Self-control,
the ability to inhibit competing urges, impulses, or behaviors is highly valued
by most societies. However, excessive self-control has been
linked to social isolation, aloof interpersonal functioning, maladaptive
perfectionism, constricted emotional expressions, and difficult-to-treat mental
health problems, such as anorexia nervosa, obsessive compulsive personality
disorder and refractory depression.
The
aim of this workshop is to introduce participants to the theoretical
foundations and new skills underlying Radically Open-Dialectical Behavior
Therapy (RO DBT) for disorders of overcontrol (Lynch, in press). RO DBT is
fully manualized and supported by three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for
refractory depression, two open-trials targeting adult Anorexia Nervosa, and
one non-randomized trial targeting treatment resistant overcontrolled adults.
While
resting on many of the core principles of standard DBT, the therapeutic
strategies in RO-DBT are often substantially different. For example, RO-DBT
contends that emotional loneliness represents the core problem
for overcontrol, not emotion dysregulation. The biosocial
theory for overcontrol posits that heightened threat sensitivity and
diminished reward sensitivity transact with early family experiences
emphasizing “mistakes as intolerable” and “self-control as
imperative” to result in an overcontrolled coping style that
limits opportunities to learn new skills and exploit positive social
reinforcers. A novel thesis linking the communicative functions of
emotional expression to the formation of close social bonds will
be introduced, as well as new skills emphasizing receptivity,
self-enquiry and flexible responding. New approaches designed to activate a
neurobiological-based social-safety system, signal cooperation, and encourage
genuine self-disclosure will be introduced using slides, handouts, video clips,
and role plays.
Intended
Audience: This workshop is
relevant for psychologists, psychiatrists, professional counselors, case
managers, social workers, marriage & family therapists, alcohol & drug
abuse counselors, and other mental health professionals who work with
individuals for whom comprehensive behavioral treatments are relevant.
This course is for all levels of clinicians/providers.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this
one-day training, participants will be able to:
1. Explain
a new biosocial theory for over control
2. Describe
the RO DBT treatment structure
3. Describe
new RO DBT treatment strategies designed to enhance willingness for
self-inquiry and flexible responding.
4. Describe
the RO DBT treatment hierarchy
5. Describe
a novel treatment mechanism positing open expression = trust = social
connectedness
6. List
examples of strategies designed to improve pro-social cooperative signaling via
activation of the parasympathetic nervous system’s social-safety system
7.
Identify bio-temperamental traits linked to over control
8.
Describe the original research and development as well as
current research of Radically Open DBT
9.
Describe the RO DBT model of emotions
Time Schedule/Agenda
8:00-8:30 | Registration |
8:30-9:30 | RO-DBT – an empirically based treatment |
9:30-10:30 | The problem of too much self control |
| 15 minute break |
10:45-12:00 | The neuroregualtory model and bio-social theory |
12:00-1:00 | Lunch Break |
1:00-2:00 | Signalling matters and Radical Openness |
2:00-2:45 | Assessing overcontrol |
| 15 minute break |
3:00-4:30 | Treatment Structure, overview of RO skills and an example of targeting OC maladaptive behavior |
Cancellation policy: 100% refundable 30 days prior to event. 50% refundable up to 15 days prior. Please contact Lindsay Johnson regarding all cancellations: lindsayjohnsonrodbt@gmail.com
ADA assistance: This workshop is held in a facility which is in compliance with the Americans Disabilities Act. Please contact Lindsay Johnson if special accommodation is required
For more information email lindsayjohnsonrodbt@gmail.com
Meet your trainer:
Lindsay Johnson, MSEd, LPC is a licensed professional counselor and approved clinical
supervisor in New Jersey. She completed her Master’s in Clinical Mental
Health Counseling from Fordham University. Lindsay is a clinician at Rowan
University’s counseling services and is the outreach coordinator. Lindsay has attended several RO DBT intensive trainings, sits on the RO DBT Senior Clinician Team, and has been trained by the treatment developer, Dr. T. Lynch. She is co-investigator on the Rowan RO DBT research study and is the team lead on the RO DBT comprehensive consultation team. She has presented on RO DBT at national conferences and other universities. Lindsay loves to share her enthusiasm and knowledge about RO DBT with other professionals (and her family and friends!)
Hosting Facility: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA :
Location: Higgins House Great Hall