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PhD in Pastoral Psychology

PhD in Pastoral Psychology

The PhD in Pastoral Psychology deepens the interface between psychology, theology, and spirituality, with the goal of improving pastoral care and counseling in faith contexts. This research program focuses on how psychological and spiritual dimensions integrate into the human journey, suffering, and the search for meaning.

Aimed at pastors, chaplains, counselors, theologians, and psychologists, the course provides training for reflective and grounded practice, as well as for research that explores the relationship between mental health, spiritual maturity, and community life, contributing to more effective and compassionate pastoral care.

🎯 Course Objectives

  • Critically integrate knowledge of psychology and theology into the practice of care.

  • Develop advanced skills in pastoral counseling and spiritual accompaniment.

  • Investigate phenomena at the intersection of faith, spirituality and mental health.

  • To train leaders, trainers and researchers in the field of pastoral psychology and theology.

📘 Curricular Structure The curriculum matrix was designed for theoretical, practical and investigative integration:

  • Research Methodology in Practical Theology and Psychology

  • Personality Theories in Dialogue with Theology

  • Psychopathology and its Understanding in Contexts of Faith

  • Pastoral Counseling in Situations of Crisis, Grief and Trauma

  • Theology of Counseling and Care (Cura Animarum)

  • Human and Spiritual Development Throughout the Life Cycle

  • Ethics in Pastoral Care

  • Family and Couples Counseling from a Christian Perspective

  • Clinical and Pastoral Supervision

  • Thesis Seminar in Pastoral Psychology

  • Preparation of the Doctoral Thesis

📌 Note: The curriculum structure can be adapted according to the student's academic background and research interests. The course duration may be reduced depending on the student's performance and progress.

💻 Learning Modality: Available online and/or in-person, with full academic support. A modern platform with interactive content, discussion forums, individual tutoring, and access to a digital library. Flexible schedules adaptable to the student's personal and professional life.

📜 Certification and Recognition : Institutionally recognized Doctoral Degree issued by FAITEF. The diploma can be issued with the Hague Apostille, facilitating the validation and recognition process in over 100 countries that are signatories to the convention. All diplomas are issued with a European notary seal. Our academic secretariat provides the necessary support for international documentation procedures.

👥 Target Audience Pastors, priests, hospital and military chaplains, Christian counselors, psychologists, spiritual directors, and all those who exercise ministries of care and who wish to deepen their skills through rigorous doctoral training.

📞 Applications and Information For more information, visit the official FAITEF website and fill out the contact form. Our team is available to provide personalized support and answer any questions you may have.

Care for your soul with the depth of faith and the rigor of science. 🕊️ FAITEF — Training with soul, science with purpose.

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