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What is RO-DBT?

Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) is an innovative, evidence-based therapy specifically designed to help individuals who struggle with over-control. This includes conditions like treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), and disordered eating behavior, among others.

At Suffolk DBT, our Long Island RO-DBT therapy services provide a tailored approach to help clients embrace openness, flexibility, and emotional expression. Whether you’re seeking this therapy as a continuation after standard DBT or as a stand-alone treatment, RO-DBT offers a unique pathway to improving your quality of life.

RO-DBT is Particularly Effective for:

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)
Anorexia Nervosa (Once stabilized)
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorder (particularly for higher-functioning individuals)
Treatment-Resistant Depression
Social Anxiety Disorder
Chronic Over-Control and Perfectionism
Emotional Inhibition and Social Isolation

Traditional DBT is Best Suited for:

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Bipolar Disorder
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Histrionic Personality Disorder
Conduct Disorders
Binge-Purge Eating Disorders
Substance Use Disorders
Impulsive or Emotionally Intense Behaviors
Suicidal Ideation and Self-Harm Behaviors

How RO-DBT Works

RO-DBT is a bit different from standard DBT. While standard DBT focuses on helping individuals who are emotionally under-controlled (those who might be more impulsive or emotionally intense), RO-DBT is designed for those who lean toward over-control—individuals who may be perfectionistic, emotionally inhibited, or socially isolated.

Our RO-DBT therapy in New York works by addressing these tendencies through skills that encourage emotional expression, social connectedness, and psychological flexibility. This therapy helps you break free from rigid thinking patterns and embrace a more open and connected way of living.

Why RO-DBT Can Be Life-Changing

Over-control can significantly impact your ability to experience joy, connect with others, and live a fulfilling life. Our Long Island RO-DBT therapy is structured to help you gradually shift these deep-seated patterns. By focusing on skills like social signaling, mindfulness, and self-inquiry, RO-DBT helps you develop a more balanced approach to life.

Many clients find that once they start practicing these skills, they experience a profound change in their ability to connect with others, express emotions, and feel a sense of belonging.

RO-DBT and DBT: A Complementary Approach

For clients who have completed standard DBT, RO-DBT offers a next step in their therapeutic journey. While DBT helps manage intense emotions and impulsive behaviors, RO-DBT focuses on those who have the opposite problem: difficulty expressing emotions and connecting with others. Our RO-DBT therapy in New York is particularly effective for individuals who find that their perfectionism, rigidity, or emotional restraint is getting in the way of a life worth living.

Why Choose a DBT-Trained Clinician for RO-DBT?

At Suffolk DBT, our RO-DBT clinician is also extensively trained in standard DBT as taught by Marsha Linehan, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to your care. This dual training allows us to understand the full spectrum of emotional regulation issues, from under-control to over-control. Our Long Island RO-DBT therapy is grounded in a deep understanding of DBT principles, which means we can seamlessly integrate both therapies to best meet your needs. Whether you’re struggling with social isolation, perfectionism, or emotional inhibition, our clinicians are equipped to guide you through the process of building a more open and connected life.

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What can I expect during RO-DBT treatment?

At Suffolk DBT, RO-DBT treatment is a comprehensive and structured process designed to help you address over-control and develop a more balanced and fulfilling life. Here’s what you can expect:

Individual Sessions: You will have regular one-on-one sessions, most likely with your RO-DBT therapist. During these sessions, you’ll learn specific skills aimed at reducing over-control. The focus will be on exercises that encourage openness to new experiences, greater flexibility in thinking, and more expressive emotional responses. These sessions are highly interactive, allowing you to practice these new skills in a safe and supportive environment. Your therapist will guide you through each step, ensuring that you feel understood and empowered throughout your treatment.

Group Sessions: In addition to individual therapy, you will participate in group sessions with other clients working on similar issues. These group sessions are a key component of RO-DBT, offering opportunities to practice social signaling, build connections, and experience the support of a community. The group setting helps reinforce the skills you’re learning in individual therapy and provides a space to share experiences and gain insight from others.

Between-Session Support: As part of our commitment to your progress, you will also have access to weekly phone coaching between sessions. This support allows you to reach out to your therapist when you need help applying the skills in real-life situations or managing challenging emotions. It ensures that you have the support you need to stay on track and make steady progress.

