The Department of Psychology organized a visit to Anirvedha- Centre for Psychological Well-being, Mangaluru on Thursday, 13th April 2023 from 2 pm to 3 pm. A total of 32 I BA students of Psychology visited the centre accompanied by Dr. Sandra Sunitha Lobo & Asst. Prof. Roshini Monica Goveas.
Ms. Neema (Internship co-ordinator) gave an orientation about the centre. This 8 - year- old NGO with 28 professionals provides supportive intervention, psychological assessment and training to over 80 registered clients this year. The Centre offers psychological assessment and counselling, behaviour therapy, remedial training, speech therapy, occupational therapy, conducts mental health programmes in Educational Institutions etc. All information from the time one registers for assessment and intervention until the individual's attainment of therapy goals were detailed.
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The students were exposed to some study material, and even witnessed sessions like remedial teaching, behavioural therapy and speech therapy. The use of different types of apparatus to make learning more fun, take the children on outings, and have craft and play sessions only accentuated that the holistic development of children was their focus.
Dr. Shwetha KT, Director of the Centre spoke about the conception and birth of Anirvedha which caters to children aged 3 and onwards, adopting a holistic and progressive approach, offering timely, responsive and supportive intervention. The centre helps children who have special needs in speech, learning and behavioural and social development. It provides individualized goals and curriculum, and regular re-evaluations. Opportunities for social interaction, daily living activities and self-care, Applied Behaviour approach with parent training sessions are included. She mentioned that some of the children have registered at the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
Dr. Shwetha enthused the students about the uphill trend for mental health professionals. She spoke about career options, specializations these days, the need to put theory into practice and learn through internships.
A lot of questions were raised on issues like the need for male mental health professionals, details of therapy sessions, management of aggressive behaviour of children, the displayed reward system of children etc, and the way they were answered only reflected the professionalism and expertise of the staff, coupled with a compassionate and non-judgmental approach of the professionals.
This visit was a stimulating and thought-provoking one.
