Overcoming Emotional Disconnection with Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT)

Are you struggling with emotional shut-down? Do you find yourself purposefully (and sometimes accidentally!) disconnecting from your emotions? You may be lonely but you are not alone. Many people struggle with recurring patterns of detachment and disconnection that can be difficult to overcome. Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) classes teach skills to help you understand what is happening so you can break free from toxic patterns and connect with others.

Emotional shut-down, also known as emotional avoidance, is a common defense mechanism many over-controlled individuals use to protect themselves from uncomfortable emotions. The benefit is that it works—but only temporarily. The downside is that this coping strategy can lead to a sense of disconnection (and actual disconnection) from others.

RO-DBT Skills Group is an essential part of full RO-DBT and is specifically developed to help those with over-controlled personality styles. It focuses on increasing emotional expressiveness and openness, which can be particularly helpful in preventing emotional shut-down. According to RO-DBT, an over-controlled coping style can result in difficulty trusting others and may lead to a tendency to withdraw from social interactions. Over-controlled individuals may also have difficulty coping with stress and may be prone to depression, anxiety and eating disorders.