Pub Discussion Sydney - Ciatto & Franic: RO-DBT

Introduction to Radically Open DBT - what is it and how does it differ to standard DBT?

Presented by:

Rebecca Ciatto & Tanya Franic, of The Centre for RO DBT and DBT

Are you interested in novel treatment options for anorexia nervosa, treatment resistant depression and OCPD? Come learn about a transdiagnostic treatment for overcontrol backed by over 25 years of research.

Radically Open Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (RO-DBT) is a transdiagnostic fully manualized evidence-based treatment that was created by Dr Thomas Lynch for disorders of overcontrol (OC), such as anorexia nervosa, treatment resistant depression, chronic anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, cluster A and C personality disorders. With over 25yrs of research, Dr Lynch and his colleagues identified that overcontrol is linked to social isolation, suicidality, self-harm, poor interpersonal functioning, maladaptive perfectionism, rigidity, and risk aversion.

RO DBT is currently being used and researched in a variety of clinical settings for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families throughout the world. Through structured individual and skills class settings, RO DBT works towards emotional wellbeing by teaching openness to new experiences, flexibility with changing environments, and social connectedness to reduce loneliness.

The aim of this presentation will be to provide participants with a brief introduction of RO DBT, what maladaptive overcontrol is and how RO DBT differs from Dr Marsha Linehan’s standard DBT. Participants will learn how to assess for overcontrol (OC) vs undercontrol (UC) and why this assessment is key in treatment effectiveness. The structure of RO DBT will be outlined and how social signalling deficits are targeted will be introduced. Finally, participants will gain understanding of the social safety system and ways to implement RO DBT safety skills in clinical settings.

About this event:

The format will be a 1-hour, lecture-style presentation, in an informal setting, including an opportunity for open Q&A – bring your questions!

Key Learning Objective

1. Introduction to Radically Open DBT and assessment of overcontrol.

This session is suitable for all levels of clinician / therapist.

Duration & Format / Training Modalities

This event will be approx. 60 minutes for CPD and Q&A. This event does not include any catering in the ticket price.

Doors open at 6:00pm for a 7:00pm start.

References – readings

1. Lynch TR, Hempel RJ, Whalley B, et al. Refractory depression – mechanisms and efficacy of radically open dialectical behaviour therapy (RefraMED): findings of a randomised trial on benefits and harms. The British Journal of Psychiatry. 2020;216(4):204-212. doi:10.1192/bjp.2019.53
2. Isaksson, M., Ghaderi, A., Wolf-Arehult, M. et al. Sharing and connecting with others – patient experiences of radically open dialectical behavior therapy for anorexia nervosa and overcontrol: a qualitative study. J Eat Disord 9, 29 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-021-00382-z
3. Gilbert K, Hall K, Codd RT. Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Social Signaling, Transdiagnostic Utility and Current Evidence. Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2020;13:19-28
   https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S201848

Rebecca is a Co-Director at The Centre for RO DBT and DBT in Leichhardt. Rebecca has over 10yrs experience delivering DBT and RO DBT to children, adolescents, adults, families and couples with disorders of over-control and under-control in a variety of settings including outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalisation programs and residential facilities. Rebecca has her Bachelors in Psychology from Richmond, The American International University in London and her Masters of Clinical Social Work from The University of Georgia. Rebecca is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (AHMSW) and active AASW member.

Rebecca was the first DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician™ in Australia, the first intensively trained RO DBT practitioner in NSW and was awarded an RO Scholar position for advanced training. She’s also trained in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and attended mindfulness training in Nepal. Rebecca is an advocate for early intervention with personality disorder traits and created and implemented adaptations of DBT and RO DBT for children and adolescents throughout her career. Since migrating to Australia in 2018, she has presented at multiple conferences and speaker events to increase awareness on Radically Open DBT and the difference to standard DBT.

Tanya is the director of Treat Yourself Well Sydney in Balmain and Co-director of The Centre for RODBT and DBT in Leichhardt both inclusive, trauma informed, and compassion focussed psychology practices. Tanya is a Psychologist and Board Approved Supervisor with over 20 years experience working with complex trauma presentations providing a range of assessments and interventions. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for appreciating difference taking a transdiagnostic approach to working with trauma, neurodiversity and eating disorders.

Tanya was first introduced to DBT in her early career and has incorporated DBT since this time particularly working with adolescents and young adults with a complex trauma history. Tanya is intensively trained in RODBT and was awarded an RO Scholar position for advanced training in RO DBT. Tanya was part of the first cohort of clinicians trained in RODBT in Australia and is also trained in EMDR. Since being introduced to RODBT in 2020, she has co-presented at conferences to increase awareness of RODBT for individuals with eating disorders. Tanya enjoys supporting individuals and families to embrace and explore differences to ultimately enhance connection with self and others.