Background: Radically Open-Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) is a new evidenced based treatment targeting a spectrum of disorders (including anorexia nervosa) characterized by excessive self-control, often referred to as overcontrol. It is supported by over 20 years of translational research that parallels established guidelines for treatment development. RO-DBT significantly differs from other treatment approaches, most notably by linking the communicative functions of emotional expression to the formation of close social bonds and via skills targeting social signaling and changing neurophysiological arousal. With the RO-DBT treatment manual recently released (Feb 2018), this talk provides an introductory look in to this theory and treatment.
Objectives: 1. Described the 4 core deficits of over control (OC). 1. Explain a new biosocial theory for OC. 3. Describe RO-DBT therapeutic stance and treatment structure. 4. Explain self-inquiry.
ÒSignaling Matters: Radically Open–Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT)Ó
Presenters: Alexia ÒLexiÓ Giblin, PhD, CEDS and Kristi Colwell, LMHC
Presentation Outline:
I. RO-DBT research
A. Treatment development history
B. Review of RO-DBT evidence base
C. Ongoing research and future directions
II. Self-control dialectic
A. Defining overcontrol: 4 core deficits
B. Diagnosing overcontrol
III. Neurobiosocial theory for disorders of overcontrol
IV. RO-DBT therapeutic stance and treatment structure
A. Primary targets and modes for outpatient RO-DBT
V. Defining radical openness
A. Self-inquiry
VI. Social signaling
A. Tribe
B. Skills exercise: Big 3+1
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. Using slides, handouts, video clips, and role-plays, new assessment and treatment interventions will be taught including 1) diagnosing over-control and 2) targeting social signaling as the key mechanism of change.
Dr. Giblin has worked in the mental health field in various capacities since 1995 and is currently Executive Director of Opal: Food+Body Wisdom. In 2012, she co-founded Opal with Julie Church, RD, CD and Kara Bazzi, LMFT, CEDS. She is a member of Dr. Lynch's Radically Open-Dialectical Behavior Therapy Senior Clinician Team. Dr. Giblin received her doctorate from the University of Washington and was a Faculty Lecturer in the University of Washington’s Psychology Department and private practitioner specializing in eating disorders from 2004-2011. She is currently Clinical Faculty at the University of Washington. Dr. Giblin was Vice-President and Education Chair of the Puget Sound Chapter of the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (iaedp).
Kristi Colwell, MA, LMHC has worked in the field of eating disorders since 1991 in hospital, private practice and clinic settings. She is a Past President of the Puget Sound Chapter of iaedp and, in addition to a Seattle-based private practice, currently serves as RO-DBT Program Consultant and skills class co-leader at Opal: Food+Body Wisdom. She was in the first group of 60 clinicians in the US to complete intensive training in RO-DBT and is part of the US Senior Clinician Team led by treatment founder, Dr. Thomas Lynch, PhD. Specialty areas in her practice include the full spectrum of eating disorders, relationship issues, and temperament features associated with emotional over-control and treatment resistant conditions. She provides skills classes to adolescents and adults and is an approved trainer, providing 1 day introductory trainings to clinicians.
