*Parth Shastri* * * *2 Feb 2011* * * *AHMEDABAD*: It promises to rise like a phoenix. BM Institute of Mental Health in Ahmedabad, which had played a pioneering role in psychological research in the country in 60s and 70s, is on a comeback trail.
The blue print of its revival is now being drawn up by the institute's alumni - senior clinical psychologists working in different parts of the country. The sense of déjà vu was unmistakable for many clinical psychologists who had gathered in the city recently for the Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP) held at AMA campus. Looking at the institute and its pathetic state, they vowed to change things. An official of the institute said that a meeting had been held with current officebearers to discuss future developments. The institute, founded under the patronage of Kamalini Sarabhai in 1950s, was considered to be a model institute by many not only in the country but also in the entire South-East Asia. Dr GG Prabhu, IACP founder secretary and a professor of psychology in the US, told TOI that the city was witness to several developments in the field of psychology. "When psychological research was in its nascent stage, the institute was experimenting with child psychology, behavioural therapy, cures for mental illnesses and autism. It also had a facility for treating the mentally challenged. The institute was regularly frequented by psychiatrists and psychologists of international repute in 1960s and 70s. The history of psychology in India is not complete without mention of this institute," Prabhu said. Gujarat's high standing in the national forensic psychology circuit is also attributed to the institute. "I joined the institute as a behavioural therapist in 1970s. However, the work gradually developed towards psychoanalysis and behaviour modification for participants. It was the same idea from which the science of forensic psychology evolved later. The institute is very special for me," said Dr S L Vaya, director of Institute of Behavioural Science at Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, which is now offering courses in forensic psychology. Members of the institute's alumni have decided to rope in international organizations of clinical psychologists and psychologists to breathe new life into their alma mater. "We plan to launch new courses and upgrade the infrastructure. Experts will also be called in from various parts of the country to educate students. We want to help the institute reclaim its past glory when it used to be the hub of all activities linked to mental health and clinical psychology. A dedicated team did research too," said an alumnus. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/7407538.cms?prtpage=1 -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Mental Health Advocacy (News 'N Views) India" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/MhaNewsViewsIndia?hl=en ------------- Affiliated Groups : MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY INDIA [email protected] Discussions on mental health law / policy / plan monitoring / human rights etc [email protected] India-specific news and views related to mental health [email protected] Information and support to carers of people with mental health issues [email protected] Mutual support and sharing of experiential knowledge, skills and social learning amongst peers
