Our Approach
Find out more about our job
The approach
What is a therapeutic approach and what approaches are we using?
The process
How long is the therapeutic process and what does it consist of?
The session
How does a session looks like and what should you expect it to be?
At Simple Therapy, we employ a diverse range of therapeutic paradigms to cater to the unique needs of each client. Our approach combines elements from cognitive-behavioral therapy and positive psychotherapy transactional analysis and utilizes projective techniques, ensuring a tailored and individualized approach for every client. This holistic approach allows us to address a wide spectrum of mental health needs, providing comprehensive and personalized care.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is thought to be a structured and short-term method that helps clients to become aware of their negative ways of thinking and unhealthy behavioral patterns. CBT is an effective tool and can be used alone or in combination with other therapeutic instruments. It is widely used in treating Anxiety and Depression, eating disorders, PTSD and others. However, CBT is not used only for work with mental health conditions. It can be a resourceful technique for anyone who wants to learn how to deal with everyday stressful situations, anger management or want to be prepared for challenging situations, to view them more clearly and respond to them in a more effective way.
Positive psychotherapy is a conflict-centered, integrated, short-term method, created by Nossrat Peseschkian in 1977.
The term "positive" originates from Latin, signifying the actual and real aspects.
This therapy approach is guided by several key principles.
The "Principle of Hope" is fundamental, aiming to help patients understand the meaning and purpose behind their disorders or conflicts. This involves a positive reinterpretation, where, for example, sleep disturbances may be viewed as heightened alertness or depression as deep emotional responsiveness to conflicts.
The "Principle of Balance" recognizes universal coping patterns, despite cultural differences. It identifies four life areas - body/health, achievement/work, contact/relationships, and future/purpose/meaning of life - as influential in conflict resolution. However, overemphasizing one area can overshadow the others.
Lastly, the "Principle of Consultation" outlines a five-stage process for therapy and self-help. It starts with observation and progresses through taking inventory, situational encouragement, verbalization, and expanding goals. This approach empowers patients to resolve issues and set future-oriented life goals by recognizing their strengths and resources. Positive Psychotherapy is a transformative approach that focuses on personal growth and change.
The therapeutic journey unfolds through several key sessions.
Initial Session: This session has multiple purposes. It's primarily dedicated to gathering essential information and establishing the foundation for the shared collaborative work. During this phase, the client's needs, expectations, goals, and motivation for therapy are explored. Additionally, it serves as an opportunity for the therapist and client to become acquainted and determine whether an effective and productive partnership can be established.
Towards the end of the initial session, the therapist provides a summary, outlining a probable work plan. However, it's essential to recognize that the therapeutic process is dynamic and adaptable. The initial plan we create functions as a flexible guide, open to adjustments throughout the ongoing therapeutic journey. Both the therapist and the client should feel comfortable discussing and modifying this plan as necessary to ensure it remains aligned with your evolving needs and goals.
Second Session: In this session, our focus remains on gathering valuable information. Furthermore, it aims to educate the client about the structure of our therapeutic sessions. During this phase, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the session's structure and what to expect during our time together.
Conclusion of Therapy: It is imperative to prevent therapy from becoming addictive, ensuring that clients do not become overly dependent on the emotional support and acceptance of their therapist. Once the established goals have been met or the needs addressed to satisfaction, the therapeutic process has fulfilled its purpose. Therefore, it should conclude in a healthy and mindful manner.
As we approach the culmination of our therapeutic work, we gradually reduce the frequency of our sessions. Discussions about closure and any remaining topics you'd like to address are initiated during our final sessions. The conclusion of therapy is a collaborative process, facilitating a smooth transition while respecting your needs and goals.
It's important to emphasize that each therapy session is unique, with no strict guidelines. The sessions are tailored to meet the individual requirements and needs of the client. Nevertheless, if we were to delineate a structured framework, it would resemble the following:
Commencement: Every session begins with a brief five-minute summary of the client's current emotional state, allowing them to introspect and engage with their feelings.
