By Matters India Reporter
Kolkata, Sept 26, 2024: A convention of psychologists has stressed the need for mental health workers caring for themselves while attending to other people’s mental health.
As many as 75 Catholic psychologists from 12 Indian states attended the 25th annual convention of the Conference of Catholic Psychologists of India (CCPI) in Kolkata.
Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Kolkata presided over the opening of the September 20-22 convention at Seva Kendra that explored the theme, “Fostering Wellness – Innovative Approaches to Therapist Self-Care and Client Engagement.”
Christian Brother Sunil Britto, the conference coordinator who introduced the theme: “Self-Compassion for Our Self-Care,” asked the participants to reflect on how they care for themselves while attending to the needs of their clients.
Priya Puri, chief Clinical Psychologist and founder of “The Healing Space,” addressed the opening session on “The Therapist Dilemma.” She addressed the tension of being fully present for others while balancing one’s own needs.
Shatabhisha Chatterjee, consultant Clinical Psychologist attached to Mental Health Foundation Kolkata who addressed trauma-informed care, introduced the therapists to Internal Family Systems theory, encouraging them to heal from vicarious trauma.
On the second day, Deepa Das Shah, a consultant psychologist and psychologist in Kolkata, through her session on narrative therapy, encouraged the participants to help clients craft identities that empower them.
On the final Somdatta Mukherjee, lead clinical psychologist at Rocket Health, India, spoke on “Mindful Self-Compassion” to address compassion fatigue, and Ayoleena Roy, currently working in the Department of Psychiatry at AIIMS, Kalyani, integrated mindfulness and positive psychology into clinical practice.
Earlier, Carmelite of Mary Immaculate Father Thomas Mathilakathu, CCPI president, welcomed the participants.