Crimino-Vision Events

A guest lecture on psychotherapy was conducted for 23 final-year criminology students on 21st March 2025. The session featured Ms. Thani Anwar, Assistant Professor of MSc Counselling, and Dr. Rosa Nimmy Mathew, Assistant Professor and Head of MSc Counselling. The lecture aimed to provide insights into the role of psychotherapy in offender rehabilitation, focusing on mental health, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral therapy.

Ms. Thani Anwar discussed the need for reformation and rehabilitation of offenders to prevent recidivism and relapse. She explained how mental health issues contribute to repeat offending, prison overcrowding, and reintegration challenges. To address these concerns, she emphasized the importance of post-release follow-ups, counselling services, and psychotherapy, particularly talk therapy and psychodynamic therapy. She also highlighted key characteristics essential for rehabilitation, including risk assessment, needs evaluation, professional responsibility, and integrity in therapy.

Dr. Rosa Nimmy Mathew introduced the two categories of offenders—those with criminogenic and non-criminogenic needs. She explained how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps address distorted cognition, victim stance, and cognitive deficits that contribute to criminal behavior. She emphasized cognitive restructuring, which helps offenders change negative thought patterns, and discussed anger management techniques to control aggressive impulses.

Another important concept covered was neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and change through behavioral interventions. Dr. Rosa explained how psychotherapy helps offenders develop new patterns of thinking and behavior, reducing the likelihood of reoffending. She stressed the importance of consistent therapeutic interventions in transforming criminal behavior and aiding successful reintegration into society.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A discussion, where students explored the practical applications of psychotherapy in criminology. The lecture provided valuable insights into the psychological aspects of criminal behavior and the importance of therapy in rehabilitation, helping students understand the significance of psychological interventions in offender treatment and reintegration.