SERVICES WE PROVIDE

​​

What Is RO-DBT?

Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) is an evidence-based behavioral treatment developed by Dr. Thomas Lynch for individuals who cope with stress and difficult emotions through excessive self-control. These individuals are often described as "Type A," perfectionistic, guarded, and hard to read.

We live in a culture that celebrates self-discipline and delayed gratification — and for good reason. But research has shown that too much self-control can hurt us, especially our relationships. Healthy, lasting connection requires flexibility, adaptability, and genuine emotional expression — including the ability to be spontaneous, warm, and even a little silly. When self-control becomes a wall rather than a tool, it keeps other people out.

 

RO-DBT teaches individuals to become more openly expressive, which builds trust — and trust builds real social connection. 

 

Who Is RO-DBT For?
RO-DBT is a transdiagnostic treatment, meaning it is not designed around a single diagnosis — it targets a personality/coping style. Many mental health diagnoses share overcontrolled symptoms, and there is significant research, including randomized controlled trials, demonstrating the effectiveness of RO-DBT in treating overcontrol symptoms across a range of presentations, including treatment-resistant depression and anxiety, anorexia nervosa, autism, and obsessive-compulsive personality styles.

 

What Does Treatment Look Like?
Full RO-DBT Model (~30 Weeks)
The complete RO-DBT treatment model includes:
Individual therapy (1hr/week) — focused on personal goals, in-session social signaling, and applying skills to the client's specific patterns
Weekly skills class (90 min) — structured group focused on building openness, flexibility, and social connection
Between-session skills coaching (optional but recommended) — to support generalization of skills during difficult moments outside of session

 

RO-DBT Skills Class Only
For clients who have an individual therapist and are looking for a focused skills component, the skills class can be attended as a standalone adjunct to existing treatment. Clients do not need to leave their current provider to participate.

 

RO-DBT Skills Class at Perspective Behavioral Health
Our RO-DBT Skills Class is a weekly virtual group for individuals with overcontrolled personality styles. Each 90-minute session includes homework review and in-depth new skills teaching often with in-class experiential exercises.

 

Skills You Will Learn
Increasing self-awareness and the ability to recognize and adopt alternative points of view
Decreasing inhibited and disingenuous emotional expression
Reducing hyper-detailed, overly cautious behavior
Loosening rigid and rule-governed behavior
Decreasing aloof and distant styles of relating
Addressing high social comparison, envy, and bitterness

 

Class Details
Format: Fully virtual
Day & Time: Wednesdays, 12:00–1:30pm CST
Starting: Early June
Meet Your Facilitators

 

The RO-DBT Skills Class at Perspective Behavioral Health is co-facilitated by Dr. Katie Flanagan, a Level 3 Certified RO-DBT Practitioner, and Dr. Jordan Kugler. Both are doctoral-level psychologists with specialized expertise in evidence-based treatment for complex and treatment-resistant presentations.

​

​

​

 

​