Session Focus: The session's topic can either align with the initial plan or may address a current issue of higher importance. If the client wishes to discuss an ongoing significant event, this is typically shared at the session's outset. If there are more than one topic for the session, the therapist and the client collaboratively select the session's primary focus.
Core Components: The essential part of the session comprises dynamic discussions, tailored exercises, or sharing feedback, all adapted to meet the client's unique needs and aspirations.
Closure and Continuation: Sessions may conclude with specific tasks or follow-up assignments, enabling clients to actively engage with the therapeutic process and apply newfound insights beyond our sessions. While this may initially seem somewhat demanding, it ultimately ensures your robust involvement in therapy and empowers you to implement what you've gleaned during our time together into your daily life. Naturally, these tasks are carefully discussed and not mandatory, if you doesn't feel comfortable doing them.
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Meet Our Team
Who are our team members
Our team consists of therapists, researchers and practitioners with multiple years of experience
dedicated to provide the best service in order for our client’s to achieve emotional and mental
well-being.
Radost Ovagimyan
Clinical psychologist
Psychotherapist
Rozalina Petkova
Psychologist and Psychotherapist
Cognitive Science Researcher
Ralitsa Penkova
Clinical psychologist
Psychotherapist
Atanas Atanasov
Psychologist
Cognitive Science Researcher
Dilyan Totev
Psychologist
Speech-Language Therapist
Nikoleta Koleva
Consultant psychologist
Psychotherapist
Polita Karailieva
Consultant psychologist
Psychotherapist
About Radost
Radost Ovagimyan is a highly experienced clinical psychologist and psychotherapist based in Stara Zagora. She provides psychological counseling for both children and adults, specializing in a wide range of issues, including developmental disorders, depressive and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, sleep disturbances, sexual dysfunction, and various forms of addiction. She also addresses destructive impulses, behavior control disorders, trauma, and other stress-related conditions.
In addition to her in-person practice, Radost offers online therapy sessions to clients, making her expertise accessible to a wider audience.
Educationally, Radost holds a master's degree in Personality Psychology from the University of Veliko Tarnovo "St. St. Cyril and Methodius" (2005) and a master's degree in Consultative Psychology and Clinical Psychology from the South-West University "Neofit Rilski" (2014).
Her extensive qualifications include training from respected institutions like the Lisbon University Institute and the European Drugs School. She has completed comprehensive training in various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, schema therapy, dynamic psychotherapeutic interviewing, Montessori method, addiction counseling, neuropsychology, personality psychology, psychodiagnostics, and more.
Education and Qualifications:
- Certificate in Addiction Therapy Training; Warsaw; 2017
- Certificate: CBT Autumn Symposium 2017 "CBT for Less Commonly Diagnosed Personality Disorders"; 2017
- School of Counselors - Training in Addiction Therapy; Warsaw; 2017
- Certificate: Seminar on Modern Approaches in Drug Prevention; 2018
- Certificate: CBT Symposium 2018 - "Imagery Rescripting: A Method to Process Memories of Traumatic and Other Negative Experiences"; 2018
- Certificate: CBT Symposium 2019 - "OCD and Beyond: Working with OCD and Hoarding Disorder in Complex Cases"; 2019
- Certificate: Workshop on Standard Level Group Schematherapy; 2019
- Certificate: Participation in the European Drugs Summer School 2018; Instituto Universitario de Lisboa, Portugal; 2018
- Certificate in "Psycho-Social Interventions and Prevention"; 2010
- Certificate in "Psycho-Social Interventions for Dependent Patients"; 2011
- Certificate in "Therapeutic Approaches for Patients with Amphetamine-Type Substance Dependencies"; 2012
- Certificate in "Consulting for Alcohol and Drug Dependents"; Poland; 2012
- Certificate in "Montessori Method Training"; 2013-2014
- Certificate in "Contemporary Prevention of Risky Behavior in Adolescents";
Experience:
From 2010 to 2019, Radost Ovagimyan served as the Director of the Center for Addictive Behaviors at the Ministry of Health in Stara Zagora. Since 2019, she has been the Director of Human Resources at MBAL Trakia in Stara Zagora.