Therapist Expertise and Involvement: At Suffolk DBT, our RO-DBT therapists are not only highly trained but also actively engaged in the work themselves. Your therapist will participate in a consultation group with other RO-DBT professionals, ensuring that they stay at the forefront of the latest developments in the therapy and can provide you with the best care possible. This involvement also means that your therapist practices the same skills they teach, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy in your therapeutic relationship.

Overall, RO-DBT treatment at Suffolk DBT is designed to be a comprehensive and supportive experience, helping you develop the skills you need to live a more open, connected, and emotionally expressive life. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to deepen your existing therapeutic work, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

RO-DBT at Suffolk DBT

Do I need to complete standard DBT before starting RO-DBT?

While some clients benefit from completing standard DBT first, it’s not a requirement. If you’re struggling with issues like perfectionism, social isolation, or emotional inhibition, our Long Island RO-DBT therapy might be the right fit for you. We’ll work with you to assess your needs and determine the best course of action.

How long does RO-DBT treatment typically last?

The length of RO-DBT therapy varies depending on individual needs. Typically, sessions are conducted weekly, with most clients participating in treatment for several months to a year. The skills learned in RO-DBT are complex and may take time to fully integrate, but they can lead to lasting changes in how you interact with the world.

Is RO-DBT available through telehealth?

Yes, our RO-DBT therapy for New York residents is currently conducted exclusively via telehealth. We’ve found that this format works well for many clients, offering the flexibility to engage in therapy from the comfort of your home. Although our meetings take place online, we find that our RO-DBT clients are fully engaged in the process, rarely miss sessions, and even look forward to meeting as a group. Our RO-DBT therapist’s focus remains on building a strong therapeutic relationship and ensuring you receive the support you need.

Is RO-DBT similar to standard DBT?

While RO-DBT and standard DBT share some foundational principles, they are designed for different types of emotional regulation challenges. Standard DBT is more suited to those with under-control issues, such as impulsivity and emotional intensity, while RO-DBT is tailored for those who struggle with over-control. At Suffolk DBT, we specialize in both, allowing us to offer a personalized approach based on your unique needs.

Can RO-DBT be used for teens?

Currently, we do not offer a dedicated RO-DBT group for teenagers at Suffolk DBT. However, we recognize the potential benefits of RO-DBT for teens who struggle with over-control, such as extreme perfectionism, social withdrawal, or emotional inhibition. If there is enough interest, we would consider starting a teen RO-DBT group. In the meantime, we encourage parents and teens to reach out to discuss individual therapy options or to express interest in a future group, so we can explore how to best meet the needs of younger clients.

Q&A with Erika Lopez, RO-DBT Therapist

Erika Lopez

Q: What do you find most rewarding about providing RO-DBT therapy?
Erika: “Working with clients who struggle with over-control is incredibly rewarding because the changes, though gradual, can be profound. RO-DBT provides tools that help people open up in ways they might not have thought possible. It’s amazing to see someone go from feeling disconnected and emotionally inhibited to experiencing joy and connection in their relationships.”

Q: How does your DBT background influence your RO-DBT practice?
Erika: “My DBT background is foundational to my work in RO-DBT. Understanding the principles of emotional regulation from DBT helps me identify when a client is stuck in over-control and how to guide them through the process of becoming more open and flexible. I also use DBT strategies to help clients manage the discomfort that comes with challenging these deeply ingrained patterns.”

Q: Can you describe a typical RO-DBT session at Suffolk DBT?
Erika: “In an RO-DBT session, we focus on skills that target over-control, such as learning to be more open to feedback, becoming more flexible in thinking, and expressing emotions more freely. While we follow a specific curriculum, sessions are interactive and often involve real-time practice of these skills. We also use group settings to foster social connectedness, which is a key component of RO-DBT. The goal is to help clients build a life that feels more fulfilling and connected.”

Take the Next Step Toward a Balanced Life

At Suffolk DBT, we’re here to support you in your journey toward a more open, connected, and fulfilling life. Whether you’re exploring RO-DBT as a new approach or continuing your therapeutic journey after standard DBT, our experienced clinicians are ready to guide you every step of the way. Our RO-DBT therapy services are designed to help you break free from the constraints of over-control, allowing you to embrace life with greater flexibility and emotional richness.

Ready to learn more?

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how RO-DBT therapy at Suffolk DBT can help you build the life you’ve always wanted.

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What is RO-DBT?

RO-DBT is Particularly Effective for:

Traditional DBT is Best Suited for:

Erika Lopez

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