Expert Lecture

Expert Lecture on Expert Lecture on Holistic Health and Emotional Well-Being: Pathways to Self-Actualization
Date: 23 February 2026
The Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, organised an expert lecture titled “Holistic Health and Emotional Well-Being: Pathways to Self-Actualization” on 23rd February 2026 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the M2 Auditorium, Main Block. The session was conducted for IV Semester M.Sc. Psychology and Counselling Psychology students.

The resource person, Dr. Deepak Kumar, Assistant Professor at the School of Psychological Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed-to-be University), Central Campus, Bengaluru, shared insights on the importance of holistic health in promoting emotional and psychological well-being. The lecture emphasized the importance of caring for the whole person—mind, body, emotions, and relationships—in achieving overall well-being. The speaker highlighted how an integrated approach to health enables individuals to effectively manage stress, enhance resilience, identify and nurture personal strengths, and work toward self-actualization. The session also encouraged students to reflect on their own well-being practices and understand the interconnectedness of physical health, emotional balance, social support, and personal growth.

A total of 106 students attended the programme and benefited from the expert lecture.

Expert Lecture on Feeling Better, Living Better: Emotional Intelligence and Everyday Coping
Date: 16 February 2026
The Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, organised an expert lecture titled "Feeling Better, Living Better: Emotional Intelligence and Everyday Coping" on February 16, 2026. The event occurred from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM at H2 Auditorium, 7th Floor, Humanities Block, and targeted IV Semester MSc Clinical Psychology, section A, B & C students.

Dr. Anjana Warrer, Assistant Professor from School of Allied Health Sciences, Jain (Deemed to be University), served as the resource person. She likely shared expertise on emotional intelligence, better living strategies, and coping mechanisms through insightful discussions.

The lecture focused on practical applications of emotional intelligence for everyday coping and well-being. Activities included interactive sessions to build self-awareness, stress management, and resilience skills. Participants gained tools to enhance mental health in personal and professional contexts.

International Expert Session
Date: 09 February 2026
The Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, in collaboration with the Office of Global Networking and Collaborations, Kristu Jayanti University, organised an international expert session titled “Nudge Theory in Action: How Small Changes Drive Big Results in Health, Business and Policy” on 9 March 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:50 PM, at the M2 Auditorium, 2nd Floor, Science Block.

The session was conducted for UG IV Semester BSc Psychology, VI Semester BA Psychology ‘B’, BA PYEN, and BA PYJO students. The resource person, Prof. Ivo Vlaev, Professor of Behavioral Psychology at the Centre for Behavioural and Implementation Science Interventions (BISI), NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, delivered an insightful talk on the science of influence and behavioural change. He highlighted how behavioural science principles can be applied to design effective behaviour change interventions that shape individuals’ decisions and actions across various domains.

The session introduced students to Nudge Theory, explaining how small changes in the way choices are presented can significantly influence people to make better decisions. A key highlight of the session was the MINDSPACE framework, where each element: Messenger, Incentives, Norms, Defaults, Salience, Priming, Affect, Commitment, and Ego was explained with engaging real-world examples. These illustrations helped students understand how behavioural insights can be applied in health, business, and public policy contexts.

Overall, the session was informative, engaging, and intellectually stimulating, providing students with valuable insights into the practical applications of behavioural science. A total of 190 students attended the programme and benefited from the expert session.

Special Lecture on “Therapist’s Burden in Working with Terminally Ill Patients” for II Semester M.Sc. Clinical Psychology Students
Date: 09 January 2026
The Department of Psychology organised a special lecture titled “Therapist’s Burden in Working with Terminally Ill Patients” on 9 January 2026. The programme was conducted for II Semester M.Sc. Clinical Psychology students as part of their academic enrichment. The session focused on the emotional, psychological, and ethical challenges therapists encounter in end-of-life care contexts. Ms. Vimala M introduced the concept of therapist burden and explained its impact on professional functioning and emotional well-being. She elaborated on compassion fatigue and burnout, highlighting early warning signs among mental health professionals. The resource person provided a clear differentiation between hospice care and palliative care, outlining their scope and objectives. She explained the crucial role of psychologists and counsellors in addressing emotional distress, grief, and existential concerns in terminal illness. Practical insights were shared from her experience working with HIV/AIDS patients, including modes of transmission and stages of infection. Special emphasis was placed on the psychosocial vulnerabilities of young married women affected by HIV/AIDS.

