Dialogue on the Future of Psychology in the Spirit of 35 Years of Burgas Free University
On the occasion of Psychologist’s Day, Burgas Free University hosted a discussion event titled “The Psychologist and the Contemporary Challenges Facing the Profession.” The meeting was part of the university’s celebratory program marking the 35th anniversary of its founding — a significant milestone that reflects the established role of BFU as a leading academic and public institution.
The discussion was organized jointly by the Laboratory for Psychological and Pedagogical Research at the Center for Humanities of BFU and the Center for Public Support – Burgas, bringing together academic expertise and practical experience in search of sustainable solutions to the modern challenges facing the psychological profession.
The guest speaker was Yana Mandazhieva — a psychologist with extensive professional experience and a member of the team at the Center for Public Support in Burgas. She shared valuable practical insights and encouraged deep reflection on the realities of helping professions today.
Among the official guests were the Vice-Rector of BFU, Prof. Maria Alexieva, and the Director of the Center for Public Support – Burgas, Mrs. Maria Atanasova. The event was attended by university lecturers, practitioners, and numerous students, creating a vibrant and engaging academic atmosphere.
The discussion evolved into a dynamic overview of contemporary psychological practice, clearly highlighting the pursuit of development and adaptation — values that BFU has upheld throughout its 35-year history. Central to the conversation was the balance between innovation and the human factor, as participants explored the integration of artificial intelligence both as a challenge and as an opportunity to enrich professional practice.
Attention was also drawn to the need for clear differentiation between various therapeutic approaches and specialists in order to ensure quality and responsibility in the care provided — a topic that reflects the maturity and evolution of the profession.
The event naturally placed contemporary challenges within the context of BFU’s established mission to combine tradition, innovation, and social engagement. It once again emphasized the role of the psychologist as a key figure who successfully navigates between technological change and the growing need for humanity and ethical resilience.
Burgas Free University continues to build upon its strong academic traditions and actively responds to the dynamic challenges of modern society, affirming itself as a space for knowledge, development, and inspiration for both students and faculty.
