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 clinicians 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.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this one-day training, participants will be able to:

1.       Explain a new biosocial theory for OC

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 OC

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

Earn 6 CE credits

CE Credits available for:

American Psychological Association. Eating Recovery Center is an approved provider of continuing education for psychologists. Eating Recovery Center maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Credit available for: Psychologists

National Board of Certified Counseling (NBCC). Eating Recovery Center is approved by the National Board of Certified Counseling (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6815. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Eating Recovery Center is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Credit available for: Certified Counselors

Commission on Dietetic Registration. Eating Recovery Center is approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration to offer CPEUs for programs, provider number ER839.

Credit available for: Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTRs).

The Association for Addiction Professionals. Eating Recovery Center is a provider approved by NAADAC. Approved Education Provider Program, Provider #147334.

Credit available for: Addiction Professionals

Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners. Eating Recovery Center is approved by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners to provide continuing education activities for social workers, Provider # 6670, Provider Expiration Date 6/30/18.

Credit available for: Texas Social Workers

Texas State Board of Licensed Professional Counselors. Eating Recovery Center is approved by the Texas State Board of Licensed Professional Counselors to provide continuing education activities for licensed professional counselors, Provider # 1840.

Credit available for: Texas Professional Counselors