Pre-Admission Academic Exposure, Mentoring and Skills Development in Psychology and Social Work
The Electric and Integrated Approach to Brief Therapies Symposium, organised by the School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (SSBS), was held one month before the admissions campaign for the Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology (PGDCP) at the Coimbatore–Arasampalayam campus. The symposium was intentionally organised on the Amrita campus, giving prospective students an opportunity to experience the campus and engage directly with its academic and professional environment.
The event brought together 210 students and practitioners in Psychology and Social Work, including 185 participants from outside institutions and universities. More than 185 of the student participants were women, as reflected in the event photographs and video.
The symposium combined plenary academic sessions, practical exercises and guided learning. Participants received training and feedback from experienced academics and practitioners and took part in an Art Therapy practicum and practical exercises introducing them to Brief Therapy techniques. Through expert-led sessions, guided practice and feedback, the symposium provided mentoring and skills-development support to prospective students, equipping them with practical tools to address trauma, enhance interpersonal skills and manage crises effectively. It also provided women students with direct exposure to academic and professional pathways in Psychology and Social Work at Amrita before the admissions period.
The symposium also provided opportunities for cultural exchange and community building. On the second day, students of SSBS, Coimbatore presented a cultural programme featuring classical and non-classical forms of dance and music. At the end of the symposium, many participants expressed interest in having more extended versions of such practical sessions at Amrita and satisfaction with the curriculum and activities.
Speakers included, Dr. Thamilselvan P (PSGCAS, Coimbatore), Dr. Dhamodharan M (SRM, Andhra Pradesh), Ms. Anwesa Bandhyopadhyay (Art Therapist, JDC, Kolkata), Dr. Aravind Raj E (NIMHANS, Bengaluru), Dr. Prasanta Kumar Roy (Institute of Psychiatry, Kolkata) and Mrs. Sashi Chandran (Nityagurukula, Coimbatore).
