About the Academy of Psychotherapy

About BHIDAPA

Bosnian-Herzegovinian Association for Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy – BHIDAPA¹ is a European Accredited Psychotherapy Training Institute – EAPTI², based in Sarajevo. It was established in response to the lack of professionals in the field of child and adolescent mental health.

With the support of Prof. Dr. Sc. Dubravka Kocijan Hercigonja, in 2014 we launched the first accredited educational program in child and adolescent integrative psychotherapy and counseling in Bosnia and Herzegovina.. More

Today, we are the only EAPTI institute in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the field of integrative psychotherapy for children, youth, and adults, providing education and professional development for therapists working with children, youth, and families, using an interdisciplinary approach based on scientific evidence.

Historical Development of BHIDAPA

From the Establishment of BHIDAPA to the Academy of Psychotherapy: A Brief Overview of Key Events and Milestones:

Academy of Psychotherapy

In October 2024, BHIDAPA expanded its Statute³ and established Academy of Psychotherapy s exclusive European-accredited educational programs making it a hub of professional and scientific advancement providing lifelong education and the highest standards in psychotherapy and related disciplines.

What Does the Academy Offer?

The Academy of Psychotherapy offers a variety of (continuing) postgraduate education and professional development opportunities through the application of the latest therapeutic practices in accordance with European and global standards.

• Four-and-a-half-year, two-year, and one-year study programs
• Short specialized trainings and courses
• Supervision and personal therapy
• Tailor-made education

Educational Programs of the Academy

We are focused on the education and professional development of experts who work (or will work) with children, youth, adults, and families. The programs are based on the highest evidence-based and science-based principles.

The first generation of students (2025-2030) studies according to programs harmonized with:

• the European Qualifications Framework (EQF, Level 7) and
• the European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET/ECTS).

Goals and Objectives of the Academy

The BHIDAPA Academy of Psychotherapy is dedicated to the development of psychotherapists, counselors, supervisors, and educators through targeted educational programs. Our goal is to enable professionals to acquire comprehensive knowledge and practical skills essential for high-quality therapeutic work with children, adolescents, adults, and families, as well as for psychotherapists and trainees in the field of integrative psychotherapy.

Our programs include:

• Theoretical and practical education through various approaches to psychotherapy
• Individual and group psychotherapy
• Individual and group supervision and mentoring
• Intervision
• Clinical practice with real clients
• Interdisciplinary diagnostics and interventions

By combining theory, practice, supervision, personal therapy, and research, the Academy provides a holistic approach to learning, ensuring a high level of expertise for future psychotherapists, educators, and supervisors.

International Accreditations and Professional Standards

In its work, the Academy follows the principles of the Strasbourg Declaration on Psychotherapy⁴, which defines the fundamental standards and ethical guidelines for the practice of psychotherapy as a distinct scientific and professional discipline in Europe. The BHIDAPA Academy of Psychotherapy is aligned with leading European accreditation bodies, including:

• EAP⁵ (European Association for Psychotherapy)
• EAIP⁶ (European Association for Integrative Psychotherapy)
• EIATSCYP⁷ (European Interdisciplinary Association for Therapy with Children & Young People)
• HDST⁸ (Croatian Society for Sexual Therapy)
• EFS⁹, (European Federation of Sexology)
• WAS¹⁰ (World Association for Sexual Health)
• Play therapy – Oaklander Model¹¹
• BHIDAPA je punopravna članica SPUuBiH¹²-a – Saveza psihoterapijskih udruženja u Bosni i Hercegovini.

The BHIDAPA diploma enables participants to directly apply for European certificates, opening up opportunities for professional practice in Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad.

Expert Faculty and Interdisciplinary Approach

Guided by the principle of integrativity, the Academy brings together experts and lecturers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the region, and around the world.
Module lecturers are recognized professionals in the fields of psychiatry and psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults, representing various psychotherapy modalities, research, andragogy, neuroscience, pediatrics, pedagogy, psychology, sociology, medical and health sciences, as well as systemic, interdisciplinary, and humanistic approaches.

What makes the BHIDAPA Academy unique?

• Comprehensive educational programs – specializations tailored to each stage of professional development.
• Networking with international experts – collaboration with leading professionals, universities, organizations, and institutions around the world.
• Care for the mental health of helpers – continuous support and professional growth for experts.

Vision

The vision of BHIDAPA is to create an inclusive and supportive environment for personal and professional development by promoting approaches based on interdisciplinarity, child rights, and the best interests of the child. BHIDAPA focuses on the development and implementation of integrative psychotherapy and counseling education and treatment methods that enable professionals and communities to provide effective and efficient support to target groups.

Mission

We strive to create a society that prioritises the mental health and well-being of children, young people, and families, aiming for a comprehensive, supportive, and fulfilling vision of healthy societal development. We seek to be a link between the various modalities in psychotherapy, starting from a holistic view of the child from the very moment of conception and the context in which development takes place. Our goal is to place the human being at the centre, supporting through education those professionals who see, hear, and accept the “child”, “adolescent”, or “person” before their “illnesses” or “problems”.

Integrative Approach

The integration of various therapeutic approaches is central to BHIDAPA’s educational programs, utilizing a relational and holistic approach that encompasses the emotional, spiritual, cognitive, behavioral, and physiological dimensions of the individual. This approach promotes flexibility and provides comprehensive treatment aimed at maximizing quality of life and functioning in all areas.

Integration is a process to which therapists must dedicate themselves, with a focus also placed on their personal integration. Child and adolescent psychotherapy requires additional therapist education and the adaptation of skills to meet the specific needs of children, adolescents, and families.

Alignment of Mission and Vision with Global Initiatives

The Academy of Psychotherapy follows global guidelines, from the UN Sustainable Development Goals to the WHO (World Health Organization) Action Plan and UNICEF strategies, ensuring the knowledge and skills necessary for lifelong professional and personal development.

THINK ABOUT YOUth Congress, Interdisciplinary Journal, and the Sarajevo Declaration

BHIDAPA is the organiser of the international and interdisciplinary Congress THINK ABOUT YOUth, as well as the Interdisciplinary Journal. In partnership with UNICEF, and with the support of the WHO and relevant ministries, it brings together professionals, young people, decision-makers, and representatives of organisations with the aim of working together to improve the mental health of children and young people.

At the third congress, held in October 2024, the Sarajevo Declaration on the Mental Health of Children and Young People was signed, representing a joint initiative of professionals and young people to improve mental health and support future reforms. Congress conclusions

Sign the petition and support the Sarajevo Declaration, because only together can we improve the mental health and well-being of children and youth—and with that, society as a whole!

1. BHIDAPA – Bosnian-Herzegovinian Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Association ↩︎
2. EAPTI – European Accredited Psychotherapy Training Institute ↩︎
3. By the Decision of the Statute No: UP09-07-1-1990/24 Sarajevo, 06/08/2024, Articles 6 and 28 of the Statute of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Association, the objectives and activities of the Association – Statute Decision ↩︎
4. ↩︎
5. EAP – European Association for Psychotherapy ↩︎
6. EAIP – European Association for Integrative Psychotherapy ↩︎
7. EIATSCYP – European Interdisciplinary Association For Therapeutic Services For Children & Young People ↩︎
8. HDST – Croatian Society for Sexual Therapy ↩︎
9. EFS – European federation of sexology ↩︎
10. WAS – World Sexual Health ↩︎
11. Play terapy – Oaklander Model – Oaklander Training ↩︎
12. SPUuBiH – Association of Psychotherapy Organisations in Bosnia and Herzegovina ↩︎