Celebrating a Century of Therapeutic Innovation in Ahmedabad
Newzdaddy Education Updates
Synopsis of the Article:
With almost 260,000 suicide deaths annually—one of the worst rates in the world—India is currently dealing with a serious mental health crisis. The first Psychodrama Conference in India, “Aadi – A New Beginning,” is scheduled for January 18–19, 2025, in Ahmedabad, in response to this urgent need. This event honors a century of psychodrama, a groundbreaking group therapy technique created by Dr. J.L. Moreno that fosters interpersonal relationships, self-awareness, and emotional recovery.
Maanas The Inside Story (MTIS) project Psychodrama in India (PiI) is organizing the conference. Through therapy sessions, workshops, and other mental health initiatives, MTIS has trained more than 1,000 counselors and improved the lives of over 20,000 people, significantly contributing to the advancement of mental health services nationwide.
Day 1 – January 18, 2025:
- The introductory remarks will be given by Marcia Karp (UK), co-founder of the Federation of European Psychodrama Training Organisations, who will share her wealth of knowledge and perspectives on the development of psychodrama.
- Virtual homage: In his virtual homage, Dr. Jonathan Moreno, son of Dr. J.L. Moreno, will discuss the lasting value of psychodrama in modern treatment as well as his father’s legacy.
- Workshops by Global Experts Renowned experts Eva Fahlström Borg (Sweden), Dr. Clark Baim (UK), Klaus Ernst Harter (Germany), and Julia Vinckler-Nannattu (Estonia) will lead engaging workshops that provide a range of viewpoints and methods in the practice of psychodrama.
Day 2 – January 19, 2025:
- Workshops by Indian Leaders: Renowned Indian practitioners such as Dr. T.T. Srinath (Chennai), Rashmi Datt (Delhi), Magdalene Jeyarathnam (Chennai), Meenakshi Kirtane (Chennai), and Sarita Shah (Ahmedabad) will lead sessions tailored to the Indian context, addressing unique cultural and societal aspects of mental health.
- Suicide Rates: With an estimated 260,000 suicides annually, India faces a critical mental health crisis.
- Youth Mental Health: Approximately 1 in 7 young Indians experience mental health issues, yet only 41% seek professional help, highlighting a significant gap in mental health awareness and accessibility.
- Shortage of Mental Health Professionals: The World Health Organization recommends a higher ratio of psychiatrists to meet the population’s needs. However, India currently has only around 9,000 psychiatrists nationwide, indicating a substantial shortfall in mental health professionals.
- Counselor Training: MTIS’s professional programs have trained over 1,000 counselors, enhancing the quality and reach of mental health services.
- Community Impact: MTIS and PiI have conducted therapy sessions, workshops, and mental health initiatives that have benefited more than 20,000 individuals.
- Institutional Collaborations: MTIS and PiI have supported various institutions, including IIT Gandhinagar, Banaras Hindu University, Anand Niketan Schools, and CEPT University, fostering a culture of mental well-being across educational settings.
- Relief Efforts for COVID-19: 60 “Theatre of Life” sessions were conducted during the epidemic, giving over 1,200 people much-needed psychological help during trying times.
A landmark in India’s mental health history, “Aadi – A New Beginning” brings together local and foreign professionals to exchange psychodramatic techniques, insights, and experiences. To promote a more compassionate and mentally resilient society, this conference seeks to encourage mental health professionals, educators, and the general public to adopt cutting-edge therapeutic practices.
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