DBT or RO-DBT?

Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy share a similar name as they both have roots in mindfulness, dialectics and behaviour therapy. Although the approaches share this connection, they do differ in several ways. Understanding the differences is important as the similarities in their names can lead to the misperception that RO-DBT and DBT are substantially alike or even the same type of treatment. Some of the key differences in each approach include:

• – DBT’s focus is on increasing an individual’s capacity to regulate emotions, tolerate distress, and reduce impulsivity.
• – RO-DBT’s focus is on increasing an individual’s awareness of social signaling, connecting with their ‘tribe’, and increasing a capacity for openness.