Recent Events
A creative dialogue on healing through play therapy
The session was led by Ms. Prachika Chopra, a Counselling Psychologist and Play Therapist, at Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar
The Psychology Forum and The Listening Room of Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar, concluded the observance of World Mental Health Month with an insightful and interactive workshop titled “Mental Health Café.” The session, led by Ms. Prachika Chopra, a Counselling Psychologist and Play Therapist, provided students with a deeper understanding of mental health, therapeutic models, and the evolving role of play therapy in modern psychology.
Ms. Chopra’s engaging approach set the tone for an open and reflective discussion on the importance of emotional expression and healing through non-traditional therapy techniques. She elaborated on the foundational theories and practical frameworks of Play Therapy, emphasising its relevance for children aged 3 to 12—especially those who struggle to articulate their emotions verbally or cope with trauma, anxiety, grief, behavioural difficulties, and developmental delays.
Highlighting both its strengths and limitations, Ms. Chopra shared that Play Therapy fosters emotional regulation, communication, and self-esteem among children. However, she also addressed the practical challenges, including the need for well-trained professionals, contextual understanding, and managing potential misconceptions surrounding therapy.
An important segment of the session explored the three A’s of therapeutic practice — Acknowledge, Address, and Aware — which Ms. Chopra described as essential for building effective therapeutic relationships. She also discussed the significance of dialogue, handling therapy dependence, and interpreting non-verbal cues in child counselling. The workshop maintained a dynamic and activity-based format, keeping participants actively engaged through discussions, reflective exercises, and case-based examples.
The students of the Department of Psychology participated enthusiastically, gaining valuable insights into real-world therapeutic applications beyond textbooks. Their curiosity and involvement reflected the growing awareness of mental health as a crucial part of holistic education.
Principal Dr. Neerja Dhingra expressed her appreciation for the event, remarking that in today’s fast-paced world, mental well-being often takes a back seat despite being universally important. She praised the Department of Psychology for initiating impactful dialogues that encourage empathy and awareness among students. Dr. Dhingra also commended Ms. Niharika Mazumdar and Ms. Harpreet for their dedicated efforts in organising the session and encouraged them to continue promoting mental health literacy through similar initiatives.
The event was adeptly anchored by Kritagya Gaba, President of the Psychology Forum, while Vanshika Sharma, the Event Coordinator, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks. The “Mental Health Café” truly embodied ACFA’s commitment to fostering emotional intelligence, compassion, and mental well-being among its students.
