Hello all,
Welcome to 2021! I would like to take this opportunity to express to each and every one of you my gratitude and thanks to each of you that remain at the heart of DBT-LBC. I would like to share some updates and acknowledgments with you as we launch into 2021.
First, I want to take a moment to recognize Dr. Joan Russo. As you will read in a later piece honoring Joan, her dedication to DBT and DBT-LBC is something that cannot be measured with a simple “Thank You” or any words for that matter. Joan has been one of the key players in this organization and while she is going to be missed in more ways than we can count, we are so excited for her new journey where she can finally enjoy retirement and travel the world with her beloved husband. We are also thankful for cell phones and zoom video calls that will allow us to continue to stay connected and send her that dreaded text, “Joan, we have a question”. We will not only forever appreciate your work and dedication, but we will do everything to continue this much needed work in a way that will surpass your expectations. Joan, your work and dedication to the field of DBT will be forever appreciated. Thank you!
In other exciting news, we elected 2 new members to the Board of Directors. We would like to introduce and welcome Dr. Alec Miller and Dr. Alan Fruzzetti. We are so excited to have them both join our board and cannot wait for them to share their wisdom, knowledge, and expertise with us so that we can continue to work to improve. One of my favorite quotes is “Success is a Journey, not a Destination” and we are on a constant journey to continue to keep Marsha’s legacy alive. We welcome all of you on this journey and look forward to what the future holds.
Despite the challenges that we, along with everyone else, faced during the pandemic and the unprecedented times it provided, we are emerging as we are moving through 2021. As we have mentioned in the past the testing sites were closed for some time which halted the process as applicants could not take the exam. The testing sites have since opened and the process is flowing again. While we resurface from the depths of this pandemic, our nation remains in a mental health crisis and now, more than ever, our clients need to know that they are receiving the treatment as it was intended to be delivered. Remember, we are all fallible! The challenges of life have not skipped over us and going through the process will provide us, as clinicians, a level of support and comfort that we are remaining adherent to the treatment. Many of you took advantage of the discount offered at ISITDBT this year, but if you missed it, I encourage you to take advantage of the scholarships we have available for both clinicians and programs.
Finally, I would be remised to not recognize the nearly 100 volunteers that we have working day in and day out in all areas of the organization. We are actively working to improve and expand our social media presence and legislative efforts to enhance the value of certification through communication with insurance providers, state agencies, and legislators. So, to each and every volunteer, Thank You. Thank You for your time, your energy, and your dedication. Thank you to each and every one of you that have and continue to dedicate your time to supporting DBT-LBC in every capacity no matter how large or small it is all appreciated and greatly needed. If you are interested or know someone that is interested in volunteering with us, we ask that you please reach out we would love to chat with you!
In honor of Black History Month, I will leave you with a quote that made me think of Marsha the moment I read it…
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” —Harriet Tubman
The world is in need of dreamers who do. We within DBT-LBC will continue to dream even bigger and do even more and this is what allows us to tackle our nation’s current mental health crisis without hesitation.
With love to all,
Dr. Kimberly Vay
President, DBT-Linehan Board of Certification®
