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Neha Jain
Research - Mental Health - Behavioural Science - GATE AIR 61 (Psychology)
Professional Background
Neha Jain is a dedicated and skilled professional in the field of mental health, embodying a unique blend of academic excellence and practical experience. With a Master’s degree in Psychology from the esteemed University of Calcutta, Neha has forged a path in understanding human behavior and mental health challenges through a comprehensive lens of social justice and feminist theory. Her professional journey is marked by significant contributions to psychological research, therapy, and advocacy, particularly in the context of intersectional social justice.
Neha's well-rounded approach to mental health is a product of her extensive training in various therapeutic modalities, including Trauma Informed Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Compassionate Counseling. She has developed skills crucial for addressing the complexities of mental health issues, with a strong focus on trauma-informed practices. Her training with leading organizations like The Mental Health Movement and Ummeed Child Development Centre equips her with the tools needed to support diverse populations, particularly those affected by trauma and abuse.
Having collaborated with multiple NGOs and organizations, Neha has been actively involved in vital research projects that explore mental health through critical social lenses. Her roles have varied from a Research Consultant at Sanjog for the "Mapping Wellbeing" project to working as a Researcher and Field Worker at Anjali Mental Health Rights Organization. Her expertise in research methodology and academic writing has also allowed her to support emerging scholars from prestigious institutions like IIT-Delhi and the University of Calcutta, enhancing the scope of mental health research at a grassroots level.
Education and Achievements
Neha Jain completed her Master of Arts in Psychology at the University of Calcutta, where she honed her analytical and empathetic skills essential to understanding psychological theories and their practical applications. Prior to her Master’s degree, she pursued her Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Psychology at Seth Anandaram Jaipuria College, achieving a commendable 64.25%.
In addition to her formal education, Neha's continual commitment to professional development is evident from her diverse training experience. She has acquired expertise in areas such as Child Abuse Awareness, Survivors Assistance, and Mindfulness practices. These qualifications not only enhance her therapeutic effectiveness but also reflect her commitment to ongoing learning and adaptation to contemporary psychological practices.
Career Trajectory
Neha Jain has constructed a versatile career that spans various roles and responsibilities within the mental health sector. Her commitment to mental wellness has seen her excel in multiple capacities, including:
- Counselling Psychologist at EduPsych, where she engages with clients to facilitate mental wellness through evidence-based therapeutic practices.
- Mental Health Therapist at The Mental Health Movement in Chandigarh, providing critical therapeutic support and education on mental health issues.
- Freelance Researcher, where she continues to explore and contribute to relevant research projects that inform best practices in mental health care.
- Research Consultant & Documentation Expert at Sanjog, where she supported initiatives aimed at enhancing the understanding of well-being across communities.
- Content Writer for The Voice Of Woman, illustrating her aptitude for communicating complex psychological principles to broader audiences.
Her foundational experiences also include internships and volunteer roles, where she worked at various organizations, refining her skills in research, counseling, and social work. Neha has consistently displayed an ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments, whether in academic settings, non-profits, or freelance capacities.
Achievements
Neha Jain’s achievements reflect her profound impact in mental health advocacy and research. Her contributions have enriched the understanding of psychological well-being through intersectional perspectives, promoting awareness and education around mental health issues. Her involvement in research projects has created avenues to explore innovative approaches to mental health treatment and support.
In addition to her research and counseling roles, Neha's volunteer experience, particularly at charities like Muskurahat Foundation, showcases her dedication to social responsibility and community service. Her strong background in academic writing and research has not only benefited her career but has also paved the way for others in the field to gain insights and knowledge towards mental health practices.
As a proactive member of the mental health community, Neha Jain continues to seek opportunities for research and therapy that will allow her to bridge the gaps in existing mental health frameworks. Her future aspir
Highlights
For those of you who are not aware, I'm a PhD Scholar at IIT Kanpur. 2 days ago, I defended my research proposal which is about exploring mental health "care" experiences across diverse mental health settings in India.
The day after my defense proposal, a Y23 PhD Scholar died by suicide. This is the 3rd suicide in this campus in the last 3 weeks. This post is just for me to document my hopelessness in this campus.
I am a mental health professional. I came here to do a PhD to work and learn further about mental health. I do not know what my work will achieve when I live at a place that's exhausting me to my core.
The students have been feeling extremely unsettled with the situation in the campus. They protest, they sit and scream in the cold, they arrange candlelight marches, and what happens? Nothing. The faculty members sleep peacefully in their quarters.
Today when the entire day the students protested in the cold, none of the faculty members showed up to stand by the students rather they took their classes as usual.
Not a leaf moves when a student dies by suicide. Life just goes on as usual here. The emails that we recieve from the authorities including the counselling services to report the incident do not even acknowledge that this is a "suicide."
I am a MHP and a student of this campus who has reached out to the Counselling Services. And, here's me saying that it is one of the most inefficient programs put in place by the institute.
The professionals at the counselling service engage in unethical behaviours by breaching confidentiality. The institute is looking to hire 4 more professionals. However, there exists no check mechanisms in the system to see whether the Counselling Services are operating in an efficient manner.
Who should we hold accountable for these suicides? We say that the institute should be held accountable given that this is a systemic issue.
Let me ask then. Who's the institute? The students say "We're not the institute." And, so does the faculty and the workers. Nobody wants to take responsibility for what's happening here at this campus.
The students protest. The administration gives vague replies to dismantle the protests and then life goes on until there's another incident and time for another knee-jerk response.
In these times of hopelessness, what we need is sustained engagement. Protests are only peaks and what we need is a consistent process before and after the protests. However, to sustain a process, you need space. And, that's something that institute again fails to provide.
This institution has no space that's safe and supportive where one can be vulnerable. I have never felt more isolated and lonely than this. This institution houses 9k students and most students live with loneliness. I don't know what the future holds but I hope that it brings a safe space at least.
