About the Department

Our Culture & Core Values:

The Counselling Psychology program recognizes the critical importance of diversity in our rapidly changing and globalized society, and provides leadership in emphasizing culturally-based considerations in learning, human development, assessment and counseling. In addition to its cultural lens, our program embraces positive, growth-oriented, and developmental perspectives across the lifespan.  Attention is also paid to the complex ecological influences on individuals, groups and communities. Our faculty members’ programs of research reflect the core values and foci of the discipline of Counselling Psychology: career development, health and wellness, indigenous healing, gender and cultural diversity, disability, and social justice issues. Our Master’s and Doctoral programs address the needs of individuals, couples and families across the lifespan in terms of research, teaching and counselling practice.

Objective

1. Obtain proficiency in Theories and practise of counselling

2. Knowledge over the skills and strategies used across different counselling settings

3. Apply appropriate counselling techniques with respect to different populations across every stage of human development. (Starting from pediatric to geraitric)

4. Assess, diagnose and counsell people with respect to their concerns.

5. Developing training and intervention module for psychosocial modifications.

6. Handson training in gathering complete case history from clients, conceptualise based on theories and research evidence and formulate them towards treatment plan..

7. Gain perspectives and competency in Evidence based approach in counselling psychology emerged during the recent past.

8. Carry out research studies in contribution to deal effectively with day-to-day life problems

9. To acquaint the counsellor trainee with organizational structure, protocol, relationships, processes, and working conditions.

10. Apply ethical standards and values in their professional practice.

Mission

The Counselling Psychology Program, in line with the mission of the research creates, advances and critically examines knowledge in counselling psychology, especially with respect to its validity, applicability, limits, and interface with other disciplines. In developing and applying pertinent and innovative research methodologies, the Counselling Psychology Program relies upon and builds qualitative and quantitative evidence to determine effective counselling interventions in educational, community, health, and occupational settings.

Vision

To be recognized as a renowned institution of learning in the field of Counselling Psychology education with strong global leverage.

The Department of Counselling Psychology has been conducting various workshops, seminars, lectures, Symposiums and conference since its inception. All the programmes that were conducted at the Department of Counselling Psychology were convened by Dr. S. Thenmozhi, Professor and Head, Department of Counselling Psychology, University of Madras. The resource persons for these programmes were expertise in the in each fields, providing the students with a rich source of knowledge and exposure. The following are the list of programs conducted by the Department.

