Radically open dialectical behavior therapy (RO DBT) is an evidence-based treatment targeting disorders of excessive self-control, or overcontrol (OC). It is intended for treatment of chronic problems such as treatment-resistant depression, anorexia nervosa, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Radical openness (RO) is the core philosophical principle and the core skill of RO DBT, and loneliness is viewed as the core problem for people suffering from emotional overcontrol.
Self-control (the ability to inhibit urges, impulses, behaviors, or desires, and delay gratification in order to pursue long-term goals) is often equated with life success and happiness. However, too much self-control can be problematic. Overcontrol has been linked to social isolation, poor interpersonal functioning, perfectionism, rigidity, risk aversion, lack of emotional expression, and the development of severe and difficult-to-treat mental health problems.
-Noah Lankford, Psy.D.