In 2015, Dr. Marsha Linehan’s Wise Mind chimed in: what if the growing community of DBT practitioners and researchers came together – not only in spirit, but also in structure?
Known for her memorable acronyms, transformative skills, and relentless belief in the possibility of building a life worth living, Marsha had a new vision: the creation of an international organization to connect those doing DBT around the globe.
Fast forward to 2022, and that mission officially became a worldwide collaboration: the World DBT Association (WDBTA).
A Mission Worth Joining
A non-profit organization, the WDBTA has many goals and aims, including but not limited to, maintaining treatment integrity, supporting DBT research, creating a community of practice, and implementing DBT in underserved populations while maintaining treatment fidelity.
Think of the WDBTA as the international heart of the DBT community, and its mission as, keeping the spirit of this evidence-based treatment alive and strong across six different continents.
DBT Across the Map
Over the years, the WDBTA has launched several regional chapters. These chapters aim to reflect DBT’s global growth, establish standards, and supports and responds to the unique needs of each region – while staying aligned with the same values. In other words, this means that fidelity and flexibility can coexist in global DBT practice!
The chapters are:
- Europe
- Iberoamerica
- Asia-Pacific
- North America (in development)
Why It Matters
You know the useful acronyms, the life-changing nature of skills, and understand the biosocial model. You have done chain analyses with clients in crisis, practiced mindfulness during difficult times, and walked the middle path.
So, in between completing worksheets, leading trainings, and running groups – why should you pay attention to this organization? This organization matters because evidence-based therapy needs evidence-informed support.
Most importantly, the WDBTA matters because whether you’re a DBT therapist in Tokyo, a trainer in Toronto, or a researcher in São Paulo, the organization is about community building, and creating a movement that will continue to help people build lives they experience as worth living.
Behind the Scenes
The WDBTA is run by a group of dedicated DBT Leaders from across the world. Whether they are clinicians, long-time advocates of DBT, or researchers, all of them have one thing in common: they believe in Marsha Linehan’s mission. We are so grateful for their contribution.
Key People include:
- Professor Michaela Swales PhD, FBPsS, PFHEA (President)
- Luisa Weiner (Clerk)
- Vinicius Dornelles (Treasurer)
Ready to help the global DBT community thrive? There are many ways to get involved, including:
- Joining your local chapter: Get involved in your local WDBTA chapter, there’s a spot for you!
- Supporting the movement: Tax-deductible donations go directly towards outreach and education.
- Attending an event: Keep an eye on the WDBTA Events page for upcoming events.
If you’re interested in learning more, check out this interview with the WDBTA president here.
If you’d like more information about WDBTA, check out their website and follow them on social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and Blue Sky).
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to WDBTA to support the mission of DBT internationally.
We are incredibly excited to support the mission of WDBTA! Join DBT-LBC™ and WDBTA in helping connect clients in the U.S. as well as around the globe with the treatment, as it was designed to be delivered.
