Department of Counselling

In partnership with Grace Ministries International.

These lectures focus on identification in Christ, the central place of the cross, law and grace, contrition and surrender, forgiveness, liberation, co-dependency, guilt, and shame. Through these key Christian aspects, there will be an emphasis on practical skills in the counselling of self-development, improvement in interpersonal relationships, marriage, and healthy sexuality. Other features will include a personal and spiritual journey of knowing God, and connection with Christ.

In partnership with Grace Ministries International.

The course uses materials and video sessions from Grace Ministries International, a Christian counselling program from the Exchanged Life ministry. The videos include nine real psychotherapist consultations, recorded on video for educational purposes with the consent of the counsellee. Students witness the whole counselling process, observing the skills and techniques used by the therapist, and thus coming to understand the real problems, the process of awareness and acceptance, and the steps of change that that lead to recovery. The approach is based on the biblical principles of Christian counselling that leads to a shift from frustration and loneliness to acceptance, security, and worth, and a subsequent change in relationships. The training is conducted in groups to allow for discussion and support in the educational process.

Because this is an emerging issue in the Bulgarian context, this course seeks to develop an understanding of the dynamics of family life and relationships within a Christian context, including an investigate of the impact of family relationships on the positive development of the individual. The topic of premarital relationships and marriage problems will also be explored.

Students will study the psychological development and problems that can arise in childhood and adolescence, and parenting styles and relationships between parents and children. This study will be in the context of the Christian life and identity.

Spiritual Development & Christian Counselling is an interdisciplinary course encompassing theology, philosophy, and psychology. It is aimed at understanding spiritual values, virtues, and strengths of the individual and finding ways to improve them. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical training to counsel in the field of personal growth and self-development, to lead others in a deeper understanding and experience of God, and to provide psychological support for people who are going through crisis or are otherwise in need of support.

Logotherapy, developed by Victor Frankl, is a psychotherapeutic method of treating the human soul based on the theory that the primary motivation in human nature is the search for life purpose. This course aims to acquaint students with Frankl’s theory, learning to apply it to their own life, seeking to find meaning in life, and build mental health and resilience. In turn, students then learn to consult with and care for others using the same principles and techniques.

• Bridging course: Introduction to the Specialty; Introduction to Theology; Introduction to the Old Testament; Church History 1; Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics; Critical Thinking
• 1st Semester: to be announced
• 2nd Semester: to be announced
• 3rd Semester: Prevention of Addictions; Art and Gestalt Therapy; The Higher Triad – Faith, Hope ad Love; Depression; Sexual Disorders; Meaning-centred Economic Management
• 4th Semester: Prevention of Addictions; Family Therapy; Noogenic Neuroses; Sexual Disorders; Meaning-centred Economic Management
• Other themes: Crisis Prevention; Crisis Intervention, Crises in Psychotherapy; Obsessions and Compulsions