• Five day    workshop on “Basic Counselling Skills – Level 1” at the IDE building, University of Madras on all Saturdays from 7^th November - 12th December 2015. Most eminent and experienced resource persons, who were directly trained under Dr. Emma Gonzalvez, the pioneer of Counselling training in Chennai, conducted the sessions. 
• A one day Symposium was conducted on “Ethics in Counselling and Psychotherapy” with Rene Hoksbergen, Amsterdam University on 9^th February, 2016 at the Department of Counselling Psychology, University of Madras. This symposium was designed to help Counselling professionals to understand the ethical responsibilities of a counsellor and to guide the clients to ensure safety, welfare and confidentiality. 
• A symposium was conducted on “Transition of Juvenile Delinquents” under the project, “Psycho and Music therapy” on 30^th March, 2016. “Factors influencing delinquency in children in conflict with law” from experiential point of view was delivered by Dr.S.Ramanathan, Retd. Programme development and monitoring evaluation officer, Department of Social Defence. “Transition of Children in Conflict with law- Self-esteem and Personal Development” was elaborated by Dr.S.Thenmozhi, “Bio-markers of Delinquency behaviour of Children in conflict with law” was discussed by Dr.Shanthi Raj, MBBS., DCH (Paediatrician). By speaking about the “Role of Juvenile Justice System and community”, Dr.M.Srinivasan, Professor and Head, Department of Crimininology, University of Madras, expanded our insights on to the provisions that are available for these children. 
• A Symposium on “Developing Mental Health Programs for the Community” on 9^th of June 2016 and a one day workshop on “Family Therapy: An Introduction to key ideas” for trainees and early career practitioners on January 18^th 2017 were conducted by Dr.Chetna Duggal, School of Human Ecology, Tata Institute of Social Sciences at the F-50 Hall, Centenary Building, University of Madras. 
• Summer camp on Personality Development was conducted during summer breaks of the years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020 (Online) for the children of non-teaching staffs from University by the PG students of the department as a two way process of students getting training in organising   and conducting the programs and children spending their summer break in a more meaningful way. The program was loaded with art, music and creative fun activities.
• A Symposium on “Introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy” by Dr.Shubathra, Trained in CBT at Oxford University, Psychotherapist Psycho Oncologist at Bahrain Hospital at the Diaz Hall, University of Madras on 16^th August 2016.
• New courses were started to provide specialized training and practical exposure for the students from 2016. A Post Graduate Diploma on “Developmental Disabilities” and three months certificate course in “Counselling Psychology” were introduced and inaugurated by the Department of Counselling Psychology at the Diaz Hall, University of Madras on 17^th September 2016. 
• Mental Health Lecture series- Special Lecture on “Brain Development and Disorders” was conducted by Dr.Prithika Chary, Neurologist and Neurosurgeon at the F-50 Hall, University of Madras on 1^st of November 2016. 
• A workshop was conducted on “Understanding self” by Dr.Emmanuel Arockiam, Director of JESSCO (Jesuit Centre for Counselling) to build up a self-awareness with positive outcomes among the students at the Department of Counselling Psychology on 18^th and 19^th August 2016. 
• Mental Health Lecture series- A special Lecture on “Introduction to Psychopathology” on 4^th October 2016 and “Personality Disorders” on 11^th November 2016 were given by Dr. Mohan Raj (MD, DNB.), Psychiatrist and Director of Tharu Clinic at the Diaz hall, University of Madras. He has extended his support as being a visiting faculty to our Department and has handled papers like Psychopathology and elective on Psychodrama. 
• UGC Sponsored International Symposium was conducted on “Bridging Gaps between Theory and Practice” by the Department of Counselling Psychology. The resource persons were Dr. Carol Westby, Consultant for Bilingual Multicultural Services in Albuquerque, USA, Affiliated Professor at Brigham Young,  University in Provo, USA and Deborah J Wilson is a consultant for Bilingual  Multi-cultural Services in Albuquerque, USA. valedictory address was delivered by Dr.A.Kalaichelvan, Director of Institute of Mental Health and a special address by Dr.ShanthiNambi, Professor and Head at the Department of Child Psychiatry, Institute of Child Health on 21^st October 2016. 
• Mental health Lecture series-A special lecture on the topic “Mindfulness based Interventions” was conducted by Dr.RaniMohanraj on 2nd November, 2016 at the F-50 Hall, Centenary Building, University of Madras. 
• Mental Health Lecture series - A special lecture was conducted by Dr.Vijay Nagaswami, Psychiatrist- Individual, Couple and Corporate Psychotherapist on “Marriage and Relationships” at the F-50 Hall of the University of Madras on 1^st February, 2017.  
