RO-DBT skills class is a major component of Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (although not the only component). At MCCC we offer weekly RO-DBT skills classes that cover all 30 lessons included in the evidence-based modality.
What is RO-DBT skill Class?
RO-DBT skills class is designed to impart new knowledge and encourage self-discovery. The 30 lessons of the curriculum provide tools for – and increase motivation to practice- the following concepts:
- Loosening the grip of perfectionism and rule-governed behaviors.
- Developing greater emotional awareness.
- Increasing self-awareness.
- Expanding the ability to see alternative points of view.
- Improving emotional expression.
- Reducing intense focus on perfection.
- Decreasing aloof and distant styles of relating.
- Decreasing social comparison.
- Forming deeper connections with others.
RO Skills Training Classes are meant to be fun! We infuse playfulness and keep class very low-pressure! It is ok to play, relax, and openly express emotions with others; this is key to clinical goals. The whole point is to create an anti-perfectionism environment!
In every 1.5-hour class, clients will:
- review homework from last week’s lesson
- take a brief break
- learn the new skills from the curriculum
- and receive a homework assignment to practice that skill in-between classes
What if I don’t want to learn in a group RO-DBT Skill Class Setting?
If your instinctual response is “I don’t want to do this in a group,” don’t worry, that’s normal. Ironically, the people who most benefit from RO-DBT are particularly likely to avoid this type of social setting. Overcoming this avoidance by doing class is key to the therapy. In treatment, we are exposing you to the skills and experiences necessary to help you do this outside of treatment. It perfectly ok to show up reserved, hesitant, cautious, and imperfect. In fact, we specifically want you to let go of trying to be an “A-student” of in therapy class itself.
RO DBT Skills Class Offering and Schedule
| Adolescent* Cohort | Adult Cohort | |
| When | Wednesdays 5:00pm – 6:30pm EST | TBA |
| Where | Rockville Office | TBA |
| Class Leader | Jill Rubinstein | TBA |
*Our adolescent cohort can accommodate a wide age range of participants: approximately 12-20. This is because RO-DBT involves universal themes rather than developmentally specific concepts. Also, RO-DBT clients typically do not experience problematic behaviors that cause concern for contagion effect.
RO-DBT Skills Class Calendar
Admission into Our RO-DBT Skills Class
Admission is rolling. You can enter RO-DBT skills class at ANY time.
A pre-enrollement intake session is required
Prior to joining class, we ask you to meet with the leader for a one time assessment. During this session the class leader will:
- ensure that RO-DBT Skills Class is the appropriate clinical fit for your needs.
- orient you with what to expect from class sessions.
- establish committment to do this hard/uncomfortable thing!
- teach you skills to help you overcome any avoidance urges that might get in the way of attending first class.
Committment to RO-DBT Skills Class
Following this assessment, it is time to begin class. RO-DBT Class follows a curriculum of 30 lessons. Research shows that best therapeutic outcomes happen when clients obtain all 30 lessons; this is the best way to fill your emotional “toolbox” with a complete set of tools. Our hope is that participants will engage in all 30 lessons. As such, when you enroll in our RO-DBT class, we will plan for your ongoing participation throughout the full 30 lessons, unless either you communicate otherwise or our clinical team recommends otherwise.
Investment in RO-DBT Skills Class
The cost of each session is $150. Upon enrollment, we will collect a $150 deposit to secure your spot in class. Subsequently, we will collect $150 for each session. Your deposit will be applied to the last class you attend.
The required intake assessment costs $260, which includes both the one-time in-person 50 minute session, as well as a very thorough follow up with recommendations regarding how to proceed.
You can learn more about resources to support out-of-network reimbursements and/or single case agreements with your health insurance provider at our FAQs page.
Join RO-DBT Skills Classes in Rockville Maryland
Once you submit an inquiry form, our intake coordinator will be in touch with you to gather more information, explain more about our program, and schedule that intake appointment if you are ready to proceed.
If a current provider has referred you to RO-DBT, a very helpful next step is for either our intake coordinator or the leader to speak to that provider. This also helps us ensure that we are tailoring skills lessons to your specific and unique needs. Please expect us to ask for a release of information form to speak to such providers.
Join our Mailing List…
… for blogs about dialectical behavior therapy and tons of other information about mental health and wellbeing!