RO-DBT: Evidence-Based Treatment for Overcontrol and Connection

Compassionate RO-DBT in Portland, Oregon and virtual sessions across Washington—helping you build openness, flexibility, and lasting connection.

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Increase Openness and Receptivity

At Abri Psychotherapy™, we’re dedicated to helping you embrace openness and increase your capacity to respond flexibly to life’s challenges. Our personalized approach creates a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and emotions without judgment, empowering you to break down barriers and see new possibilities. Through our supportive therapy sessions in Portland, OR, you’ll develop the tools to adapt and thrive, nurturing a mindset that welcomes growth and change in all aspects of your life.

**RO-DBT vs Traditional DBT**
	RO-DBT	Traditional DBT
Core Focus	Overcontrol: rigidity, perfectionism, emotional inhibition.	Undercontrol: impulsivity, intense emotions, high reactivity.
Target Population	Chronic depression, OCPD, anorexia; high self-control & social withdrawal.	BPD, self-harm, mood instability; difficulty with self-regulation.
Key Skills	Openness, flexibility, social-signaling, receptive mindfulness.	Emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness.
Social Connection	Build trust, authenticity, and prosocial risk-taking.	Reduce conflict and strengthen boundaries in relationships.
Emotion Work	Encourages safe expression; relaxes over-control.	Down-shifts intensity; prevents harmful responses.
Treatment Goals	Increase openness & flexibility; reduce loneliness; enhance vitality.	Stabilize emotions; reduce harmful behaviors; improve functioning.

Source: Radically Open DBT versus Standard DBT

Information and Frequently Asked Questions About RO-DBT:

What is RO-DBT?

Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) is a specialized form of therapy designed to help individuals who struggle with what psychologists call “overcontrol.” Unlike traditional therapies that often target impulsivity, RO-DBT focuses on people who experience high self-control to the point that it interferes with their ability to connect with others and feel fulfilled.

At its core, RO-DBT teaches flexibility, openness, and authentic social connection. It helps clients explore new ways of responding to emotions, broadens their coping skills, and nurtures stronger relationships. At Abri Psychotherapy, our trained therapists integrate ro dbt techniques into sessions to create a supportive space for lasting growth.

How is RO-DBT different from standard DBT?

While both RO-DBT and standard DBT share the same roots in cognitive-behavioral therapy, their focus is quite different.

Standard DBT: Designed for individuals with undercontrol—those who experience intense emotions, impulsivity, or difficulties with self-regulation. It emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
RO-DBT: Created specifically for overcontrolled individuals—those who might appear reserved, perfectionistic, or socially withdrawn. RO-DBT emphasizes openness, spontaneity, and trust, teaching skills that foster vulnerability and connection.

In practice, RO-DBT sessions often include social signaling exercises, role-plays, and mindfulness techniques tailored toward breaking rigid patterns. At Abri Psychotherapy, we often guide clients in exploring both approaches—learn more in our article on DBT vs RO-DBT—to help you understand which therapy may best fit your needs.

Who can benefit from RO-DBT?

RO-DBT is designed for people who feel “stuck” in patterns of self-control that limit their emotional freedom and relationships. You may benefit from ro dbt if you:

Find it difficult to relax or “let go” in social settings.
Feel overly focused on perfection, rules, or order.
Experience loneliness, even when you’re around others.
Have trouble expressing emotions or allowing vulnerability.
Struggle with rigidity or fear of change.

This therapy is often especially impactful for adults and teens who may not see themselves in descriptions of impulsivity but know that something is keeping them from feeling fully engaged in life. At Abri Psychotherapy, we provide tailored ro dbt sessions that focus on building skills to restore balance and connection.

What conditions does RO-DBT treat?

RO-DBT is an evidence-based treatment approach that has been shown to help with a range of mental health conditions linked to overcontrol. Some of the most common include:

Chronic depression (particularly treatment-resistant depression)
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD)
Anorexia nervosa
Anxiety disorders with rigid thought patterns
Maladaptive perfectionism
Social isolation and loneliness

At Abri Psychotherapy, we use ro dbt to treat these conditions by helping clients increase openness, build trust in relationships, and improve emotional expression. We also integrate RO-DBT principles into broader therapy plans, so clients get a holistic approach to care.

Is RO-DBT evidence-based?

Yes. RO-DBT is grounded in years of research and clinical trials. Developed by Dr. Thomas Lynch, this therapy has been tested in multiple studies across depression, eating disorders, and personality disorders. Research has consistently shown that RO-DBT is effective in reducing symptoms, improving social connection, and enhancing overall well-being.

At Abri Psychotherapy, our therapists are trained in delivering ro dbt in ways that meet the highest standards of evidence-based care. That means you can feel confident knowing the strategies we use are supported by science, not just theory.

If you’d like to dive deeper into the science, check out our resources on therapies for overcontrolled personality, where we break down key research findings in accessible language.

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Psychological Mental Health Therapy in Portland and Virtually in Oregon and Washington States

Depression & Anxiety

Abri Psychotherapy™ offers compassionate support for depression and anxiety, helping you build resilience, manage overwhelming feelings, and find new ways to navigate life with greater ease and confidence.

Eating Disorders

Through a holistic and personalized approach, Abri helps individuals struggling with eating disorders develop a healthier relationship with food and body image, fostering self-acceptance and balanced, mindful eating habits.

Disorders of Over Control

Abri Psychotherapy™ provides guidance for disorders of over control, such as OCD, treatment-resistant anxiety and depression and restrictive eating disorders, helping you cultivate flexibility and reduce rigidity, empowering you to face fears and embrace a more balanced, adaptable approach to life.