• Mental Health Lecture series- Special lectures were conducted on the topics “Psychological aspects of human sexuality: An overview” on 30^th March 2017 and “Online Social networking and sexual behaviours” on 10^th September 2018 by Dr.Vijayasarathi Ramanathan, MBBS (Ind.), PhD (Aus.), MMed-STI/HIV (Aus.), Graduate Diploma in Sexual Health (Aus.), Lecturer in Sexual Health (Sexology) - Sydney University at the F– 50 Hall, Centenary Building, University of Madras. 
• A workshop on “Prevention and Early Intervention for Juveniles in Conflict with law” at the Lecture hall- I, UGC-HRDC on 27^th April 2017. The programme was inaugurated by Dr.S.T.Lakshmi Ramesh, Juvenile Justice court. The resource people for the workshop were Dr. Sunil Kumar, Clinical Psychologist, Mind zone for “De-addiction Counselling for Children in Conflict with law”, Dr.T.Mythili, Cognitive Neuro Psychologist, Behaviourist and Music Therapist on “Effect of Music Therapy on Behaviour of Children in Conflict with law” and Dr.Lakshmi  Sankaran, Clinical Psychologist, HOD, Department of Applied Psychology,  The Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental Health (BALM) on “Strength based Approach for At risk Children and their Families”. The special valedictory address was given by Letika Saran, IPS, Former Director General of Police.
• A one day International symposium on “Psychodrama-An Encounter” was conducted at the F-50 Hall, University of Madras on 16^th October 2017 to explore Sociometry, Psychodrama and basic principles of Group therapies. The symposium focused on the principles and methods and the application of Psychodrama in our own work. The resource person for the programme was Dr. Jochen Becker-Ebel, Certified Psychodrama Practitioner & CEO, MediAcion, Germany. 
• An One day International workshop was conducted on the topic “Child Sexual Abuse: Assessment and Therapy techniques” by Dr. Lois J. Engelbretch, Founder, Centre for prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse, Philippines on 25th of Novemeber 2017 at F-50 Hall, Centenary Building, University of Madras.
• A lecture on “Mindfulness based Psychotherapy” on 8th January 2018 followed by which five day intensive workshop on “Mindfulness Based Symptom Management” was conducted from 8th   to 12th   January 2018 by Aarthi Selvan NCC (USA) and Clinical Psychologist, Certified Mindfulness Based Symptom Management Trainer- Ottawa Mindfulness Clinic, USA at Conference Hall, Department of Counselling Psychology, University of Madras. The workshop was practically oriented and had only a maximum number of 20 people in a batch.
• The lecture and workshop was conducted again from 22nd to 26th October 2018 for the second batch of students. The workshop was open for the other college students and professionals from outside.
• Ms. Aarthi Selvam collaborated with the department again to do three days intensive workshop on “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy & Dialectical   behaviour   therapy” from   1st      to   3rd February 2019 which was conducted at the F50 Hall, University of Madras.
• An One  International Workshop on “Executive Functions & Self-Regulatory Processes” was conducted Dr.Sucheta Kamath Founder &CEO, Cerebral Matters, LLC at F-50 Hall, Centenary building, University of Madras on August 14^th 2018. 
• An International Seminar on “An Introduction to Psychosexual Therapy” was conducted by Dr. Christopher Fox, University of Sydney at the F-50 Hall, Centenary Building, University of Madras, Chepauk on August 16^th 2018. Through this seminar the students were introduced to psychosexual therapy as a discipline and a practice.  The students were taught the PLISSIT model of sex therapy and how to apply it on field.  
• On World Mental Health day- 10th   October 2017 and 2018 “CHINTHA: Giving wings to your thoughts”, a one week grandeur event was organized by our department to create awareness on the various mental health issues. Intercollegiate competitions were conducted on poetry, painting, oratorical, connections, etc. The students of our department were actively engaged in designing and placing attractive and informative posters and banners in and around the campus that aimed to spread awareness about various mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, fear, stress, sleep disturbances and more importantly the stigma associated with mental health problems and the need to stop stereotyping and instead offer a helping hand to people experiencing psychological disturbances.
• On 6th October 2017, a special lecture was delivered by Dr. Mohan Raj, Psychiatrist and Director of Tharu Clinic spoke about “Mental Health on Campus”. He suggested methods to de-stress and maintain a healthy balance in life. A talk on “Its Ok to be not Ok” was given by Dr.SujathaVelmurugan, Consultant Psychiatrist at Kauvery hospital. Dr. S.Sumathi, Head of the Department of Anthropology and Dean of student affairs briefly spoke about “Students in a changing world”. The lectures were held at the Chemical Science Auditorium for the students of University of Madras at the Guindy campus.