Radost develops her private practice at Center Sense. Additionally, Radost has been serving as a supervisor for our team since the beginning of the year.
About Rozalina
Rozalina obtained her bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2016 from the University of Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. In 2015-2016, she completed an internship at the State Psychiatric Hospital in the village of Tserova Koria. In 2019, she furthered her experience through an internship at the Institute of Psychology within the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Bulgaria.
Rozalina is well-versed in the methods of Positive Psychotherapy and received certification as a Basic Consultant of Positive Psychotherapy in 2018. In 2021, she began studies in a master's program in Cognitive Science at the New Bulgarian University. Concurrently, she initiated her education in a second therapeutic paradigm—the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy program, accredited by the International Association of Therapists.
Rozalina specializes in working with various psychological challenges, including anxiety and depression, phobias, low self-esteem, emotional regulation and personality disorders, when therapy is often recommended as an additional, supportive treatment alongside medical interventions. She also has extensive experience working with foreigners, helping them adapt to new cultures and environments.
Education and Qualifications:
- 2016 BSc Psychology, University of Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria;
- 2018 Certified Basic Consultant of Positive Psychotherapy;
- 2022 Certificate of completion Introduction to CBT
- 2022 Certificate of completion Intermediate level: Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Experience:
Rozalina's professional experience includes:
Internship at the State Psychiatric Hospital in Tserova Koria, Bulgaria, from 2015 to 2016.
Internship at the Institute of Psychology within the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Bulgaria in 2019.
Assistant role at "Autism Today" in Sofia, Bulgaria, in 2018.
Commencement of her private therapeutic practice at Simple Therapy in 2020.
About Ralitsa
Ralitsa is a dedicated professional with experience in both corporate and therapeutic environments. She brings a compassionate and client-centered approach to her work, focusing on creating a safe and supportive space for individuals seeking guidance and assistance. Ralitsa is committed to helping clients explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences, fostering personal growth and emotional well-being. Her warm and empathetic demeanor, combined with her corporate experience, makes her a valuable resource for those navigating life's challenges. She is passionate about empowering her clients to overcome obstacles and achieve positive change.
Education and Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing and Advertising from New Bulgarian University, with a second specialization in Human Resources.
- Master's degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Plovdiv.
- Additional postgraduate qualification in Counseling Psychology from Veliko Tarnovo University.
- Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from South-West University in Blagoevgrad.
- Certificate "Early Detection and Prevention of Mental Health Issues" - 2019
- Certificate "CBT for Less Commonly Diagnosed Personality Disorders" - 2017
- Certificate "International Seminar: Modern Approaches in Preventing Risky Behavior in Families with Children" - 2017
- Certificate "Short Interventions and Short-Term Psychotherapeutic Approaches" - 2017
- Certificate Modern Approaches in Drug Prevention - 2018
- Certificate "Imagery Rescripting: A Method for Processing Memories of Traumatic and Negative Experiences" - 2018
- Certificate "OCD and Beyond: Working with OCD and Hoarding Disorder in Complex" - 2019
Experience:
- Worked for two years as a Human Resources Assistant at Hewlett-Packard, Bulgaria.
- Later worked in the Human Resources department at the multiprofile hospital MBAL "Hadzhi Dimitar" in Sliven.
- Currently practicing as a counseling psychologist at MBAL Trakia Stara Zagora.
- Co-founded the Psychotherapeutic Center "Sense" with Radost Ovagimyan.
- Worked as a psychologist at MBAL "Hadzhi Dimitar" in Sliven, specializing in psychological assessment of adults, diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders, psychological assessments for driver's license and forensic psychological expertise.
