First Pastoral Logotherapy center established

PRLog (Press Release) - Nov. 19, 2012 - MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- The Graduate Theological Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Graduate Center for Pastoral Logotherapy, the world's first center dedicated solely to the study and teaching of the school of thought founded by Dr. Viktor Frankl.

Through the center, students may earn degrees of Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.) in Pastoral Logotherapy. These degree programs are open to ministry professionals working as practitioners in pastoral care and counseling.

Often referred to as the "Third Viennese School of Psychotherapy," logotherapy diverges from the work of Sigmund Freud and Alfred Adler by embracing the belief that striving to find meaning in life is the primary motivating factor in human existence. Informed by his experiences as a Holocaust survivor, Frankl's meaning-centered therapy and holistic approach, which focus on the body, mind and spirit, have particular resonance with pastoral professionals.

Dr. Ann V. Graber will serve as Director of the graduate center. A globally-recognized expert on Viktor Frankl, Graber has authored a number of works on the legacy of the founder of logotherapy.

"The Center is the first graduate-level program with a core curriculum focused specifically upon the pastoral character and practice of logotherapy for ministry professionals working as practitioners in pastoral care and counseling," Graber said. "While focusing on the uniqueness of each individual, logotherapy encourages authenticity and takes spiritual values and the religious faith of the person into consideration in its therapeutic approach." The Foundation is thankful to the Frankl family for granting permission to use the play, "Synchronization in Birkenwald," an early work by Dr. Frankl as yet unpublished in English, as part of the Center's curriculum.

About GTF

Since its founding in 1962, the Graduate Theological Foundation has become recognized the world over as a premier non-profit educational institution for ministry professionals and as a leader in ecumenical and interreligious education that encourages pluralism, fosters dialogue and supports academic excellence. We engage in scholarly research, academic publishing, awarding of professional and academic degrees across a range of disciplines, and awarding of fellowships and grants.

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