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

For more information email lindsayjohnsonrodbt@gmail.com 

Meet your trainer: 

 Lindsay Johnson, MSEd, LPC, LCADC 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: BALANCE eating disorder treatment center ™ 

 BALANCE is New York City’s leading treatment center for eating disorders. BALANCE eating disorder treatment center TM was founded by Melainie Rogers, MS, RDN, CDN, CEDRD-S, an international eating disorder expert. Staffed by an interdisciplinary team of practitioners, BALANCE serves all gender adolescents and adults. BALANCE offers all levels of outpatient care including a day treatment program, an intensive evening program, a weekend program, meal support, nutritional counseling, a variety of therapy groups and an RO DBT skills class. BALANCE offers an integrative treatment approach based on a nutritional philosophy of intuitive eating and Health at Every Size. In this way BALANCE helps clients develop a neutral relationship with food while promoting body acceptance and positive self-esteem. 18 West 21 Street, 4^th Floor, NYC 10010 212-645-6903 balance@balancedtx.com http://BALANCEdtx.com