XVIII International EABP Congress in Sofia
For the very first time, Bulgaria took the helm as host for the International Congress on Body Psychotherapy. Marking the 18th Congress of the European Association for Body-Psychotherapy (EABP), our Institute of Neo-Reichian Analytical Psychotherapy and the Bulgarian Neo-Reichian Psychotherapeutic Society, the pivotal association of body psychotherapists in Bulgaria, stood at the forefront as the event’s principal organizers.
The theme of the Congress was “Identity in Transformative Times: Construction, Deconstruction, Reconstruction.”
From September 6th to 10th, 2023, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” played host to this significant event. The congress welcomed a congregation of nearly five hundred delegates, hailing from diverse corners of the globe, encompassing scholars and seasoned therapists alike.
Bulgaria’s contingent featured luminaries such as Prof. Dr. Rumyana Tsenkova from the University of Kobe, Japan – the pioneering mind behind the world’s first aquaphotomics department. Assoc. Prof. Milena Georgieva, an esteemed epigeneticist from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and Assoc. Prof. Mariana Todorova, a forward-thinking futurologist, both added their notable voices to the proceedings. Christina Bogdanova, a dedicated body-oriented psychotherapist and trauma specialist, lent her expertise, alongside her role as a lecturer and supervisor at the Institute of Neo-Reichian Analytical Psychotherapy. Prof. Zaharina Savova, representing the Medical University, and Madlen Algafari from the Institute of Neo-Reichian Analytical Psychotherapy – Sofia, joined the ranks, alongside numerous Bulgarian colleagues. These certified body psychotherapists, along with a cohort of trainees, made a formidable contribution to the Congress.
Throughout centuries, global traditional medicine has steadfastly acknowledged the inseparable link between body and soul. Body-oriented psychotherapy, as an heir to these time-honored therapeutic traditions, seamlessly integrates the latest scientific breakthroughs in both medicine and psychotherapy. Unlike its counterparts, this method addresses the physical and emotional dimensions of the individual in tandem. Over the course of the intensive five-day congress, this scientifically validated holistic approach revealed its full potency. Daily, we bore witness to compelling evidence through illuminating lectures, engaging panel discussions, immersive workshops, and a scientific research symposium. Additionally, the shared experiences and accolades from delegates further underscored the profound impact of this transformative event.
Tzanko Tzankov