Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO DBT) is evidence-based treatment targeting disorders linked to overcontrol.
Overcontrol has been linked to social isolation, poor interpersonal functioning, hyper perfectionism, rigidity, risk aversion, lack of emotional expression and the development of severe and difficult to treat mental health problems such as chronic/refractory depression, anorexia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Overcontrol represents a personality style that results from the dynamic and transactions between genetic and biological precursors (nature) and family/environmental/cultural influences (nurture) that create a style of coping characterised by excessive self-control and aloof relationships that limits new learnings, limits flexible responding and disrupts the development of close social tribes.
Individuals with overcontrolled coping tend to have strengths in the ability to inhibit competing urges, impulses, behaviours or desires by delaying gratification in order to pursue distal goals. Yet this strength often results in a hyper-seriousness, emotional suppression, high personal standards, a deep self-sacrificing and difficulties in forming genuine intimacy. There is a “quiet suffering,” a loneliness and sense of not belonging alongside a mental prison of perfectionism and rigid rules. Overtime, this tends to erupt into an experience of “emotional leakage”, a crisis or breakdown.
Radical openness is the core philosophical principle and core skill in RO DBT that promotes flexibility, and social connectedness. Openness matters because tribe matters.
Radical Openness involves developing a passion for going opposite to where you are. It represents an intention to more deeply explore areas in your life that are difficult, painful or disturbing. It means advancing courageously to the source of the unknown with proper humility and a willingness to question ourselves when challenged, in order to ask “what is it that I might need to learn?” Radical Openness allows us to celebrate problems as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles that block personal well-being. Problems also serve as opportunity for self-discovery and self-inquiry.