RO DBT Skills Lists

Get access to a free Radically Open (RO) DBT Skills List to help clients with overcontrol issues develop emotional flexibility and enhance social connections.

By Ericka Pingol on Apr 08, 2024.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

Use Template

What is a Radically Open DBT Skills List?

Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT) is a groundbreaking, transdiagnostic treatment model for patients with overcontrol disorders. Overcontrol is a personality style characterized by significant emotional restraint, hyper-detailed focus, risk avoidance, and an excessive need for structure. RO DBT addresses these issues by promoting openness, flexibility, and social connectedness, thus helping individuals lead more fulfilling lives.

RO DBT builds on existing DBT skills, offering unique tools and strategies tailored to the specific needs of overcontrolled individuals. An is an integral part of this approach, providing a comprehensive overview of the various techniques used in treatment. These include mindfulness exercises like body scanning, interpersonal effectiveness strategies, emotion regulation tools like opposite action and validation techniques, and distress tolerance practices.

Mental health professionals use the RO DBT Skills List to assess the particular needs of their clients and then design an individualized treatment plan tailored to those needs. It is also a helpful resource for clients, allowing them to review their learned skills and track their progress.

Printable RO DBT Skills List

Download this RO DBT Skills List to help clients improve emotional flexibility.

How does it work?

Our printable RO DBT Skills List can help you and your client explore RO DBT techniques as part of their treatment. Follow these steps to get started:

Step 1: Access the Skills List

Download the RO DBT Skills List using the provided link. You can also get a copy through the Carepatron app or our resource library.

Step 2: Discuss how it works

Explain the purpose and structure of the RO DBT Skills List with your client. Explain that it equips them with strategies to empower their own personal growth and development. Make sure to answer any of their questions before proceeding.

Step 3: Start exploring the skills list

Review each skill, and discuss its purpose and how it can help them manage or cope with different emotions or situations they may encounter daily. Additionally, you can encourage your client to use the printable RO DBT Skills List as a reference tool outside of the session.

Step 4: Reflect on progress and set goals

At the end of each session or individual session, reflect on the progress your client has made and set new goals for their journey ahead. This will help ensure they consistently progress in their mental health journey.

RO DBT Skills List Example (Sample)

We've created a sample Radically Open DBT Skills List PDF. This sample can be a reference when guiding your client through the skills list or for educational purposes. You can view the sample online or download it as a PDF.

Download the free RO DBT Skills List Example (Sample)

RO DBT Skills List Example (Sample)

When to use this RO DBT Skills List?

You can use Carepatron's free RO DBT Skills List as often as needed. It's ideal for individual therapy sessions, group settings, and even when teaching individuals or groups the foundational skills of RO DBT. Moreover, you can use this template to:

Help clients better understand their emotions and behavior patterns

This list can be a great tool to help clients better understand the emotions and behavior patterns they're experiencing. This list offers a comprehensive overview of skills that can provide insight into managing their emotions and strategies for handling stress and negative thoughts in healthier ways. RO DBT therapist patients can look forward to this type of therapy supporting them if they live with anorexia nervosa, chronic depression symptoms, personality disorders, and even obsessive compulsive personality disorder.

Encourage clients to practice mindfulness

You can also use the RO DBT Skills List as a resource to encourage clients to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness can help clients to be more aware of their thoughts and feelings in the present moment. Practicing mindfulness can assist in managing stress and reducing anxiety.

Support the development of interpersonal effectiveness skills

The RO DBT Skills List can also foster interpersonal effectiveness skills in your clients. These skills can empower clients to communicate effectively, manage conflicts, and build stronger relationships. Development in these skills can support individuals who are struggling with social isolation. It can also help individuals who live with autism spectrum disorders as well as any treatment resistant anxiety disorders which may harden interpersonal relationship skills.

Guide clients toward self-soothing techniques

The RO DBT Skills List can guide clients toward effective self-soothing techniques. These techniques can help clients calm themselves during emotional upheavals, promoting stability and resilience.

Benefits of free RO DBT Skills List

Here are some advantages of our free Radically Open DBT Skills List:

It's pre-made and easy to use

Our printable template is pre-made and designed with simplicity in mind, making it incredibly user-friendly. With just a few simple steps, you can effortlessly print it out and provide it to your clients, ensuring a seamless experience for both you and them.

It's comprehensive and detailed

Our free Radically Open DBT Skills List covers a wide range of skills. This ensures clients understand the skills they need to cultivate, providing a comprehensive tool for their mental health journey.

It promotes autonomy and self-guidance

The list allows clients to actively participate in therapy by learning and applying these skills independently. This promotes a sense of autonomy and self-efficacy, which are essential elements for successful for treating disorders and long-term mental well-being.

It's versatile and adaptable

The versatility of the list is another significant advantage. It can be adapted to suit the needs of different individuals, making it a flexible tool when working with a diverse clientele.

Who uses RO DBT Skills Lists?
Who uses RO DBT Skills Lists?

Commonly asked questions

Who uses RO DBT Skills Lists?

Mental health professionals specializing in Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy use the RO DBT Skills List to guide individuals in developing emotional flexibility and fostering meaningful social connections.

What are the benefits of RO DBT Skills Lists?

You may find that using an RO DBT Skills List as part of treatment benefits clients by allowing them to understand and practice the skills independently. This promotes self-efficacy, increases autonomy, and improves long-term mental health outcomes.

When to use RO DBT Skills Lists?

You can use dialectical behavior therapy Skills Lists in any situation where you need to foster effective communication and develop healthier relationship patterns. This could include individual counseling, group therapy, marriage/family counseling, or daily life

Join 10,000+ teams using Carepatron to be more productive

One app for all your healthcare work