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Alumni » Our Alumni » Maria Glasova

First and foremost, thank you Dr. Glasova for taking time to talk with us.  You have a fascinating background. Please tell our readers about yourself.

I am a professor of psychology, an academic guarantee responsible for the study program on educational psychology, and the vice-dean for international relations at the Comenius University Faculty of Education in Bratislava, Slovakia.
 
My research and academic activities comprise developmental and clinical psychology and pathopsychology, with a special emphasis on family psychology, child and family therapy, pastoral psychology, and related aspects of ethics and bioethics. My clinical experience is connected with the Clinic of Pediatrics and Child Psychiatry of Bratislava Children’s Faculty Hospital.

I have also been engaged in different governmental, civil, and NGO projects, as well as in Christian-lay activities on the national and international levels.

Why did you choose to attend several classes at IPS in 2002?
Being awarded the Fulbright Research Scholarship, I used the opportunity to study the institute’s unique approach to clinical psychology and science. Of special interest to my studies were the issues included in IPS’ curricula.  These issues were either neglected or denied in Slovakian psychology because of the s.c. Marxism–Leninism ideology which lasted from 1948 to 1989. My studies at IPS would complement the resulting vacuum in my country.

Examples of the courses I took at IPS include: The Hermeneutics Method and Virtues Perspective by Prof. Benedict M. Ashley; and Analysis of Selfism and The Forgiveness Process by Prof. Paul C. Vitz. Particularly prominent in this sense was also the training I received in the Relationship Enhancement® and the Filial Therapy models by Prof. William J. Nordling, and Prof. Bernard G.   Louise Guerney.
   
We’re delighted to welcome you back to IPS. Although your stay will be brief, please tell us why you’ve been in the United States.
I was invited by Dr. Alan E. Kazdin, the president of the American Psychological Association (APA) to present a talk entitled, Confronting Central European and U.S. Experience in Child Psychology and Ethics at the Annual APA Convention. I am happy  to use this opportunity to come back here to IPS.  I am fortunate as well to be able to attend IPS’ successful seminar, Psychology Serving Pastoral Ministry.

My visit to IPS has been a great experience both professionally and personally. I am amazed by the growth, enthusiasm, and success of IPS! I am also overwhelmed by the sincere, personal interest extended to me from the IPS faculty, staff members, and students. During my time here, I have been able to gain a deeper insight and understanding of the “true face” of the U.S. life style, culture, and values.

What are your plans upon returning to Comenius University?
There are many, but the most urgent are the following:
1. I would like to introduce the unique IPS anthropological foundation for psychological sciences to Slovakian professionals, as well as to initiate a dialogue on these issues with my students.
2. As a vice-dean of my faculty, I would like to facilitate and further develop the cooperation with IPS, especially in areas of research and complementary training for the doctoral students.
3. I would like to help in all my personal capacities to make the Filial and RE® therapy models available for the clinical practice of psychology in Slovakia, and possibly also in other countries of the C.E.E. region.
4. I would also like to share and promote the unique knowledge in pastoral psychology I gained through IPS’ seminar with relevant professionals in Slovakia. This is because of a clearly increasing need of closer cooperation between the clinical professionals, clergy, and pastoral ministry in Slovakia.

Thank you Dr. Glasova.