Psychologist
Psychologist
General information
Psychology is a scientific and applied discipline that studies human behavior, emotions, and thought processes. A psychologist is a specialist who helps people cope with psychological challenges and improve their emotional well-being. Psychology covers a wide range of areas, including clinical psychology, counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, and others.
The psychologist’s work is aimed at helping patients deal with various life problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflicts, loss, and grief. Psychological support is essential for people going through difficult periods in their lives, including job loss, divorce, or adapting to a new environment.
In addition to therapeutic work, psychologists can also participate in the assessment of cognitive abilities, personality traits, and emotional state using various diagnostic tools. This is particularly useful for identifying hidden problems that affect the patient’s quality of life.
Clinical examination by a psychologist
During the initial consultation, the psychologist conducts an in-depth interview with the patient to understand their needs and challenges. This process includes discussing the patient’s symptoms, life circumstances, and emotional state. The main goal of the first visit is to build trust and determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Each therapy session is aimed at achieving specific goals that are agreed upon by the psychologist and the patient. Follow-up appointments are often scheduled to assess progress and adjust the therapeutic approach if necessary.
•Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change negative thought patterns.
•Family therapy: Aimed at improving relationships within the family.
•Stress management therapy: Helps find effective strategies for coping with stressful situations.
Doctors
Margarita Koleva
Works with:
- Paid admission
Margarita Koleva is a psychologist and psychotherapist in training in Sofia. Her practice focuses on anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and addictions. She uses cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. She counsels children over the age of 16. Margarita Koleva does not counsel patients with schizophrenia and other major psychotic disorders.
Education
She completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Kent, Canterbury in 2021. She obtained a master’s degree in Addiction Studies at King’s College London in 2023. She is currently training to become a cognitive-behavioral therapist with Dr. Irina Lazarova.
Qualifications
- Training: Motivational interviewing by Doc. Kiril Bozgunov and Dr. Georgi Vassilev, Levels 1 and 2;
- Training for Coping with Phobias, by Professor Paul Salkovskis;
- Training on coping with hoarding, by Professor Paul Salkovskis;
- Training on coping with pornography addiction, by Dimitar Nedelchev;
- Psychopharmacology, by Dr. Yoanna Marinova;
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder, by Delian Savov;
- Completed personal experience (250 hours) and 100 out of 125 hours of basic techniques, Therapeutic training in cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Biography
Margarita Koleva completed an internship at the Bulgarian Institute on Addiction. Since 2021, she has been a psychologist and co-founder of MomSanity, focusing on postpartum depression. She is currently part of the team of specialists at Medcross Medical Center – Stara Planina Branch.
