Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT)

What Is DBT?

According to the Linehan Institute, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), was originally developed to treat chronically suicidal individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Now recognized as the standard psychological treatment for this population, research shows that DBT is effective in treating a wide range of other disorders including substance use disorder, depressive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders. For many clients, DBT helps clients establish a life worth living.

What Is RO-DBT?

In contrast to traditional DBT, radically open DBT (RO-DBT) treats individuals struggling with excessive self-control, also known as over controlling. Some of the disorders that it can treat includes chronic depression, anorexia nervosa, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Additionally, individuals with specific types of personality disorders can be treated with RO-DBT.

How We Use DBT and RO-DBT

Both DBT and RO-DBT are evidence-based and have extensive research to support their efficacy. When deciding whether to recommend DBT or RO-DBT to a client, exploring the level of self-control that they possess is key in determining the appropriate treatment.
At Lifeskills, we offer DBT through a comprehensive Linehan compliant 13-week DBT Pathway, as well as auxiliary DBT groups for clients that are assigned to one of our other clinical pathways. Our clinicians are certified by the Marsha Linehan institute for advanced skills in the use of DBT. Having intensively trained clinicians reinforces, expands, and strengthens our DBT programming. We strive to ensure our staff are highly trained and responsible in providing comprehensive DBT skills.
In DBT, clients and therapists work together to help clients establish develop healthy habits. Like CBT, DBT is a solution-focused therapy that helps clients to live happier and healthier lives. In DBT, we address life-threatening behaviors, therapy-interfering behaviors, quality-of-life-behaviors, and teach clients the skills they need to live independently.
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