Using RO-DBT for Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

“In general, people are not drawn to perfection in others. People are drawn to shared interests, shared problems, and individual’s life energy. Humans connect with humans.”

Robert Glover

Personality styles and disorders can greatly impact individuals over the long term by reducing their ability to build and maintain relationships. One personality disorder that is not often talked about is Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD). Individuals with OCPD can be preoccupied with things being orderly, perfection and avoiding mistakes, having a sense of control in tasks and relationships, and they may struggle to be open, flexible, and adapt to variety of contexts.

Here are some signs that may indicate an OCPD personality style:

-Do you find yourself consistently prioritizing tasks over relationships?

-Do you find herself judging others for being less productive than you?

-Are you very hard on yourself for making a mistake and expect yourself to immediately be skilled at a new task?

-Is it difficult for you to chill out and relax in contexts where it fits (like on a vacation or at a party)?

-Is it hard for you to be open about your own emotions or struggles with others?

-Is it difficult for you to delegate tasks because others may not “do it the right way”?

-Do you struggle to feel close to others or connected within your relationships?

If some of these questions relate to you then you may want to consider pursuing a therapy that targets your personality style.

Radically Open DBT is an evidenced based therapy that targets maladaptive overcontrol coping styles (including an obsessive compulsive personality disorder diagnosis). It can help individuals learn skills on how to practice open-mindedness, flexibility, and getting more connected to those that they care about in life. So if you want to learn how to chill out, have more fun with others, and not take life so seriously consider giving RO-DBT a try. :)