Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Marsha Linehan

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Development and Impact, University of Washington

May 30, 2019 | Seattle, WA

After more than four decades of pioneering research and developing dialectical behavior therapy, Dr. Marsha Linehan retired in Spring of 2019. In honor of this occasion, the UW Department of Psychology hosted two lectures exploring the journey and development of DBT, and the legacy of Dr. Linehan and her unparalleled impact within the global community and the field of psychology.

» LEGACY CAMPAIGN The UW Department of Psychology has launched a philanthropic campaign to create the Dr. Marsha Linehan Endowed Chair in Psychology.

From Skepticism to Global Regard: The Journey and Legacy of Marsha Linehan’s Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Featuring Michaela Swales, Ph.D. | Professor of Clinical Psychology, School of Psychology, Bangor University

Video Summary | Dialectical behavior therapy revolutionized the field of psychological therapy for severe and complex mental health problems both in terms of the integration of its components – Western psychology and Eastern practice – to deliver a comprehensive transdiagnostic treatment, and by bringing hope to a group of clients previously dismissed as untreatable. This talk will focus on the unique aspects of the treatment that have contributed to its worldwide dissemination and implementation, showcasing Marsha Linehan’s pioneering work that has transformed the way clients with complex needs are treated.

Marsha Linehan and Suicide Prevention Clinical Research: Four Major Contributions

Featuring Kate Comtois, Ph.D, MPH | Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington

Video Summary | Marsha Linehan pioneered rigorous suicide prevention clinical research on four major fronts simultaneously. First, as everyone knows, was the development of dialectical behavior therapy, which has been found to reduce suicide attempts in multiple research studies across the world. However, not everyone realizes the impact she has had in three other areas. This talk will focus on her development of multiple widely used measures for suicide research, her clinical trials methodology for safely engaging high risk suicidal participants in clinical research, and her key role in mentoring the junior faculty who are now the principal investigators of many of the largest suicide prevention clinical trials. Thus, Marsha Linehan’s contributions have been vital to bringing multiple innovative evidence-based treatments to suicidal individuals.

This free lecture was made possible by a generous endowment from Professor Allen L. Edwards.

» MAKE A GIFT Please consider making a contribution in honor of Dr. Linehan’s legacy and impact today.