Page 20 - Seniorstoday December 2023 Issue

Most of us are probably more familiar Highly overcontrolled people may
with what problematic undercontrol struggle to adapt to change. They may be
looks like. People who are highly less open to new experiences and criticism,
undercontrolled may have few inhibitions and be very set in their ways. They may
and struggle to control their emotions. experience bitter feelings of envy towards
Their behaviour may be unpredictable, others and struggle to relax and have fun
as it’s often dependent on the mood in social situations. They may also use
they’re in. This can negatively affect their fewer gestures, rarely smile or cry, and try
relationships, education, work, finances to hide their emotions at any cost.
and health. Together, these characteristics may
There are many therapies out there that make a person more likely to experience
can help undercontrolled people. These social isolation and loneliness. This may
therapies help them learn to regulate ultimately cause their mental health to
emotions and increase self-control. For worsen.
example, cognitive behavioural therapy Unfortunately, many of the available
aims to teach people control over their psychological therapies aren’t helpful
thoughts, behavior and emotions. in treating issues of overcontrol. This is
Similarly, dialectical behaviour therapy because they focus on improving self-
– designed for people who experience control and emotion regulation. But since
emotions very intensely – targets emotion overcontrolled people already control
dysregulation. and regulate too much, they instead need
a therapy that can help them learn that
Problematic overcontrol sometimes it’s okay to relax and let go.
Unfortunately, overcontrol isn’t talked
about as much. This may be because
overcontrolled traits – such as persistence,
the ability to make plans and stick to them,
striving for perfection and being in control
of emotions – are often highly regarded in
our society. But when overcontrol becomes
an issue, it can be damaging in many areas
of life.
Typical therapy methods won’t work to
treat issues of overcontrol.
Alongside his theory, Lynch also
developed a therapy designed to treat
issues of overcontrol – known as radically
open dialectical behaviour. Early studies
have shown that the therapy has a lot of
potential in helping overcontrolled people.
It does this by teaching them how to let
go of the need to always be in control, be
more open about their emotions, better

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