Continuation of the Academic Path
The Academy of Psychotherapy and Logotherapy also enables its graduates to pursue further academic development at the doctoral level in cooperation with an international partner faculty.
The specialist master’s program represents an in-depth professional and research-oriented formation that includes theoretical education, clinical practice, supervision, personal development of the therapist, and research work. Such an academic and professional foundation enables graduates to continue into doctoral programs focused on clinical practice, research, or higher education.
Various doctoral paths are available:
Psy.D. – Doctor of Psychology
A doctoral program primarily focused on advanced clinical practice, the development of professional competencies, the integration of theory and practice, and the formation of an advanced professional identity of the psychotherapist. The program particularly emphasizes the application of knowledge in real professional environments and the development of the psychotherapist as a reflective practitioner.
Ph.D. – Doctor of Philosophy
The highest academic research degree, intended for in-depth research, the development of new scientific knowledge, and contributions to the advancement of psychotherapy, logotherapy, counseling, and related fields. The program promotes original research work and the development of academic excellence.
Ed.D. – Doctor of Education
A doctoral program for professionals who wish to connect their work with adult education, leadership of educational programs, academic development, supervision, and pedagogical work.
International Academic Environment
A distinctive feature of further doctoral studies is the opportunity to engage in an international academic environment, where professional experience, clinical work, research interests, and professional development are integrated into a comprehensive academic path.
For many graduates of the specialist master’s program, doctoral studies represent a natural continuation of their professional, research, and personal development.
Academic pathway between APL and GTF
Within the P.R.I.M.E. partnership between the Academy for Psychotherapy Logotherapy (APL) and the Graduate Theological Foundation (GTF), students have the opportunity to combine European specialist education in psychotherapy with international master's and doctoral studies offered by the Graduate Theological Foundation.
The Specialist Program in Psychotherapy at APL is structured in two interconnected phases:
Phase I – Academic and Theoretical Formation (Semesters 1–5)
Phase II – Advanced Professional Formation (Semesters 6–10)
This structure enables students to progressively develop academic knowledge, professional competencies, supervised clinical practice, personal growth, and advanced psychotherapeutic competencies.
MASTER OF PASTORAL COUNSELING (MPC)
Applicants holding a completed Bachelor's Degree may enroll in the Specialist Program in Psychotherapy at APL and simultaneously apply for admission to the Master of Pastoral Counseling (MPC) program at the Graduate Theological Foundation.
Admission requirements include:
• a completed Bachelor's Degree,
• a successful admissions interview,
• two letters of recommendation,
• admission to the APL program,
• admission to the Graduate Theological Foundation.
The first phase of the Specialist Program in Psychotherapy at APL (Semesters 1–5) consists of advanced postgraduate education in:
• logotherapy and existential analysis,
• psychology,
• developmental psychology,
• psychopathology,
• psychiatry,
• medical sciences,
• foundations of research,
• professional competency development,
• reflective professional development.
The program includes approximately 900 contact hours of theoretical instruction, as well as seminars, workshops, study assignments, practical exercises, and independent academic work.
To earn the Master of Pastoral Counseling (MPC) degree, candidates must, in addition to successfully completing the first phase of the Specialist Program in Psychotherapy at APL, complete:
• two courses from the Graduate Theological Foundation curriculum,
• a research methodology course or equivalent requirement,
• an integrated master's project prepared in accordance with the academic standards of the Graduate Theological Foundation.
A distinctive feature of the APL–GTF partnership is the integrated master's project. Students prepare a single master's project that simultaneously fulfills the academic requirements of both the Graduate Theological Foundation and the APL program.
Upon successful completion of all requirements, students are awarded the degree; conferred by the Graduate Theological Foundation:
Master of Pastoral Counseling (MPC)
DOCTORAL PROGRAMS
• Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
After completing the MPC degree, students may continue their academic journey through doctoral studies at the Graduate Theological Foundation.
As part of the doctoral pathway, students complete the second phase of the Specialist Program in Psychotherapy at APL (Semesters 6–10), which serves as an advanced professional formation and doctoral preparation component.
This phase includes:
• supervised psychotherapeutic practice,
• individual and group supervision,
• personal development and experiential work,
• autobiographical and reflective work,
• clinical case studies,
• development of advanced professional identity,
• integration of theory and practice,
• advanced study of logotherapy and existential analysis,
• applied clinical and professional work.
Students complete a minimum of 700 hours of supervised psychotherapeutic practice, together with extensive supervision, personal development, and advanced professional training.
The advanced professional formation component provides a level of academic and professional preparation comparable to advanced doctoral preparatory studies within the PRIME pathway.
Admission requirements for doctoral programs generally include:
• a completed master's degree,
• successful completion of the Specialist Program in Psychotherapy at APL,
• a minimum of five years of professional experience in psychotherapy, counseling, psychology, pastoral counseling, education, spiritual care, or related fields,
• a successful admissions interview,
• two letters of recommendation,
• admission to the Graduate Theological Foundation.
Doctoral candidates complete:
• two courses from the Graduate Theological Foundation doctoral curriculum,
• a research methodology course or equivalent requirement,
• a doctoral project or doctoral dissertation with oral defense, depending on the selected program.
Upon successful completion of all requirements, candidates may earn the following degrees; conferred by the Graduate Theological Foundation:
• Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Mode of Study
The Specialist Program in Psychotherapy at Academy for Psychotherapy Logotherapy is delivered online.
For students from Slovenia, instruction is conducted in the Slovenian language.
For international students and students from other countries, instruction is conducted in English.
A mandatory component of the program is supervised psychotherapeutic practice. Each student must complete a minimum of 700 hours of supervised psychotherapeutic practice during the course of study. Practice is generally completed in the student's country of residence or professional activity.
All academic requirements of the Graduate Theological Foundation, including courses, research methodology, master's and doctoral projects, and communication with supervisors, are conducted in English.
The APL faculty consists of psychotherapists, supervisors, physicians, researchers, university professors, and other professionals with extensive international experience. Special emphasis is placed on integrating theory and practice, personal development, ethical responsibility, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Individual information session
Any applicant interested in the Specialist Program in Psychotherapy at APL and the possibility of pursuing master's or doctoral studies through the Graduate Theological Foundation may request an individual information session at CONTACT tab.
The purpose of the session is to present the complete "APL–GTF" academic pathway, admission requirements, program structure, supervised practice, supervision, master's projects, doctoral programs, and other academic and administrative requirements of both institutions.
The information session enables applicants to develop an individualized educational pathway based on their previous education, professional experience, and career goals.
For information regarding Graduate Theological Foundation degree programs, admission requirements, academic regulations, tuition, and administrative procedures, applicants should contact the partner Graduate Theological Foundation directly.
Students participating in the joint APL–GTF academic pathway fulfill their financial and administrative obligations separately with each institution in accordance with the policies and requirements of the respective institution.
For application or additional information, please contact us via the CONTACT tab.