Dr Ahmed Abdelkarim
Dr. Ahmed Abdelkarim is the founder and leader of the Egyptian Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program, the first Dialectical Behavior Therapy program in the Arab region. He holds a Master's and Doctorate in Psychiatry from Alexandria University, Egypt in addition to a short-term fellowship at the University of Washington, USA and Lenihan Institute for Psychotherapy Training from 2014-2016. His main areas of expertise are dual diagnosis and psychotherapy for borderline personality disorder, emotional dysregulation, substance use disorders and suicidal patients. Participated in many local and international conferences, and received the Professor Yahya Al-Rakhawi Award for the best case of psychotherapy in 2015, and the Okasha Award for the best young researcher in psychiatry in Egypt from the Middle East Journal of Psychiatry in 2018.
He contributed to publishing more than 20 research papers in local and international journals classified in the fields of psychiatry and mental health
He started working in the field of training in dialectical behavioral therapy since 2015. Over the course of ten years, he supervised the design and led the training of many training programs in dialectical behavioral therapy and assessment and management of suicide risks in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Qatar and Jordan. He contributed to building teams of dialectical behavioral therapy therapists in many governmental and private institutions, universities and non-governmental institutions. His training style is characterized by the ability to integrate the latest evidence-based therapeutic methods with clinical practice that respects Arab culture by providing training in Arabic and English.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Substance Use Disorders (DBT-SUD): A Comprehensive Workshop
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Substance Use Disorders (DBT-SUD) is an evidence-based treatment approach specifically designed to address the complex needs of individuals struggling with substance use disorders. This intensive, skills-based therapy integrates core DBT principles with strategies tailored to the unique challenges of addiction.
This workshop will provide:
- A deep dive into the theoretical underpinnings of DBT-SUD, including rational for using DBT to treat SUD patients, similarities and differences with other evidence-based approaches.
- Practical strategies for implementing DBT-SUD in clinical practice, such as case conceptualization, skill training, and crisis intervention.
- Opportunities for participants to practice key DBT-SUD skills through role-plays and group discussions.
- A comprehensive understanding of the efficacy of DBT-SUD in treating substance use disorders, supported by empirical evidence.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively apply DBT-SUD to their clinical work, improving outcomes for individuals struggling with addiction.
DBT Training and Implementation in The Arab World, 10 Years Experience
DBT, an effective treatment for complex mental health conditions, has seen recent implementation in the Arab world. However, challenges such as cultural barriers, language differences, and resource limitations hinder its widespread adoption. Opportunities lie in growing mental health awareness, DBT's adaptability, international collaboration, and technological advancements. Addressing cultural factors and providing comprehensive training are crucial for integrating DBT into the region's mental health landscape. Further research is needed to evaluate culturally adapted DBT interventions and develop sustainable training programs. This presentation will focus on presenting data and insights from 10 years experience of training and implementation of DBT across multiple systems in the Arab world.