Radically Open DBT Austin: Understanding and Overcoming Maladaptive Overcontrol
Introduction: Discovering Radically Open DBT in Austin for Maladaptive Overcontrol
As a provider of Radically Open DBT in Austin, I treat something called maladaptive overcontrol. You’ve probably never heard that term; it’s not really in the zeitgeist. But it describes a lot of people. In fact, I’ll let you in on a little secret: Most therapists (myself included) are overcontrolled. If you have an advanced degree and/or have achieved any level of career success, you are most likely overcontrolled.
What is Overcontrol and When Does it Become Maladaptive?
Overcontrol is not inherently bad. I’ll say that again. Overcontrol is not inherently bad. It’s helped you be successful. It’s kept you out of trouble. This world would completely fall apart if there were no overcontrolled people. The world needs you.
The problem is when the overcontrol starts working against you. In therapist-speak, it becomes maladaptive.
Conditions Addressed by Radically Open DBT in Austin: Beyond Traditional Therapy
Maladaptive overcontrol can become such a vicious cycle it’s hard to know where it began. If maladaptive overcontrol is interfering with the life you want, Radically Open DBT in Austin offers solutions! Reach out today to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation.
Maladaptive overcontrol is also thought to underlie a variety of ailments for which people seek therapy, including depression or anxiety labeled treatment-resistant, anorexia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, and perfectionism. Commonly those with maladaptive overcontrol have tried a lot of medications and therapies with little success by the time they get to me. A previous blog defined maladaptive overcontrol if you’d like more information on that. This post will describe how it develops within a person.
The Development of Maladaptive Overcontrol: A Cycle of Nature, Nurture, and Coping
According to the developers of Radically Open DBT, three elements interact with each other to create an overcontrolled person: nature, nurture, and coping.
Nature's Role in Overcontrol: Biological and Genetic Influences
Nature refers to biotemperamental and genetic influences. In other words, how you came out of the box. We are all born with different eye colors, we grow to different heights, and we all have different brains. An overcontrolled brain has:
low sensitivity to reward
Things don’t feel as good or get you as excited as they do others.
high sensitivity to threat
You see the potential problems more readily than others.
high inhibitory control
You have more self-control than others.
high attention to detail
You notice details others miss.
Nurture's Impact: How Environment Shapes Overcontrolled Behaviors
Nurture refers to family, cultural, and environmental factors as well as learning. Overcontrolled people are taught (implicitly or explicitly) things like:
self-control is the most important thing
mistakes are not allowed
win at all costs, be the best
never show weakness
Overcontrolled Coping Styles: Patterns Addressed by Radically Open DBT Austin
If a person with the aforementioned biology grows up in the aforementioned environment, he or she will usually develop a certain coping style known as overcontrolled coping. This style takes the form of things like:
Overcontrolled coping could really be described as compressed. Sometimes compression is what’s needed (and sometimes overcontrol is what’s needed) and sometimes it gets in the way. Radically Open DBT in Austin helps you navigate life with more flexibility.
excessive self-control
compulsive fixing
avoidance of unplanned risks
aloof style of relating to others.
habitual masking of inner feelings
Diverse Environmental Factors: Beyond Achievement-Focused Upbringing
It is worth noting that it isn't just achievement-focused environments that can contribute to maladaptive overcontrol.
Another scenario is a disorganized, chaotic environment in which the child takes on a caregiver role. As an adult, the person overcorrects in an effort to not be like their parents.
A third scenario is a nurturing but overprotective environment in which the parents unintentionally reinforce behavior like avoiding novelty and risks.
Seeking Radically Open DBT in Austin: Finding Solutions for Overcontrol
If this description resonates with you, you could likely benefit from Radically Open DBT in Austin. Go here to learn more about the treatment and here to schedule a consultation with a therapist in Austin trained in Radically Open DBT.