Why RO DBT?

Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RO DBT) is an evidence based psychotherapy—it’s been proven to work through more than thirty years of research. Where DBT is oriented to individuals who seek more emotional control, RO DBT is oriented towards those who sometimes exert too much control over their emotions. RO DBT calls this “overcontrol,” and it can get in the way of one’s mental health.

The approach builds on standard DBT and on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), another evidence based approach that has seventy years of research behind it. The core philosophy that underlies DBT is the balance between acceptance (mindfulness) and change (CBT) strategies. Research has shown that without the acceptance strategies of DBT, the change based strategies of CBT are less effective.

Unlike traditional psychotherapy RO DBT is a skills based program which means that treatment is not intended to be ongoing over the long term—the goal of RO DBT is to provide patients with the skills to thrive through a time-limited program of group therapy.

Time Boxed

DBT treatment typically follows an eight month program of weekly group sessions.

Dialectic Foundation

RO DBT incorporates both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness thereby offering a balance of acceptance and change strategies.

Goal Oriented

Clients work collaboratively with the therapist to define target behaviors for modification. Skills are then applied to decrease negative behaviors and promote positive ones.

Team Supported

Patients are supported not only by their individual therapist but also by their individual therapist’s consult team thus ensuring the highest-level of care.

Extended Support

In RO DBT group therapy sessions can be supplemented with skills-based coaching during extended hours by telephone.