BDP President Thordis Bethlehem confirmed in office with an overwhelming majority
24.11.2025 18:06
At the BDP's autumn delegates' conference, held on November 22nd and 23rd at the House of Psychology in Berlin, important decisions were made regarding the future. The main focus was on the triennial elections of the association's board.
The incumbent president, Thordis Bethlehem, was re-elected by a large majority of the association's delegates. BDP Vice President Susanne Berwanger was also re-elected by a strong majority. Vice President Ralph Schliewenz did not stand for re-election; he will assume the chairmanship of the BDP Clinical Psychology section. Ivon Ames, from the board of the Business Psychology section, was newly elected to the vice-presidency to replace him. She thus completes the association's board for the upcoming term. The delegates expressed considerable praise for the work of the outgoing board.
„Like many associations, the BDP also needs to position itself for the future. We have initiated many projects in the BDP over the past three years to achieve this. The trust placed in us through our re-election gives us the support and strength for the tasks ahead. I thank you most sincerely for this,“ explains the re-elected BDP President, Thordis Bethlehem.
The elections also saw delegates confirm plans for groundbreaking structural policy developments within the association. In this context, the budget for 2026, including investments in digitalization, member services, and the association's professional policy work, was approved by a large majority. The resolution also clearly indicated a continuation of the changes already initiated during this legislative period.
The agenda also included the association's controversial planned structural reforms. Ultimately, however, there was a clear majority in favor of the future-oriented realignment of the association, aimed at continuously strengthening its professional policy work, increasing the visibility of the BDP as the largest advocacy group for this profession in Germany, and responsibly streamlining its nationwide structures.
Two resolutions were adopted concerning early childhood education and electronic patient records, as well as the certificate „Psychologist for Health and Occupational Safety BDP“.
At the German Psychological Association (DK), Professor of Business Psychology Uwe Kanning was awarded the association's Golden Badge of Honor for his outstanding contributions to evidence-based psychology and its application in professional practice. BDP psychologist Astrid Gülink received the BDP Badge of Honor for her exceptional service as regional group coordinator in Lower Saxony for many years.