Ms. Vimala M highlighted the importance of maintaining professional boundaries while working with vulnerable populations. She discussed ethical dilemmas commonly faced in terminal care, including decision-making and emotional attachment. Reflective practice was emphasised as a key strategy for managing emotional overload in therapeutic work. Students were encouraged to explore personal coping strategies and supervision as preventive measures. The session included interactive discussions based on real-life clinical scenarios. The session enhanced students’ sensitivity toward ethical and emotional challenges in working with terminally ill patients. Students were encouraged to prioritise self-care, reflective practice, and professional boundaries in their future clinical careers.

Guest Lecture Report: Application of Group Processes in Schools
Date: 03 November 2025
The Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, organised a guest lecture on “Application of Group Processes in Schools” on November 3rd, 2025, facilitated by Ms Pranaamya, Psychotherapist, and attended by 50 students from the III Semester M.Sc. Counselling Psychology programme. The session provided a comprehensive understanding of group counselling in school settings, covering guidelines for group work with children and adolescents, common challenges, and strategies for addressing stress, anger, and behavioural concerns. Integrating perspectives from theorists such as Erikson, Mahler, Winnicott, Foulkes, and Yalom, the lecture emphasised adolescence as a transitional stage shaped by developmental tasks, contextual influences, and the search for identity and belonging. Through the case example of a 15-year-old girl, Ms Pranaamya illustrated how family dynamics and school environments impact adolescent well-being. The discussion explored issues and challenges faced in group processes, sources of stress among adolescents, and effective strategies for helping young people manage stress, anger, and behavioural concerns such as juvenile delinquency. Drawing upon theoretical perspectives and clinical illustrations—including those from Foulkes and Yalom—she highlighted how group psychotherapy fosters emotional expression, self-awareness, and social learning among students. She further emphasised the therapeutic value of group processes in promoting emotional expression, communication, and resilience, while also addressing issues of transference, countertransference, and parental engagement. The interactive session encouraged students to reflect on their own adolescent experiences and the role of schools as supportive therapeutic spaces, effectively bridging theory with clinical and educational practice.

Guest Lecture On Recent Trends in Therapy
Date: 23 & 24 October 2025
The Department of Psychology at Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University) organised a guest lecture on “Recent Trends in Therapy” on 23rd October 2025-24th October 2025 in the Humanities block H606, exclusively for III Semester M.Sc. Psychology (Clinical specialization) students. Approximately eleven students from the M.Sc. Psychology (Clinical specialization) attended the sessions. The session was addressed by Dr Debarati Basak, PsyD, Founding Partner, Carpediem EdPsych Consultancy LLP, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The session on Recent Trends in Therapy was highly enriching and insightful. Theoretical concepts were effectively supplemented with interactive activities and case discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of various contemporary therapeutic approaches. In addition to an in-depth discussion on Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), the session also covered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive and Analytical Therapy, Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). The expert shared personal experiences and case examples from her private practice, which added practical depth to the learning experience. Students listened attentively and participated enthusiastically, making the session highly engaging and informative.

Expert Talk on Aptitude for Placements Training: Transitioning from Campus to Corporate
Date: 16 October 2025
The session was conducted by Mr. Amitesh Gir, who shared valuable insights on essential aptitude and reasoning skills required in the corporate world. He engaged the audience with practical examples and interactive discussions that enhanced their understanding of the subject. The programme began with a welcome address and an introduction of the resource person, followed by an informative talk on strategies for effective placement preparation and bridging campus–corporate expectations. Participants actively took part in the Q&A session, demonstrating their interest and engagement. The event concluded with a vote of thanks. Overall, the session was highly informative and enriching, offering participants deeper insights into the topic and motivating them to apply the learnings in their academic and professional pursuits.

Guest Lecture On Exploring Careers in Psychology Specializing in Neurodivergent Conditions
Date: 25 September 2025
The Department of Psychology at Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University) organised a guest lecture on “Exploring Careers in Psychology Specialising in Neurodivergent Conditions” on September 25, 2025, in the H2 Auditorium, exclusively for III Semester M.Sc. Psychology (Counselling and Clinical Psychology) students. Approximately 220 students from the Clinical Counselling and Psychology specialisations attended the sessions. The session was addressed by Dr Sonika Sharma, CEO of Divit Health, Bengaluru, who shared her personal and professional journey, drawing from her experience as a parent of a child with cerebral palsy and the inspiration behind founding Divit Health, an integrated centre for neurodivergent individuals and their families. She provided valuable insights into neurodivergent conditions, their diagnosis, causes, and treatment approaches, while emphasising the importance of early intervention, parental involvement, and the expanding career opportunities in this specialised field. The lecture concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, where students sought guidance on internships, training programmes, and career pathways. Overall, the event served as an informative and inspiring platform, encouraging students to engage meaningfully with neurodiversity in their academic and professional pursuits.

