About this episode

This episode explores the concept of overcontrol and its impact on emotional wellbeing, relationships, and treatment approaches.

We have been so excited to bring you this episode! In this episode of Wise Mind: A DBT Podcast , Raich and Maddy dive into the concept of overcontrol and explore why having too much self-control isn't always a good thing. When we think about self-control, we often see it as a strength—but what happens when it becomes excessive? We discuss how people with overcontrolled coping styles often experience significant emotional suffering that can go unnoticed or be misunderstood by others. This hidden struggle is commonly seen in individuals experiencing treatment-resistant depression, anorexia nervosa and restrictive eating patterns, autism, obsessive and perfectionistic personality styles, and chronic loneliness. Together, we unpack the key characteristics of overcontrol, how it differs from undercontrol, and the ways it can impact relationships, emotional expression, and overall wellbeing. We also explore why traditional treatments don't always meet the needs of overcontrolled individuals. Finally, we introduce you to Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO DBT) —an evidence-based treatment developed specifically for disorders of overcontrol. We discuss why we're so…

People in this episode

Hosts: Raich, Maddy

Topics covered

• overcontrol
• self-control
• emotional suffering
• treatment-resistant depression
• RO DBT
• mental health
• psychotherapy

Keywords

• overcontrol
• self-control
• emotional suffering
• RO DBT
• treatment-resistant depression
• anorexia nervosa
• restrictive eating
• autism
• perfectionism
• chronic loneliness

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, DBT

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