Alexander L. Chapman, Ph.D., R.Psych., is a professor, director of clinical training, and clinical science area coordinator at Simon Fraser University. He is also president and co-founder of the DBT Centre of Vancouver. He holds a B.A. from UBC, an M.S. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Idaho State University, and completed his predoctoral internship at Duke University Medical Center. After a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Washington with Dr. Marsha Linehan (developer of DBT), he joined SFU in 2005, where he established the Personality and Emotion Research Laboratory (PERL).
Dr. Chapman’s research focuses on complex mental health challenges characterized by emotion regulation difficulties, such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), self-injury, and related areas. He’s secured extensive grant funding for translational and treatment outcome research.
Dr. Chapman was co-Principal Investigator for a large study comparing 6- to 12-months of DBT for 240 chronically self-harming/suicidal patients with BPD, finding that 6 months of DBT was generally not inferior to 12 months. He has published numerous scientific articles, along with several books on DBT, BPD, and related topics, and many book chapters.
Dr. Chapman serves on the Linehan Board of Certification’s Test Writing Committee, has served as certification chair for the Canadian Association for Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (CACBT), and is Linehan-Board certified in DBT and CACBT certified in CBT.
Dr. Chapman also has received awards for his contributions to the field. He enjoys training and consulting with clinicians and students regarding evidence-based practices, such as DBT, to address complex mental health concerns. Dr. Chapman also enjoys helping clients to solve problems in living, learn new coping skills, achieve their goals, and build lives that are fulfilling. He provides both individual DBT and group DBT skills training in his practice.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Dr. Chapman has practiced mindfulness and martial arts for many years and enjoys outdoor activities, reading, and spending time with his family.