RODBTvsDBT

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RO (Radically Open) DBT vs. Standard DBT

Both RO DBT and standard DBT have skills training courses included within their treatment package. At DBT for You we offer both standard DBT and RO DBT skills classes. The overall difference is that RO DBT teaches students skills to become more open to learning, communicating, and new experiences, while standard DBT emphasizes developing skills to improve self control and decrease impulsive behaviors.

How do they compare?

Approach	RO DBT	Standard DBT
Primary Problem It Treats	Overcontrol: perfectionism, rigidity, emotional inhibition, social isolation	Undercontrol: impulsivity, emotional intensity, self-harm, crisis behaviors
Core Goal	Increase openness, flexibility, and social connectedness	Increase emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and behavioral stability
Emotional Style Addressed	People who “hold in” emotions or appear overly composed	People who struggle to manage strong emotions
Social Focus	Strong emphasis on building trust, vulnerability, and authentic connection	Focus on managing relationships and reducing conflict
Key Skills	Social signaling, openness, flexible responding, self-enquiry	Mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness
Typical Student Experience	Learning to relax control, express emotion, and be more spontaneous	Learning to reduce reactive behaviors and manage overwhelming feelings

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HSA funds may be used for these services. As they are not therapy, these services cannot be submitted to insurance for reimbursement.