
Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychology combines human science, behavioral science, and clinical knowledge to understand, prevent, and treat psychological distress and dysfunction. It also aims to improve personal well-being and development. Key activities in clinical psychology include psychological assessment, clinical formulation, and psychotherapy.
Department Of Clinical Psychology
Established in 2003, the Clinical Psychology Unit at Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) transitioned to departmental status in 2021. This department is acknowledged as a leader in the provision of comprehensive mental health services across a wide range of age groups, as indicated by the World Health Organization in its 2006 report. Located in the heart of the Himalayas, the department is committed to promoting mental well-being through compassionate care and professional expertise. The department provides a wide array of services, including:
- Assessment and diagnosis of psychological and behavioral disorders
- Customized intervention and treatment strategies
- Mental health promotion and awreness initiatives.
In acknowledgment of the critical importance of early intervention, specialized services for children and adolescents are offered to address concerns such as:
- Behavioral challenges
- Learning difficulties
- Social relationship issues.
Since its inception, the Clinical Psychology Department at SRHU has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in mental health services. With a team of highly qualified professionals and a patient-centred methodology, the department has established itself as a trusted resource for individuals seeking psychological support.
Our Team
Dr. Malini Srivastava
Associate Professor and Head of the Department
Ms Mahjabin
Assistant Professor
Ms Rashmi Rekha Seal
Assistant Professor
Ms Nitika Kimothi
Assistant Professor
Ms. Shahana Zehra
Assistant Professor
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Anxiety Spectrum Disorders:
Anxiety disorder is a common mental health issue. It involves ongoing worry, nervousness, or fear about everyday situations, which can lead to a feeling of unease. Common symptoms include: - Worrying too much about daily activities - Avoiding certain situations or objects - Having a fast heart rate, sweating, or shaking - Difficulty sleeping or concentrating - Feeling restless or irritable.
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Mood disorder
Mood disorder is a category of mental health conditions that significantly affects a person's emotional state, hindering daily functioning. Common symptoms include: - Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness (depression). - Extreme happiness, irritability, or restlessness (mania or hypomania). - Rapid mood fluctuations. - Changes in appetite, sleep patterns, or energy levels. - Challenges with concentration or decision-making. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for understanding their impact on well-being and quality of life.
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Personality disorders
Personality disorders is a mental health condition that affects thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, leading to persistent patterns that disrupt relationships, work, and daily life. Common symptoms include: - Trouble forming and maintaining relationships - Difficulty regulating emotions or impulses - Rigid thinking patterns - Self-image or identity issues - Impulsive or reckless behavior
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Trauma-related disorder
Trauma-related disorder is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing a traumatic event, such as abuse, disasters, or combat. Symptoms include: - Recurrent flashbacks or nightmares - Avoidance of reminders related to the trauma - Persistent anxiety or hypervigilance - Sleep disturbances or difficulty focusing - A sense of disconnection from oneself or others
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Neurodevelopmental disorders
Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions affecting brain development and functioning, often appearing in childhood or adolescence. They can significantly impact daily life. Common Symptoms include: Difficulty maintaining attention - Impulsivity or hyperactivity - Challenges in learning - Issues with social interactions - Repetitive behaviors. Neurodevelopmental disorders includes : ADHD (Challenges with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity). ASD ( Difficulties in social interactions, communication, and repetitive behaviors. ) Intellectual Disability ( Impairments in cognitive functioning and adaptive skills.)
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Cognitive disorders (CDs)
Cognitive disorders (CDs) are mental health issues that mainly affect how people think and remember. They include conditions like delirium, mild neurocognitive disorders, and severe neurocognitive disorders, such as dementia. These disorders involve a decline in cognitive abilities that a person has previously developed. This is different from developmental disorders, which people are born with. Cognitive disorders may also be linked to problems in the brain.
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Substance use disorders
Substance use disorders happen when a person’s use of substances, like alcohol, drugs, or medications, disrupts their daily life, relationships, and well-being. Common Symptoms include: Using more of a substance or using it for a longer time than planned - Finding it hard to cut down or control the use of substances - Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from substances - Feeling strong cravings or urges to use substances - Continuing to use substances even when facing health problems.
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Other Conditions
1. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
2. Dissociative Disorders (such as dissociative identity disorder)
3. Somatoform Disorders (such as somatic symptom disorder)
4. Eating Disorders
5. Sleep Disorders
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Clinical assessment
Clinical assessment is the process of gathering information to understand a person's issues and symptoms. This includes observing the individual, conducting psychological tests, and holding interviews. The psychological tests includes: I.Q. assessment, Personality assessment, Cognitive
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Biofeedback therapy
Biofeedback therapy helps people understand how their bodies respond to stress. This therapy helps individuals understand their body's response to stress by providing real-time feedback on heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. This therapy enhances awareness of physical responses and teaches relaxation techniques that promote control over these reactions, improving overall well-being. It not only manages stress but also helps individuals respond better to various physical and emotional situations.
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Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured and goal-oriented way to help people change negative thoughts and behaviors. This method is based on evidence and helps clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. It empowers them to create better coping strategies and improve their mental well-being. Through CBT, individuals learn to challenge and change unhelpful beliefs, leading to a more positive mindset.
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Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a type of therapy that combines methods from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness meditation. This approach uses different psychological strategies to help people. The roots of MBCT are found in traditional East Asian medicine and philosophies. It draws on ideas and teachings from classical Taoist, Buddhist, and Traditional Chinese medicine.
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Integrative psychotherapy
Integrative psychotherapy employs a variety of methods and techniques from multiple therapeutic approaches to effectively assist clients. This form of therapy also focuses on harmonizing different aspects of an individual's personality. The primary objective is to achieve balance among emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and physical elements.
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Mindful parenting Training
Mindful parenting Training builds strong relationships between parents and children. Parents should focus on their children without distractions, which helps them understand their feelings. It’s important for parents to recognize why their children act the way they do. By understanding their children's feelings, parents can connect and communicate better. They should respond to their children’s needs without judgment and with empathy and kindness. This creates
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Other Therapeutic services offered by the department:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Focuses on increasing psychological flexibility and acceptance of difficult emotions.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Combines CBT with mindfulness techniques to manage emotions and behaviors.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious thoughts and feelings to understand and resolve conflicts.
- Family Therapy: Involves family members in the treatment process to improve communication and relationships.
- Group Therapy: Brings together individuals with similar concerns to share experiences and learn from each other.