United Kingdom
About Us
The Society for DBT UK and Ireland (SfDBT) was founded in 2012 to bring together professionals committed to the practice and development of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). The Society operates independently from training organisations, focusing instead on community, governance, and professional support.
DBT was first introduced to the UK by Michaela Swales and later spread to Ireland, where it inspired a national implementation project. Recognising the need for a professional society, Christine Dunkley and Stephen Palmer carried out the essential groundwork of registering the organisation and creating its website. This effort culminated in the Society’s inaugural annual conference in London in October 2013.
Today, the Society continues to grow and thrive. Its work is guided by monthly Board and committee meetings, alongside an Annual General Meeting (AGM) where members are updated on activities and have the opportunity to contribute directly. In addition, the Board holds a biannual away day to set strategic priorities, strengthen collaboration, and plan for leadership succession.
Local therapy programmes
Organisation of training:Training is delivered independently by private companies, universities, or— in Ireland—through the National Health Service Executive. Training programmes may apply for accreditation by the SfDBT to ensure quality and consistency.The Society is committed to supporting its members through continuing professional development (CPD). Each year we host an annual conference and workshop focused on a specific theme—for example, last year’s theme was Adapting DBT for Neurodiversity. In addition, Specialist Interest Groups and Local Area Networks provide further opportunities for learning and collaboration.To strengthen the DBT community, the SfDBT also offers bursaries to support research, supervision, and attendance at conferences, helping practitioners grow and contribute to the field.
Members
Members come from a variety of professional backgrounds, including psychology, nursing, social work, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, and psychiatry.
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Emily Fox – President of the SfDBT;
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Amy Gaglia Essletzbichler – Chair of the Board,
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Pamela Henderson – General Secretary;
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Sarah Farman – Treasurer and
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Sarah Plum – Bursary Administrator;
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Carolyn Hinds – Member Secretary
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Christine Dunkley as Complaints Officer (and Honarory Vice President);
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Nicola Gormley, Irish Membership;
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Jane Vickers, Chair of the Board of Accreditation,
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Jennie Eeles, CPD Committee Chair
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Janet Feigenbaum, Conference Committee Chair.
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Simon Riley-Price provides administrative support.