Flexibility and Adaptability
Skills Focus: A key concept of RO DBT is flexibility—the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, particularly in relationships and social settings. Overcontrolled individuals tend to prefer predictability and can struggle with change.
How It Works: In the group, participants are taught to tolerate uncertainty, go with the flow, and become more flexible in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Practicing this flexibility helps reduce the rigid thinking patterns that can contribute to feelings of social isolation and emotional detachment.
Example Skill: Group members may practice changing their routines or trying out new social behaviors to increase their flexibility.
Group Dynamics and Support
Supportive Environment: The group setting creates a supportive space where participants can practice being more vulnerable and open, and receive feedback from others in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.
The group members encourage each other to practice emotional openness, risk-taking, and vulnerability. This can help participants feel less isolated and more connected to others who are also working on similar issues.
Accountability: Members are held accountable for practicing the skills and applying them in real-life situations. Sharing personal experiences with the group helps reinforce the learning process.
Therapist’s Role
The therapist in an RO DBT group provides guidance, structure, and feedback. They ensure that group members are practicing the skills appropriately and provide encouragement when challenges arise.
The therapist also teaches group members about the importance of radical openness, modeling what it looks like to be receptive to feedback and vulnerable in emotional expression. This creates a safe space for everyone to be open and try new behaviors.
Differences Between Traditional DBT and RO DBT Skills Groups
Focus on Emotional Expression vs. Emotional Regulation: Traditional DBT focuses heavily on emotional regulation (learning to manage and reduce extreme emotions). RO DBT, however, emphasizes emotional openness and expression in social contexts. The aim is to increase the individual’s willingness to express and share emotions rather than trying to control or suppress them.
Mindfulness: In traditional DBT, mindfulness helps individuals accept emotions. In RO DBT, mindfulness focuses on being open to emotions, even the uncomfortable ones, and being more responsive to social and emotional feedback.
Social Flexibility vs. Social Effectiveness: Traditional DBT teaches interpersonal effectiveness skills, focusing on assertiveness and maintaining self-respect in relationships. RO DBT, however, places a heavier emphasis on social flexibility—learning to adapt to social dynamics, be more emotionally expressive, and open to connection with others.
Example of an RO DBT Skills Group Session
Check-in: The session begins with a brief check-in where each member shares their week’s experience, focusing on how they practiced being open and vulnerable or used the skills outside of the group.
Skill Introduction: The therapist introduces a new skill (e.g., mindfulness of emotional openness) and explains its importance. Members are encouraged to reflect on how they might apply it in their lives.
Skill Practice: Participants practice the new skill in a role-playing exercise or group discussion, focusing on increasing emotional expression or engaging with others socially.
Group Discussion: Group members discuss their experiences, challenges, and successes in practicing the skills. They give each other feedback and encourage each other to keep trying.
Homework Assignment: The therapist assigns homework that encourages participants to practice openness in social interactions or express emotions in ways that challenge their typical behavior patterns.
Wrap-up: The session ends with a review of the skills covered and a reminder to practice them in real-world situations before the next session.
Conclusion
A Radically Open DBT skills group helps individuals develop emotional openness, flexibility, and interpersonal effectiveness. It is especially beneficial for individuals with overcontrolled tendencies, such as those who tend to suppress emotions, avoid vulnerability, or struggle with forming deep emotional connections. Through group practice, learning, and mutual support, participants can gradually become more adaptable, authentic, and emotionally connected in their relationships, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Would you like to explore further how RO DBT can help specific issues, like depression, OCD, or anxiety, or how it differs from other therapeutic approaches? Contact Mindful Innovations today for more information.