Understanding Through Openness and Emotion

Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT) is an intervention designed for individuals with eating disorders, emphasizing openness and countering emotional constriction, in contrast to standard DBT that focuses on emotional regulation. The connection between alexithymia—a condition characterized by difficulty in identifying and expressing emotions—and eating disorders has been well-documented in literature, dating back several decades. Recognizing this link enhances treatment approaches for this population, as alexithymia often correlates with attachment issues, trauma, and abuse experiences.