Journal of Sociotherapy is a scientific journal (periodic) published by the Institute of Educology and Social Work, Faculty of Arts, University of Prešov in Prešov. The "Prešov School of Social Work" has been paying its fundamental attention to sociotherapy since its beginning. The combination of andragogy, raising awareness and social work built the base for creation of the current institute (in 1963).

The Institute of Educology and Social Work of the Faculty of Arts of the PU is one of the oldest educational institutions in the field of social work (since 1990). Its long tradition of developing knowledge in the area of working with the client in a demanding life situation, scientific research in the form of many international projects and grants, aimed at deepening the field of sociotherapy, predetermined its allocation.

The origin of the journal is also linked to scientific researches, which as the main researcher created in 2013 prof. PhDr. Beáta Balogová, PhD., MBA (Professor): VEGA project no. 1/0628/13 Social therapy in social work in Slovakia and consequently VEGA project no. 1/0146/14 Theoretical and methodological contexts of sociotherapy as a newly discovered method of social work, and the third project of doc. PhDr. Denisa Soltesova, PhD. (Associate Professor) VEGA no. 1/0927/14. Aspects of canis-therapy professionalization in the context of social work theory.

The important sociotherapist - doc. PhDr. Jozef Kredátus, PhD. (Associate Professor), specializing on the development of psychosocial and therapeutic aspects of addicted clients and their family members in the context of social work, also contributed to the development of sociotherapy.

The focus of this Journal is the development of sociotherapy in the field of scientific research with connection into the application level. Sociotherapy is perceived as one of the key pillars of social work focused on social change, both in the lives of individuals and in the process of cultivating social relationships in the Krakešová-Došková tradition. It is also perceived as a current trend connecting several approaches and theories. The idea of the journal follows up foreign theory and practice, as a relevant and important part of working with different clients. However, in the conditions of Slovakia, certain "white spaces" are still visible, both in terms of theoretical, scientific-research activities and practical implementation.

The role of this Journal is to bring interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, but also a transdisciplinary view on the performance of sociotherapeutic activities in the process of helping and supporting clients in helping professions. The journal is a place to present the latest scientific and professional knowledge in accordance with current trends in contemporary social work in the changing conditions of society, capturing changes in client characteristics, it aims to offer various views and examples of good practice of sociotherapy through testimonials helping professionals. It also allows students to present their own research findings or inform about important social and community activities.

Within its content, the journal offers a space for sharing sociotherapeutic experiences, as well as several ways of scientific discussion through scientific articles and reviews of relevant publications. It provides a space for interviews with inspiring people in the context of the theory and practice of sociotherapy, offers space for professional and scientific studies, bringing current findings and trends, provides information about interesting projects in the field. in the reviews, the Journal draws readers’ attention to original works in this area and creates place for information about interesting events (planned and already realized).

Journal of Sociotherapy is primarily intended for professionals with an interest in the therapeutic aspects of social work, with a particular focus on sociotherapy as a specific professional social work intervention. However, its current content and focus can be interesting not only for the academic community, educators and research-oriented professionals in social work and students, but also for implementers of specialized social counseling and sociotherapy in practice. It is not only about social work, such as science, academic discipline or practical activities, but also related departments and other helping professions, for which this magazine can be an interesting source of knowledge.

The magazine is free of charge.

Periodicity : 2 times per year

The journal is included in the EBSCO Publishing database, ERIH PLUS