By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 19 Aug: The Doon University Psychology Club, ‘Saarthi’, celebrated ‘National Counselling Psychologist Day’ with great enthusiasm. On this occasion, an awareness programme was organised to promote ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)’, which saw active participation from numerous students. The main objective was to enhance access to mental health services and raise awareness about the crucial role of counselling in resolving psychological issues. Various sessions were held under this initiative, extensive discussions took place on mental health-related issues, counselling methods, and available services. The experts present at the event highlighted the importance of mental health and explained how proper counselling can effectively resolve mental health problems. They motivated the students to consider a career in the field of mental health and to play an active role in bringing about positive change in society. Through this programme, the ‘Doon Saarthi Club’ took a significant step towards openly discussing mental health and gaining social acceptance for it. At the end of the event, all participants were awarded certificates and appreciated for their commitment to mental health.
In her message, Doon University Vice-Chancellor, Prof Surekha Dangwal stated that due to a lack of accurate information, people are often unable to choose a qualified psychotherapist, resulting in them not receiving the full benefits of psychotherapy. It is important to verify the educational qualifications of any psychotherapist before choosing one and to ensure that they have been working as a counselling psychologist for a significant period. Prof Dangwal also emphasised that consulting mental health experts, such as counselling psychologists or clinical psychologists, is necessary for resolving mental health issues. Ignoring psychological problems does not solve them; rather, proper counselling is required. Therefore, it is essential that these issues be openly discussed. She also mentioned that India has been identified as the suicide capital of the world, and the primary reason for this is the unwillingness to talk openly about mental health problems. Doon University is committed to further promoting mental health awareness programmes and will provide psychological counselling services at minimal cost within the university.
Head of the Psychology Department Dr Rajesh Bhatt stated that there is a continuous need to enhance one’s skills through knowledge and training in the field of psychological counselling. If a psychologist is educationally qualified but does not practice counselling, their skills may diminish. Dr Bhatt suggested that before choosing any psychologist, it is important to match your psychological issue with the psychologist’s specialisation. Dr Bhatt also highlighted the need for improvements in current practices to increase the credibility and effectiveness of counsellors and therapists.
During the programme, students from the psychology department gave insightful presentations on topics related to counselling and therapy. Anjali, a first-year BSc Psychology Honours student, started the session with a detailed presentation on different types of psychotherapies. Dhruv, a second-year M.A. Psychology student, explained the basic principles of counselling. First-year student Anadhya explained the concept of IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) and how it acts as a framework for making psychological therapy more accessible to the general public. First-year student Ira shed light on the objectives of IAPT and the feasibility of implementing counselling and therapy programs in India. Jiya, another first-year BSc student, spoke about the effectiveness of IAPT, emphasising its impact and successful contribution to improving mental health outcomes. Taran (first year) and Shraddha Bisht (second year) discussed the various interventions available under IAPT and how these can be tailored to meet the needs of different individuals. First-year student Samiksha provided an overview of the resources available for counselling at the university, including the ‘Happiness Centre’, a space dedicated to providing free counselling services.
The event was hosted by Aradhya Dhyani and Shivangi Rana.
