University Head Criticizes Psychology Training: Are Graduates Becoming Life Coaches Instead of Professionals?

Concerns Over the Quality of Psychology Education in Ukraine

According to Главком: In an interview with 'Glavcom', Volodymyr Bugrov, Rector of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, voiced serious concerns about the standard of psychology training in Ukraine. He stated that many higher education institutions are producing life coaches focused on happiness training rather than genuine psychologists. Bugrov emphasized that during wartime, there is a critical and urgent need for real psychological support.

The Evolution of Psychology as a Profession in Ukraine

Bugrov highlighted that psychology was once a department within the university's philosophy faculty. In 1991, a combined faculty of sociology and psychology was established, which later split into two separate faculties, signaling the profession's development in the country. However, the Rector believes the quality of psychologist training remains questionable.

I know firsthand how demanding, fundamental, and intellectually taxing this work is, and the training required beforehand. Yet, in many cases, we are training not psychologists but coaches for a happy life. We must understand: now is a time when real psychological help is needed.

Volodymyr Bugrov

A significant step toward improvement is the recent signing by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of Law No. 12030, which mandates the certification of psychologists and psychotherapists. This move is seen as a potential remedy for the current educational shortcomings. Certification for psychologists will be handled by the National Commission on Mental Health, while psychotherapists will be certified through internationally recognized self-regulatory organizations. Bugrov expressed hope that this law will help raise the standards for training specialists in this vital field:

Many say: 'No, this will just lead to more corruption, not certification.' But this is a very correct step, because a psychologist, in my understanding, is almost like a doctor.

Volodymyr Bugrov

The Rector also noted that among KNU students, there are many willing to enter this challenging profession despite the difficulties. 'To say that it has found many students ready to take on such an incredibly difficult job... Although we train professional psychologists,' concluded Volodymyr Bugrov.

Bugrov's concerns underscore the importance of professional education at a time when psychological support is critically needed for the population, especially in the context of war. The introduction of psychologist certification could be a crucial step in elevating training standards, which would, in turn, positively impact the quality of psychological care in Ukraine. The demand for qualified specialists is growing, and it is essential for the education system to meet these requirements. This debate reflects a global tension between academic rigor and more commercially oriented wellness training.

As Ukraine grapples with the pressing need for qualified mental health professionals, the discussion surrounding the outdated higher education system becomes increasingly relevant. The concerns raised by Volodymyr Bugrov echo a broader critique of the educational framework that may be failing to equip future psychologists with the necessary skills to provide real support during these challenging times.