Expert lecture on Understanding Reality and Self: Yoga and Indian Schools of Thought Perspective
Date: 30 August 2025
A guest lecture entitled "Understanding Reality and Self: Yoga and Indian Schools of Thought Perspective" was held on 30th August 2025 for the first-year postgraduate students by the Centre for Indian Knowledge System at Kristu Jayanti University. Around 291 students participated in the session. The session was conducted by Dr. Anuradha Sathiyaseelan, Professor of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, Christ University, serving as the resource person.

The lecture began with the profound question "Who am I?", which set the tone for the session. There was an engaging discussion on the answer offered by Adhi Guru Shankaracharya in Nirvana Shatakam, exploring the philosophical perspective on self-identity and realization. Dr. Anuradha introduced both the orthodox and heterodox schools of Indian thought, elaborating on their views about reality and self. Parallels were drawn between Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs theory and the Panchakosha theory, highlighting the layered nature of human needs and self-realization. The importance of self-realization in addressing self-identity crisis prevalent in modern living was emphasized. The interactive session concluded with a self-reflection meditation, encouraging participants to internalize the concepts discussed and foster greater self-awareness.

This session provided students with meaningful insights into Indian philosophies and psychological theories, equipping them to apply these perspectives in both academic and personal contexts.

Expert Lecture on Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Date: 28 August 2025
The Department of Psychology at Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be) University organised an expert lecture on Neurodevelopmental Disorders on 28th August 2025. The event took place in the A1 Conference Hall, Admin Block, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. A total of 82 students from III BA Psychology A & B participated in the session.

The resource person for the session was Ms. Alphonsa Joseph, a distinguished Rehabilitation Psychologist and Head of the Psychology Department at Dr. S R Chandrashekhar Institute of Speech and Hearing, Bangalore.

Ms. Alphonsa delivered an in-depth and engaging lecture, covering the various types of neurodevelopmental disorders, their risk and causal factors, and approaches for assessment and treatment. She placed particular emphasis on the importance of considering the socio-cultural background of clients, especially in complex cases involving comorbidities, to ensure diagnostic accuracy.

A notable highlight of the session was the discussion on the role of parental involvement in therapy, which Ms. Alphonsa identified as a critical factor in enhancing the effectiveness of interventions. The session not only deepened students’ theoretical understanding but also provided practical insights into real-world therapeutic practices. Additionally, the legal dimensions of working within this field were introduced, equipping students with a broader professional perspective.

The interactive and informative nature of the lecture significantly enriched the students' academic experience and helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice.

Expert Talk on the Harmful Effects of Ragging
Date:12 August 2025
As part of Anti-Ragging Week, the Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kristu Jayanti University, organised an expert talk on “Harmful Effects of Ragging” for first-year UG and PG students on 12 August 2025 in the M1 Auditorium. The session was led by Dr. Shreshtha Chowdhury, Assistant Professor, Kristu Jayanti College of Law, who addressed the psychological, academic, and legal consequences of ragging. Dr. Chowdhury highlighted that ragging is a serious offence under Indian law and stressed the importance of building healthy peer relationships through respect and mutual support.

Students actively participated in an interactive Q & A session, gaining insights into preventive measures, legal provisions, and institutional support systems. The event successfully reinforced the university’s commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and ragging-free campus.

International Expert Lecture on Health Behaviour Through Self-Regulatory Model
Date:01 August 2025
The Department of Psychology conducted an International Expert Lecture on Health Behaviour Through Self-Regulatory Model on August 1, 2025. The enriching session was delivered by Anjali Rameshbabu (PhD), Health Psychologist at Oregon Health & Science University, United States. The lecture witnessed the active participation of 154 postgraduate students from III MSc Clinical Psychology.

The lecture encompassed key themes such as Social Determinants of Health and Self-Regulation Interventions. It illuminated how self-regulatory processes can be harnessed to develop effective health interventions. The lecture concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, where students had the great opportunity to engage with the expert.

The lecture was an enlightening one, helping students to broaden their understanding of health psychology across various contexts. Anjali Rameshbabu enriched the lecture by reinforcing the importance of integrating psychological theory with practical health care strategies.