Thoughts on Record: Podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Hope Arnold, LCSW, MA: Radically Open DBT for Overcontrol/OCPD

Dec 13, 2021

Hope Arnold, LCSW, MA, a supervisor and trainer in Radically Open DBT (RO DBT), discusses how this unique therapy approach targets overcontrol disorders like OCPD. She explores how RO DBT differs from traditional DBT, focusing on emotional expressiveness and social connectedness. Arnold shares insights into the biology and development of overcontrol, the importance of addressing perfectionism, and the need for clinicians to recognize their own tendencies towards overcontrol. Practical tips for clients and therapists are provided, emphasizing the journey toward adaptive connectedness.

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INSIGHT

RO DBT Targets Overcontrol Biotemperament

Radically Open DBT (RO DBT) targets overcontrol, not undercontrol, as a biologically rooted temperament.
Overcontrol shows as low reward sensitivity, high threat sensitivity, detail focus, and strong inhibition.

INSIGHT

Rigidity From Threat Sensitivity

Overcontrolled people respond rigidly and struggle to adapt because they perceive threats everywhere.
Their high detail focus and inhibition impair learning and flexible responding in changing environments.

INSIGHT

Biology Shapes How Environment Sculpts Overcontrol

Biology predicts overcontrol and then the environment amplifies it through learned inhibition.
Markers of overcontrol can appear as early as ages three or four.

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Clinical presentations characterized by "overcontrol" of emotions (e.g., OCPD, chronic depression, eating disorders) can present a very unique set of challenges & opportunities within the therapeutic setting. Psychotherapist, supervisor and trainer, Hope Arnold, LCSW, MA, joins us for a discussion of the promise of Radically Open Dialetcial Behavior Therapy (RO DBT) for assisting these clients. In this discussion we cover:

a overview of RO DBT & how Hope became interested in this therapeutic modality
how RO DBT differs from traditional DBT
a brief review of core tenants of RO DBT
the typical format & delivery of RO DBT
an overview of "overcontrol"
the typical clinical presentations associated with overcontrol with a special emphasis on OCPD
conceptualizing overcontrol including contributions of developmental history, temperament & personality structure
why traditional therapies may not be poised to provide benefit to clients affected by overcontrol
typical presentation of clients affected by over overcontrol in session
how clinicians can build empathy for clients with overcontrol even though it may be difficult to access a client's actual internal experience
tips for building awareness of one's own proclivity for overcontrol and deactivating the threat system to foster social connectedness

Hope Arnold, LCSW, MA is a Supervisor and Trainer in Radically Open DBT (RO DBT). She began her RO DBT training with Dr. Tom Lynch, treatment developer, in 2016. Hope continues to attend intensive trainings throughout the country and receives regular supervision from Dr. Lynch. Hope is a co-creator of the RO DBT App for electronic diary cards and skills. In her clinical work, Hope is the founder of RO DBT Denver in Denver, Colorado, a center dedicated to evidence-based care and treating disorders of overcontrol. She specializes in personality disorders (Obsessive Compulsive PD, Paranoid PD, Dependent PD, Avoidant PD), eating disorders, autism spectrum disorders (special interest in female autism), and treatment-resistant disorders (depression and anxiety). Prior to opening RO DBT Denver, Hope was in private practice at the DBT Center of Houston and was the RO DBT Lead Clinician. She led a team of six clinicians intensively trained in RO DBT and supervised the team member’s skill development. Hope completed her Intensive Training in DBT and Prolonged Exposure Therapy through Behavioral Tech. Hope is also trained in Jungian Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy Hope graduated Summa Cum Laude from Loyola University in New Orleans with a BBA in marketing. She worked for two of the largest private financial and consulting firms in the world before transitioning to being a clinician. She has master’s degrees in social work from the University of Houston and psychology from Saybrook University with a concentration in Jungian studies. Hope has presented at the local, national, and international level on topics related to DBT, RO DBT, and Jungian Theory.

www.radicallyopen.net - International RO DBT organization & training
www.rodbtdenver.com - Free Loving-Kindness Meditation download on Client resources page
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ro-dbt/id1526204265 - RO DBT Diary Card and Skills App

Comments or feedback? Email the show: oicbtpodcast@gmail.com