Polish Society for Behavioral Psychology – 2025 Chapter Update

By Bartłomiej Swebodziński

1. Introduction

The Polish Society of Behavioral Psychology (PTPB) continues its mission to promote and develop behavioral psychology in Poland. As an organization affiliated with the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), PTPB undertakes numerous initiatives aimed at integrating the professional community, educating specialists, and supporting the professional development of behavior analysts.

2. Statutory Activities in 2024

a) Development of the Polish Behavior Analyst Certification System

PTPB continued its work on the development of the Polish behavior analyst certification system, established in 2010 in cooperation with the Polish Association of Behavioral Therapy. This system sets professional standards for behavior analysts, improving the quality of their work in Poland. Two PTPB members regularly participated in the system’s executive committee, engaging in activities such as:

evaluating applicants for the title of behavior analyst,
developing training program standards and assessing new courses proposed by supervisors within the system,
ensuring consistent interpretation of certification rules,
promoting knowledge about the certification system and behavioral therapy.

b) Legislative Collaboration

PTPB actively participated in the parliamentary working group discussions regarding the law on the profession of psychotherapist in Poland.

c) Integration of the Behavioral Therapy Community

The society undertook activities aimed at integrating associations related to behavioral psychology to strengthen cooperation in this field.

3. Patronage and Support for Scientific Initiatives

a) Conference Patronage

PTPB provided patronage for the international conference of the Polish Association of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy, titled “Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Tailor-Made” (May 2024).
Patronage of the report by the Polish Society of Clinical Psychology and Evidence-Based Psychotherapy: “Needs and Preferences of Polish People Regarding Psychotherapy Services.” The report’s findings were presented at the conference.
“What’s Next?,” attended by PTPB President Przemysław Bąbel.

b) Patronage of Publications

PTPB granted scientific patronage to the following books:

“ACT with Love: Stop Struggling, Reconcile Differences, and Strengthen Your Relationship with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” by Russ Harris, edited by Paweł Ostaszewski and Joanna Dudek,
“Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Behavior Analysts: A Practice Guide from Theory to Treatment” by Jordan Belisle, Mark Dixon, and Steven Hayes, edited by Paweł Ostaszewski and Joanna Dudek,
“Behavioral Activation for Depression: A Clinician’s Guide” by Christopher Martell, Ruth Herman-Dunn, and Sona Dimidjian, edited by Paweł Ostaszewski and Joanna Dudek.

c) XIV International Scientific Symposium

PTPB co-organized the XIV International Scientific Symposium of CTB and PTPB, titled “From Unity to Diversity. Behavioral Psychology in Action,” which took place in Gdańsk on October 5-6, 2024. The symposium included presentations on various streams of behavioral therapies, including behavior analysis, cognitive-behavioral therapy, ACT, DBT, FAP, and schema therapy.

4. Plans for the Future

a) Symposium in 2026

PTPB plans to return to organizing its symposium in March, commemorating the birth anniversary of B.F. Skinner, who was born on March 20, 1904.

b) “Behavioral Wednesdays” Webinar Series

Starting in April 2025, PTPB will launch a new educational initiative—weekly online meetings titled “Behavioral Wednesdays,” aimed at popularizing knowledge about behavioral psychology.

c) School of Behavioral Therapy

In cooperation with the Polish Association of Behavioral Therapy, PTPB is working on the program for the School of Behavioral Therapy, which aims to raise training and practical standards in this field and expand the number of professionals interested in training as behavioral therapists.

5. Summary

The year 2024 was a period of intensive activity for PTPB, including the development of behavior analyst certification, legislative collaboration, integration of the therapeutic community, and support for scientific and publishing initiatives. Plans for 2025 and 2026 include further development of educational activities and the organization of large-scale scientific events, reinforcing the society’s commitment to promoting behavioral psychology in Poland and internationally.