MED-DBT Conference 2027
Our Next Conference Will Be Held Virtually March 10th & 11th, 2027 (EST)
Weaving a Tapestry of Care
Welcome to the MED-DBT Conference taking place virtually March 10th & 11th 2027 (EST), where we will come together to explore the art and science of Weaving a Tapestry of Care. In the framework of MED-DBT, we view the Biosocial Model not merely as a clinical theory, but as a loom where the 'warp' of biological vulnerability meets the 'weft' of the social environment. Each member of the interdisciplinary team, the client, and their supports, represents a vital thread in this fabric, bringing unique colors and strengths to the patient’s journey.
When we work in silos, the tapestry remains incomplete; but when we weave our expertise together, we create a resilient support system capable of holding the complexities of chronic illness. Our goal through this conference is to master the knots of integration, ensuring that every patient we serve is wrapped in a cohesive, compassionate, and life-affirming 'Life Worth Living.' Let us begin the work of strengthening these connections, thread by thread.
People with eating disorders who also struggle with co-occurring high-risk or dysregulated behaviors are often not well served by standard eating disorder therapies. From pioneering treatment developers Anita Federici and Lucene Wisniewski, this book presents a groundbreaking adaptation of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for individuals with multidiagnostic eating disorder (MED) presentations.
The MED-DBT Protocol
Meet The Conference Committee
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![Dr. Kim Claudat, PhD — Associate Clinical Professor and member of the MED-DBT Conference organizing committee, specializing in emotion regulation and eating disorders.]()
Dr. Kim Claudat
Associate Clinical Professor
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![Dr. Anita Federici, PhD, CPsych, FAED — Clinical Psychologist, educator, and MED-DBT co-developer serving on the MED-DBT Conference organizing committee.]()
Dr. Anita Federici
Clinical Psychologist
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![Shelly Hindle, Clinical Psychologist and DBT trainer from New Zealand, member of the MED-DBT Conference organizing committee and international trainer in eating-disorder treatment.]()
Shelly Hindle
Clinical Psychologist
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![Charlotte Thomas, LCSW, LICSW — Clinical Social Worker, Certified DBT Clinician, and MED-DBT Conference organizing committee member specializing in eating disorders and complex care.]()
Charlotte Thomas
Clinical Social Worker
Why Did We Create The MED-DBT Conference?
Several years ago, a small group of clinicians formed a MED-DBT consultation team, driven by the need for support in practicing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with patients presenting with multi-diagnostic, complex and high-risk eating disorders. Over time we discussed the challenge of disseminating knowledge and further treatment development, with a shared desire to engage with a broader community of colleagues worldwide.
The paramount task now is to undertake scientifically robust research and clinical trials of MED-DBT, to assess and measure acceptability and efficacy for the people we are treating. Dissemination of knowledge and research outcomes will encourage others to take up this challenging treatment and thus reach more clients with EDs who are in need of a different approach. This necessitates collaboration from researchers and practitioners at the forefront of this innovative treatment. In 2024 with nearly 100 people joining the newly established MED-DBT email list, we recognized the potential to come together more formally.
Our aim in organizing the MED-DBT Conference is in establishing relationships and sharing innovation and ideas to advance knowledge. Our vision is to encourage and support MED-DBT practice and research and promote the goal of wider uptake and dissemination of this approach.
We aim to achieve these goals through a conference programme featuring keynote address, panels and workshops from leaders in the field, Research updates and lightening round plus a forum for wider discussion. The conference will run over 2 half days to assist and encourage attendance across global time zones.
We are excited to welcome you to the MED-DBT Conference community and to collectively share our achievements, learnings, and grand ideas!
