Is RO-DBT for me?

 

 

EMOTIONAL AWARENESS

The following descriptions are a good match for me—circle the number

                1                                       2                                         3                                            4                                    5

Little or no match       Somewhat                         Moderately                      Good                          Very good

                                           matches                               match                           matches                       matches

 

• My emotional experiences often feel minimized.

• There seems to be a mismatch between my inner and outer experience.

• I have problems that are due to factors outside my control.

• There are biological explanations for the problems I have.

• It is difficult to distinguish between my emotions and bodily sensations.

• I often minimize strong emotions (distress, pain, excitement), both in public and private

• If asked, I will say “I’m fine” regardless of how I’m really feeling.

• I tolerate distress very well.

• If I have an angry outburst, it is most likely only in private.

• My moods are for the most part, very stable and have very little variability or contrast in intensity.

• It is hard to be spontaneous or silly.

• It is hard to laugh at myself.

• I prefer to play structured games.

 

 

EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION

The following descriptions are a good match for me—circle the number

         1                                      2                                           3                                    4                               5   

Little or no match            Somewhat                   Moderately                     Good                 Very good 

                                                              matches                       matches                        match                   match

 

• I mask my inner feelings, or show emotionally show emotional and facial expressions different than to what I am feeling.

• I strive to ‘keep up appearances’ and to be seen as ‘in control’.

• I try to be very social; I can keep a fake smile on.

• Masking my emotions is a sign of maturity.

• It is hard to disclose personal information.

• I am uncomfortable disclosing personal information.

 

 

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

The following descriptions are a good match for me—circle the number

                    1                              2                                    3                             4                                5

    Little or no match      Somewhat               Moderately               Good                   Very good

                                             matches                     matches                 match                     match

 

• I am cautious in relationships.

• Achievement, social-recognition, performance, and appearance are considered highly important.

• Avoiding feelings of vulnerability, humiliation or embarrassment take precedence in relationships.

• Sometimes it is easier to abandon a relationship than to face conflict.

• I strive to appear socially desirable, civil, polite or affable in order to avoid social disapproval.

• Rules of etiquette govern social actions, even when the rule does not make sense for a given context.

• It is easier to feel better about myself when I see those less socially desirable.

• I find myself holding onto grudges or past hurts and experience periods of high envy/bitterness.

• I believe that love or genuine caring is either false or impossible.

 

EMPATHY & VALIDATION SKILLS

 

The following descriptions are a good match for me—circle the number

                    1                                      2                                    3                           4                                        5

      Little or no match          Somewhat                Moderately               Good                            Very good

                                                    matches                     matches                  match                             match

 

• I often spend a lot of time rehearsing ‘apporpirate responses’ and carefully plan what I might say or do prior to social engagements.

• Expressions I make of caring are ruled by a sense of obligation/duty.

• It’s a struggle to understand another person’s perspective.

• Only an outstanding performance is worthy of validation.

• It’s hard to say ‘yes’ to new ideas/suggestions.

• I find it difficult to compliment, praise, or help others.

• I find it difficult to be praised or helped by others.

• I desire recognition from others for my self-sacrifices, and for following the rules, but I don’t want anyone to know I want this.

• It’s hard to admit to mistakes.

• I generally apologize because it’s the socially appropriate thing to do or to avoid social disapproval.

• When I offer advice to others, I feel frustrated and resentful when they don’t value my advice.

• I feel uncomfortable with emotional displays.

 

 

RECEPTIVITY

The following descriptions are a good match for me—circle the number

                            1                                           2                                        3                                 4                             5

               Little or no match                 Somewhat                   Moderately                  Good                 Very good

                                                                   matches                         matches                 match                     match

 

• I find spontaneoius and uncontrolled activities very difficult.

• I try to avoid novel situations, and situations where I could be the center of attention.

• I need structure and control.

• I chastise myself after making a perceived mistake.

• I plan for possible negative situations or eventualities.

• I keept things in case they may be needed in the future, even when it’s clear that I don’t need them.

• I do more than what Is necessary in order to make sure that I’m not seen as incompetent.

• I try to focus on fixing problems rather than avoiding them.

• It is hard to ‘sit’ with a problem; I can end up with impulsive fixes so that I can immediately relieve my anxiety.

• It is hard to alter a planned course of action or revise a prior solution even if circumstances have changed, or there’s new feedback.

   

  OPENNESS

 

The following descriptions are a good match for me—circle the number

                         1                                                2                                      3                                4                            5

           Little or no match                    Somewhat                    Moderately                  Good               Very good

                                                                   matches                         matches                   match                  match

 

 

• I will agree with something to avoid criticism.

• I will hide my true feelings to avoid critical feedback.

• I will disagree with an opinion over minor inaccuracies.

• I will answer a question with a question if I am criticized.

• I will pretend I ‘didn’t hear’ a comment if I am criticized.

• I will be vague if I am criticized.

• I will criticize or minimize my accomplishments before someone else can.

   

 

 

emotional awareness=                              _________

emotional expression=                              _________

interpersonal relationships =                   _________

empathy & validation skills =                    _________

receptivity =                                                 _________

openness =                                             +   _________

                                           total =

 

 

Scoring: Add up the numbers circled from each section:

 

0-6: unlikely to need RO-DBT

 

7-12: RO-DBT has something to offer you, and you may likely see improvements in your daily life

 

16-24: RO-DBT definitely has something to offer you, and you should contract us with any questions and for information about enrollment.

 

More than 24: RO-DBT is what you’ve been looking for, for a long time. You would definitely benefit from this form of therapy.

 

*However, if you’ve had yes answers to a lot of statements in multiple categories, RO-DBT may still be an effective and wise treatment option.