• On 10th October 2017, a stimulating speech was delivered by Dr. HemaTharoor, Paediatric Psychiatrist at Apollo and Scarf hospitals on “Coping with love and break- ups”. Dr. Sujatha, Mr.Velmurugan also facilitated the programme by talking about Stress, signs of depression, suicidal ideation and ways to combat them. A member from one of the  sponsoring bodies, MJF. Lion. S. Bose, chairperson of activities at Lions Club also addressed our audience with his views on maintaining psychological health.
• Mental health lecture series- A special lecture on “Dance and Movement therapy” was conducted by Ms. Preetha Ramasubramanian, Movement Psychotherapist and Ms. Anshuma Kshetrapal, Drama and Movement Psychotherapist therapist, Advisory Board member at Creative movement Therapy Association of India at the Conference Hall, Department of Counselling Psychology, University of Madras on 31^st January, 2019. 
• A national symposium was conducted by Department of Counselling Psychology, Department of Woman studies and Department of Anthropology of University of Madras in collaboration with World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), Indian Association for Sexology and FOGSI Sexual Health Committee and Obstetric and Gynaecological Society of Southern India (OGSSI) on the topic “Break the Silence around Gender Based Violence” on 14^th February 2019 at Social Science Conference Hall, University of Madras. The welcome address was delivered by Dr.Anjalakshmi, President of OGSSI. The programme was inaugurated by Dr.P.Duraisamy, Hon. Vice Chancellor of University of Madras. Dr.KannagiPackianathan, I.A.S (Rtd), Chair-person of Tamil Nadu Woman Commission gave an insightful key note address. Special address about on the Gender based violence were given by Dr.Sudha Tandon, Chair, FOGSI, Sexual Health Committee, Mumbai, Dr.Sumathi, Professor & Head, Dept of Anthropology, Director of ICOM, Chair-person- International Complaints Committee, University of Madras, Dr. Jeyarani Kamaraj, AC Member, WAS, Managing committee member, OGSSI and V.Bharathi Harishankar, Professor & Head, Woman studies, University of Madras. Felicitation was given by Dr.Kamaraj, Sexual Rights Committee Member, WAS, Chairman of Indian Association of Sexology. Vote of thanks was deliberated and delivered by Dr.S.Thenmozhi, Professor and Head, Department of Counselling Psychology, University of Madras. 
• An International Conference on “Challenges of workplace counselling in the new millennium- new approach towards employee assistance program (EAP)” was conducted on 1^st March to 3^rd March 2019 at the F50 Hall, University of Madras. International EAP providers Dr. Philip Armstrong, CEO-Australian Counselling Association, Founder & Managing Director of Optimism Potential, Australia and Mr. David Levine, Principal, Global Care Experts, USA were invited speakers of the conference who deliberated the need of EAP in India and its delivery.
• On 10^th April 2019, a special lecture on “International Fellowship with special reference to German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)” was conducted by Dr. Dagmar Hellmann- Rajanayagam at the Department of Counselling Psychology, University of Madras.
• Summer camp on personality development was conducted during summer break of the years 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 (online) in May for the children of the non- teaching staff of the university by the PG students of the department as a two-way process of getting training in organizing and conducting the programs and children spending their summer break in a more meaningful way. The program was filled with art, music, personality development activities and fun, educative activities.
• The First International Couples Therapy Workshop in India “Imago Relationship Therapy- A Culturally sensitive professional training in working with couples by International Experts” was conducted by Dr. Ben Cohen, Psychotherapist and Certified Imago Instructor, USA on 30^th& 31^st August 2019 at the Conference Hall, Department of Counselling Psychology, University of Madras.
• A Special Skype Lecture was conducted by Dr. Anthony Benicewicz, Clinical Psychologist on 6^th September, 2019 about “Suicide Risk Assessment and Management” at the conference hall department of counselling psychology, University of Madras.
• During the month of October 2019, our students conducted various activities on street play, debate, photography, 1minute movie, rangoli, connections, treasure hunt, poster painting, poetry- English and tamil at the department of counselling psychology, university of madras to make the awareness of suicide prevention the theme for 2019’s mental health day celebrations. On 10^th October 2019 a special lectures were given Ms. Vani Reddy and Mr. Amber Alam, Optum on “let’s play jallikattu” at the social science seminar hall, university of madras on 10^th October 2019, The “KENKO” – Madras University Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy was inaugurated by Dr.R.Subashini, Dean & Head, Dept of counselling psychology, Madras School of social work.
• On 18^th October 2019, Dr.Beverly Chen and Prof. Chandra Mallampalli and 18 students from Westmont college, USA arrived