RO DBT is a new evidence-based treatment for patients with emotional over-control. ‘Self-control’ is usually seen as a good thing, however too much self-control can cause difficulties. Excessive self-control is associated with social isolation and poor interpersonal relations and it contributes to conditions like anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, chronic depression and autistic spectrum disorders.

Over- control is seen as a problem of emotional loneliness - not necessarily lacking contact with others…...but lack of social connectedness with others

We are social beings and we know that 3 core components of emotional well-being are:

1. Openness to feedback, even when this is challenging
2. Flexibility in our responses, to ever changing demands
3. Communication of our emotions, recognising that expressing emotion is crucial when forming close interpersonal bonds

RO-DBT treatment strategies aim to build:

1. Flexible responding to the demands of the moment
2. Emphasis on the importance of authentic emotional expression to build positive interpersonal relationships
3. Self enquiry into our usual responses
4. Ability to manage unexpected or challenging feedback