About Atanas
Atanas is a psychology graduate from the University of Veliko Tarnovo. He is currently pursuing further studies in the field of psychology and psychotherapy, focusing on cognitive science and health psychology through two Master's programs. In his practice, he primarily utilizes cognitive-behavior therapy, offering a flexible and individualized approach tailored to each client's specific needs. Atanas provides online consultations in multiple languages, including Bulgarian, English, and Spanish.
About Dilyan
Dilyan completed his Bachelor's degree in Psychology (2016) and a Master's degree in Applied Psychology (2018) at the University of Veliko Tarnovo "St. St. Cyril and Methodius." Currently (since 2022), he is a doctoral student in Educational and Developmental Psychology at the same university. In 2023, he completed a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Shumen University "Bishop Konstantin Preslavski." Dilyan has 5 years of experience as a psychologist, primarily working with children and their parents in both preschools and private practice.
Education and Qualifications:
- Bachelor's in Psychology, University of Veliko Tarnovo "St. St. Cyril and Methodius" (2016)
- Master's in Applied Psychology, University of Veliko Tarnovo "St. St. Cyril and Methodius" (2018)
- Master's in Speech-Language Pathology, Shumen University "Bishop Konstantin Preslavski" (2023)
Experience:
- Psychologist in municipal kindergartens, Municipality of Isperih (2018 – 2022)
- Psychologist at "Sunshine" Kindergarten, Isperih (2020 – 2022)
- Private psychological practice since 2022
About Nikoleta
Nikoleta graduated in Psychology from the University of Veliko Tarnovo "St. St. Cyril and Methodius." She also completed postgraduate qualifications as a Psychologist Consultant. In her practice, she utilizes various methods, including metaphorical cards, cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches, schema therapy, and art therapy. She offers online consultations in the Bulgarian language and primarily works with adults.
Education and Qualifications
- Psychologist - Psychology Major - University of Veliko Tarnovo "St. St. Cyril and Methodius"
- Psychologist Consultant - Consultative Psychology - University of Veliko Tarnovo "St. St. Cyril and Methodius"
- Assistant Educator - "Love Yourself First" Association - Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
- Certified training in "Getting Closer to Psychotherapy"
- Certified training in "Schema Therapy as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Tool"
- Certified training in "Basic Training with OH Cards"
- Certified training in "Psychodynamic Interview and Basic Therapeutic Skills"
- Certified training in "Psychotherapeutic Methods and Practices"
- Certified training in "General Psychotherapy"
- Training course "Personal Experience" (Cognitive-Behavioral Paradigm) - 250 hours at Spectra Consult
About Polita
Polita Karailieva graduated with a Master's degree in Psychology from St. Cyril and St. Methodius University in Veliko Tarnovo, and holds a qualification in Child and Youth Counseling. She also possesses a Certificate in Personal Experience in Psychodrama and a Certificate in Dynamic Interviewing.
Polita has experience working with children and adolescents. She worked as a mentor-educator at the unique School for Socially Disadvantaged Children "Dimitar Ekimov" in the village of Rusalja for three years. Following that, she worked as a psychologist at the school. She also completed a 6-month internship as an Assistant Art Therapist at a Day Center for individuals with mental disorders.
In her practice, she utilizes techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Viktor Frankl's Logotherapy, and Art Therapy. Polita's work focuses on assisting parents, children, and adolescents aged 7 to 18 who are dealing with issues such as anxiety, search for meaning (noogenic neurosis), depression, or self-esteem problems.
Education and Qualifications
- Master's Degree in Psychology from St. Cyril and St. Methodius University in Veliko Tarnovo"
- Qualification in Child and Youth Counseling from the University of Veliko Tarnovo
- Certificate in Personal Experience in Psychodrama
- Certificate in Dynamic Interviewing
If you're ready to enhance your well-being or have any questions, feel free to reach out, so can discuss if our approach is the right fit for you.
Contact Us
You can find us by phone, email, social media platforms, or by connecting with one of our professional profiles.