What is (Radically Open) DBT?

Like most professions, Registered Dietitians need to fulfill continuing education credits to maintain their license. I spent some time exploring what I wanted to learn more about and came across RO DBT. I was intrigued, so I signed up for an intro course, followed by Level 1, 2 and 3. And I am now a RO skills instructor. 

Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy targets a spectrum of disorders characterized by excessive self control, often referred to as overcontrol (OC). Overcontrol is associated with social isolation, loneliness, poor interpersonal functioning, and severe and difficult-to-treat mental health problems that are often seen with eating disorders. The term “radical openness” refers to being open, flexible, and connected socially. 

As a skills instructor I teach my clients how to increase openness, social connectedness, and emotional expression through structured lessons and experiential exercises. RO DBT targets the rigid and perfectionistic behavior patterns that often hinder flexible responding and interpersonal effectiveness. I teach my clients tools to embrace vulnerability, reduce social signaling deficits, and engage more fully in life-enhancing relationships.

As a dietitian I can apply these principles to help my clients build flexibility around food choices, challenge restrictive eating patterns, and foster openness in their relationship with food and body image to support more nutrition freedom.