Belgium
About Us
When Wies Vandenbosch introduced DBT therapy with Dialexis in Flanders in the late 1990s, a group of enthusiastic psychiatrist-psychotherapists quickly grew, regularly meeting to share their experiences regarding the implementation of the DBT offer. Due to the organization and funding of mental health care in Belgium, the first treatment teams were set up within psychiatric hospitals. Over the years, more and more (psycho)therapists joined the group of psychiatrists, and in 2021, an official non-profit organization was established. Next to Wies, Martin Bohus plays an important role in the dissemination of DBT in our country. He was visiting professor to the University of Antwerp and helped the colleagues in Duffel to develop his DBT-PTSD program in 2015. Together, we support one another, share expertise, and continuously enhance the way DBT is delivered across our country.
Local therapy programmes
- DBT in Antwerp (Deurne): A structured 12-week programme that combines weekly group sessions with individual therapy. We offer a free introductory conversation via phone or video chat to determine if the DBT trajectory is suitable for your need. Participants learn core DBT skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, and crisis management. The programme is accessible and affordable, with group sessions subsidized by the RIZIV.
- Personality Disorders Programme at Karus: A comprehensive residential and day-treatment programme where DBT is used as the framework for care. The programme includes group skills training (mindfulness, crisis management, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, self-compassion), creative and body-focused therapies, psycho-education (e.g. budgeting, administration), and a specialised eating skills module. Includes weekly psychiatrist consultations and individual coaching, with treatment offered in two phases: an 8-week anchor phase and up to 26-week training phase. A large part of the treatment can continue from day treatment. Monthly family evenings plus up to five family sessions, with optional support through a family validation group(see outpatient guidance).
- DBT for Young Mothers at PC Bethanië: A unique 8-session series designed for parents with babies aged 0 to 12 months. We create a safe, fixed group of at least four parents. The number of participants is limited to eight. Our programme blends theory and practice with mindfulness, Mindful Parenting (developed by Prof. Susan Bögels), and DBT skills (from Prof. Marsha Linehan). Parents learn to recognize stress, manage emotions, and reduce automatic reactions, while strengthening both their own regulation and their baby’s. The sessions focus on experiential learning, practiced both with and without the baby. Registration covers the full series with a one-time payment of €20 (2.50 per session).A structured 12-week programme that combines weekly group sessions with individual therapy. We offer a free introductory conversation via phone or video chat to determine if the DBT trajectory is suitable for your need. Participants learn core DBT skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, and crisis management. The programme is accessible and affordable, with group sessions subsidized by the RIZIV.
Members
Our community is at the heart of VZW DGT Vlaanderen. Today, we bring together 136 passionate members—psychiatrists, psychotherapists, psychologists, coaches, and other professionals—who are dedicated to advancing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Belgium.
Guiding this vibrant network is our board:
Chair: Ann Berens (UPC Duffel)
Vice-Chair: Valerie Fonteyne (Karus Gent)
Treasurer: Annelies Hoydonckx (Bethanië Zoersel)
Secretary: Kathleen Nieulandt (PC Sint-Hiëronymus, Sint-Niklaas)
Website & Communications: Tamara Visser (UZ Gent)