Nepal Hosts First National Conference on Psychology and Counseling

Kathmandu - The first-ever national conference focused on psychology and counseling in Nepal has successfully concluded. Organized jointly by the Central Department of Psychology and the Master’s Program in Counseling Psychology at Tribhuvan University (TU), the event was held across various halls at TU’s central campus in Kirtipur.

The conference was inaugurated by TU Rector Prof. Dr. Duvinanda Dhakal, who highlighted the vital role such events play not only in advancing psychology but also in promoting the broader field of social sciences. He emphasized the need for continued organization of similar academic programs to help address emerging societal challenges.

Principal of TU Campus, Prof. Dr. Akkal Dev Mishra, praised the gathering of intellectuals and young scholars from across the country. He expressed confidence that the discussions held during the event would help shape psychological theories tailored to Nepal’s unique cultural context. “This is a commendable beginning,” he said, calling for future efforts to organize international conferences as well.

Welcoming participants, Head of the Central Department of Psychology, Dr. Khemraj Bhatt, stated that although the academic discipline of psychology formally began in Nepal in 1981 (2038 BS), there is a lack of research rooted in the country’s socio-cultural reality. This gap, he noted, was one of the driving factors behind organizing this national conference.

Dr. Sandesh Dhakal, coordinator of the Master’s Program in Counseling Psychology, thanked all contributors for their support and collective effort in making the conference possible. “It was the result of the shared dedication of former department heads, faculty members, and students,” he said.

Former Head of the Department, Prof. Dr. Shishir Subba, stressed the importance of combining psychology with counseling. “While psychology formulates theories, counseling applies them to real-life situations,” he explained. Dr. Subba also mentioned that although a psychology conference was held approximately 35 years ago, there had been no continuity until now, making this event a significant restart.

In the closing session, former department head Prof. Dr. Nandita Sharma expressed her joy at the successful completion of the conference despite initial uncertainties. She extended her gratitude to all involved.

The event saw the participation of around 200 individuals, with 32 research papers presented. Topics included child mental health, digital well-being, contemporary psychological challenges, and the development of psychology in the Nepali context.

Prominent attendees included former Staff College Director Dr. Kedar Rayamajhi, Armed Police Force AIG Ganesh Thapa Magar, IOM Psychiatry Professor Dr. Mita Rana, and former Head of Psychology at Tri-Chandra College, Dr. Narayan Prasad Sharma.

The opening session was moderated by Anishni Sharma, while the closing ceremony was conducted by Assistant Professor Sanjesh Shrestha.