Centered Ground Carlsbad, California, United States
Session Description: Radically open dialectical behavior therapy (RO DBT) offers a novel cutting edge intervention for addiction, targeting the underlying neurobiology and core emotional loneliness of overcontrolled temperament. Radical openness mindfully and intentionally seeks out growth and connection through vulnerability, self-inquiry, and social signaling. It brings awareness to how we may be perpetuating our own patterns; sheds light on where we need to learn and take responsibility; and facilitates forgiveness and letting go of unhelpful envy, bitterness, resentment, and rigidity, to let in kindness first and foremost, flexibility, curiosity, and a bit more fun. It can be life-changing, especially for those who struggle with restrictive behavioral patterns, chronic perfectionism, pervasive anxiety, and treatment-resistant depression. RO DBT targets these underlying concerns which can drive addiction in an attempt to cope, for example quietly numbing through alcohol and substances, to facilitate social connection. Furthermore, this approach can help clients move past addiction manifesting in relationship patterns, such as emotional anorexia. This presentation will provide an overview of the approach, including hands on practice for immediate implementation personally and professionally. Specific concepts and strategies will include temperament screening; the RO neuroregulatory model; fixed, fatalistic, and flexible minds; self-inquiry (drawn from Sufism); and safety system activation.
Learning Objectives:
After this activity participants should be able to
To define and demonstrate radical openness, including practice of strategies for immediate application personally and clinically.
To foster an updated clinical approach to case conceptualization based in temperament (undercontrolled vs. overcontrolled), providing a framework and screening measure, with practice via personal assessment.
To present the research evidence for this approach.