0507 - Introduction to Radically-Open DBT
Course Description
Hours: 12
Standard dialectical behaviour therapy was designed for individuals that struggle with under control of emotional regulation, meaning they often experience too much emotion with limited skills to respond effectively to it. Radically Open DBT, developed by Thomas Lynch, was developed to treat individuals whose primary struggle is with overcontrol of emotion regulation: Individuals struggling with depression, perfectionism, OCD symptoms or anxiety that has not responded to other treatment approaches. This Professional Development course will provide a broad overview of what Radically Open is, who would benefit from it, core aspects of the treatment from a theoretical and a practical application. Lastly, we will identify the ways in which it is different from standard DBT and why those differences are key in creating change with the RO-DBT population.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this Professional Development course participants will be able to:
- Explain what RO-DBT is and how it is different from standard DBT.
- Describe overcontrol, how it develops and how it creates problems in our lives.
- Understand and explain the RO-DBT adaptation of the biosocial theory and the role of biotemperament in the theory of RO-DBT.
- Identify the role of “silliness”, emotional experiencing and radical openness in sessions.
- Understand the structure and function of individual therapy and the RO-DBT target hierarchy.
- Learn the key change skills central to RO-DBT for clients and practitioners.
*This is an introductory workshop to Racially-Open DBT; similar to standard DBT, being able to fully implement RO-DBT into clinical practice will require more training!
Notes
For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:
Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-5128
Cancellations and Transfers
Be sure to carefully review our cancellation and transfer information before registering.
Website: wlu.ca/fswpd
Prerequisites
This course is open to anyone who has completed the DBT certificate or an approved equivalent. For information on approved equivalents, email fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca.Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Advanced Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) : Advanced DBT
This course has already taken place for the current academic year (July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025).
The 2025/2026 Faculty of Social Work Professional Development course dates will be posted on this website on July 3, 2025.