Desislava Penkova

• Professional education in Family and Couple Counselling, Institute of Family Therapy| Ongoing
• Master’s Degree in Clinical social work, New Bulgarian University
• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, New Bulgarian Universit

• Certificate of Participation in the 22nd International Summer School in Cognitive Science, New Bulgarian University
• Certificate of Training for a Hotline for Survivors of Violence, Animus Association Foundation
• Certificate of Participation in the Training Seminar “Mental Health for Social Inclusion”, Prof. N. Shipkovenski Center for Mental Health
• Certificate of Qualification as a Systemic and Marital Counselor, Institute of Family Therapy, Bulgaria
• Certificate of Participation in a Seminar on “Reflective Processes in Parent–Child Relationships”, Bulgarian Association for Family Therapy
• Certificate of Participation in the Forum “Systemic Practices”, 2025, Bulgarian Association for Family Therap

• Online consultant of LGBTI and their families, Single Step Foundation
• Telephone consultant on the National hotline for survivors of violence, Animus Association Foundation
• Intern psychologist, Military Medical Academy Sofia| Psychiatry Clinic
• Psychologist and Wellness Coach at Destination Workplace, supporting effective stress management, strengthening resilience, and helping clients build healthy psychological habits.

I am a firm believer that each of us is an expert on ourselves. In the end, we all hold the key to a calmer life, stronger relationships, healthier habits, and a more optimistic mindset. I have always been somewhat curious about the way I feel, think, and communicate with people. Being able to witness and maybe even inspire this kind of curiosity to be ignited in someone else is astonishing to me.

I am here to be a partner on anyone’s journey to themselves: in overcoming personal difficulties, strengthening relationships, passing through traumatic events, fighting stress, flourishing in a hostile and intolerant environment, or finding the confidence to strive for better. “Life lessons are not journeys traveled in straight lines but are crossroads formed years and miles apart.” They are ours to recognize and treasure.