Maggie Ritnour (she/her)

Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RO DBT) is a new treatment for patients who suffer from emotional overcontrol. RO DBT has been developed over the past 20 years for people with chronic depression or anorexia nervosa. Research results suggest that it is effective in these, and other, hard-to-treat groups. While high self-control is generally thought to be a good thing, too much self-control can be a problem for some people. Excessive self-control is associated with social isolation

I use art therapy as a nonverbal way to explore emotions, patterns and experiences that can be difficult to access through words alone. Many of my clients are high-achieving, self-controlled, and struggle with eating disorders, anxiety, depression and overcontrol. Art-making can reduce pressure, bypass intellectual defenses and open new ways of understanding body image, relationships and self. It offers a space for curiosity, expression and new perspectives.

I work with eating disorders and disordered eating patterns, including restrictive eating, binge–restrict cycles, compulsive exercise, and body image distress. Many of my clients are high-achieving and self-controlled yet feel stuck in rigid patterns around food and body. I integrate RO DBT, art therapy and a weight-inclusive approach aligned with Health at Every Size to support greater flexibility, reduce shame and build a more connected relationship with food and body.

Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO DBT) is a new treatment for patients who suffer from emotional overcontrol. RO DBT has been developed over the past 20 years for people with chronic depression or anorexia nervosa. Research results suggest that it is effective in these, and other, hard-to-treat groups. While high self-control is generally thought to be a good thing, too much self-control can be a problem for some people.

I support clients experiencing anxiety that often shows up as overthinking, self-criticism, rigidity and difficulty relaxing or letting go of control. Many of my clients are outwardly high-functioning but internally anxious, disconnected or overwhelmed. I integrate RO DBT, art therapy and somatic approaches to help increase emotional flexibility, reduce overcontrol and support a more grounded and connected internal experience.

I work with chronic depression, often experienced as emotional disconnection, low mood, exhaustion and a sense of being stuck despite outward functioning. Many clients also struggle with perfectionism and overcontrol that contribute to emotional isolation. I integrate RO DBT and art therapy to support greater emotional expression, connection and flexibility, helping clients move toward a more engaged internal experience and more authentic connection in relationships.

I practice from a relational perspective, meaning the therapeutic relationship itself is an active part of the work. We pay attention to patterns that show up between us, including difficulty expressing needs, fear of being “too much,” or tendencies to over-accommodate others. Many of my clients struggle with eating disorders, anxiety, depression and overcontrol. Therapy is collaborative, nonjudgmental, and focused on building awareness, repair and more authentic connection.

I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills in an integrative way alongside art therapy and relational work. I specialize in patterns of emotional overcontrol, including chronic inhibition, perfectionism, rigidity and difficulty expressing needs or emotions. Many clients also experience anxiety, depression and eating disorders alongside emotional loneliness or disconnection. I am a Senior Clinician in Radically Open DBT (RO DBT) which informs my work with overcontrolled coping styles.