Holistic Well Being (Counselling) Forum Events

Report on the International Webinar on ‘Phenomenon on Suicide and Suicidality: Assessment and Clinical Strategies.'

Taking into account the facts that suicide is now among the three leading causes of death among those between the age group of 15 and 45 years old (WHO, 2019) and that psychiatric issues and lack of supportive communities are often identified as underlying factors associated with a high suicide rate among college/university students (Karbayez, et al, 2016), the Department of M.Sc Counselling, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya Mangalore, hosted International Webinar on Phenomenon on Suicide and Suicidality: Assessment and Clinical Strategies on 11th December, 2020.

The two hour session was designed with the objective to develop a deeper understanding of the phenomenon of ‘Suicide’ and ‘Suicidality’ with its connection to risks and protective factors within the context of mental health and primary prevention and furthermore to raise awareness with a view to work towards removing socio-cultural backgrounds that may prevent students from seeking support and help.

There were 36 participants (PG students, clinicians and mental health practitioners) from various states of India. The modes of instruction were research-based presentations and clinical case discussions. The facilitator of the workshop was Dr. Sebastian Perumbilly, Ph.D., LMFT, tenured associate professor in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Southern Connecticut State University, USA, and the recipient of the Fulbright Academic and Professional Excellence Award. As a systemically focused psychotherapist, Dr. Seb is a licensed marriage and family therapist, a clinical fellow, and an approved clinical supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

The session was greatly appreciated by the participants and many expressed it as a remarkable learning experience which they would look forward to have one in the future.