Psychological First Aid: Suicidal Crisis Management
by Dr. Aneela Maqsood, Associate Professor, Director of the National Centre for Research on Suicide Prevention at Fatima Jinnah Women University
As part of the post-conference activities, the workshop titled “Psychological First Aid: Suicide Crisis Management” was conducted by Dr. Aneela Maqsood, a renowned Associate Professor of Applied Psychology and Director of the National Centre for Research on Suicide Prevention at Fatima Jinnah Women University. Dr. Maqsood brings extensive expertise in mental health, intervention research, and suicide prevention, having led various national and international projects. The workshop provided an in-depth understanding of suicidal ideation and behaviors, shedding light on alarming trends in Pakistan, particularly among the youth. It addressed the rising suicide rates and the lack of credible national statistics, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and support systems. Participants were guided through common myths and realities about suicide, fostering an evidence-based perspective on the issue. The session emphasized the significance of protective factors and risk assessment in understanding suicidal behavior. A core element of the training was the introduction to mental health first aid as a humane and supportive response to individuals in crisis. The framework encouraged attendees to provide empathetic listening, recognize warning signs, and offer immediate support without crossing into professional counseling or therapeutic roles. Participants were trained in practical steps, such as assessing risk, approaching individuals in distress, and creating safety plans. The workshop concluded with a strong emphasis on empathy, non-judgmental communication, and the importance of fostering hope for individuals experiencing distress. By empowering participants to take action and connect at-risk individuals to necessary care, the training laid a foundation for a more responsive and supportive approach to mental health challenges in Pakistan.
Two-days Pre-conference Workshop on
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Module for Beginners
By Dr. Mifrah Rauf, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Psychology, Riphah International University Islamabad
The National Institute of Psychology, Centre of Excellence, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, successfully conducted a pre-conference workshop on the topic of “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Beginners” on 7th and 8th October 2024. The two-days’ workshop was facilitated by Dr. Saira Khan Head of Department of Applied Psychology Riphah International University Islamabad; Dr. Khan is specialized in adolescent counseling for emotional wellbeing and, Dr. Mifrah Rauf, Assistant Professor Department of Applied Psychology, Riphah International University Islamabad with PhD in clinical psychology.
The workshop formally commenced with recitation of Holy Quran and a welcome note by Professor Dr. Jamil A. Malik. The focus of this workshop was to familiarize participants with the principles and techniques of CBT, emphasizing its use in understanding and changing negative thought patterns that lead to emotional distress. The workshop highlighted CBT as a structured, time-sensitive therapeutic approach proven to be effective in treating various psychological issues. Through structured sessions, practical activities, and continued reflection, participants develop essential skills for managing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Participants engaged in interactive activities to identify and challenge cognitive distortions, practiced cognitive restructuring, and learned to implement behavioral strategies that promote positive change. The training also included practical exercises to simulate real-life therapeutic scenarios, enhancing participants’ ability to apply CBT techniques effectively. Attendees of the workshop were majorly fresh psychology graduates and undergraduates from Beaconhouse International College, University of London and National Institute of Psychology, Quaid i Azam University.
The conclusion session of the workshop was led by Dr. Nelofar Kiran Rauf, assistant professor NIP as director representative NIP. The participants were encouraged to provide their feedback and briefed about the spirit of the workshop. They were provided by certificates of training followed by a group photo. The workshop successfully equipped attendees with essential skills to use CBT techniques in both personal and professional settings and long-term tools to address mental health challenges, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.
Conditioned Processes Analysis for Customized Models: Practice With PROCESS Macro
By Prof. Dr. Jamil A. Malik, Tenured Professor, National Institute of Psychology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad
The National Institute of Psychology, Centre of Excellence, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, successfully conducted a Pre-conference Workshop on “Conditioned Processes Analysis for Customized Models: Practice With PROCESS Macro’’ on 11th October 2024. The workshop was facilitated by Prof. Dr. Jamil A. Malik, Tenured Professor, National Institute of Psychology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. The workshop formally commenced with recitation of Holy Quran and a welcome note by Dr. Haleema Saadia. The workshop aimed to familiarize participants with the principles and techniques of conditioned processes analysis, emphasizing its application through the use of the PROCESS macro for customized statistical models. The focus was on understanding the dynamics of moderation (two-way interactions, three-way interactions), mediation (multiple mediations, serial mediators, parallel mediators), moderated mediations, path analysis, and conditional process analysis to gain deeper insights into research data. Participants of the workshop were faculty members, Ph.D. scholars, and M.Phil. scholars from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamic International University, and Riphah International University. Participants engaged in interactive activities designed to explore and implement conditioned process analysis, practiced using the PROCESS macro in real-time data scenarios, and learned to develop and interpret customized statistical models. The training included practical exercises simulating research situations, enhancing the participants’ ability to apply these techniques effectively in their academic and professional endeavors. During the concluding session the participants were encouraged to share their feedback and were briefed on the core objectives of the workshop. Certificates of training were distributed, followed by a group photo. The workshop successfully equipped attendees with essential skills to utilize conditioned process analysis in both research and applied settings.
From Draft to Masterpiece: Structuring Your Research Article
By Dr. Anam Khan, Assistant Prof., Department of Psychology, Rawalpindi Women University
The National Institute of Psychology, Centre of Excellence, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, successfully conducted a Pre-conference Workshop on “From Draft to Masterpiece: Structuring Your Research Article’’ on 23rd October 2024. The workshop was facilitated by Assistant Prof. Dr. Anam Khan. The workshop formally commenced with recitation of Holy Quran and a welcome note by Dr. Haleema Saadia. The workshop aimed to familiarize participants with the intricacies of the publication process. The workshop aimed at providing insight to beginners for effective article writing and to know the steps of publication in scientific journals. Participants of the workshop were undergraduates and graduates from Quaid-i-Azam University predominantly. Participants engaged in interactive activities designed to know about problem identification and hypotheses formulation in real-time data scenarios, and participants learned to develop structured and unstructured abstracts as per the journal guidelines. The training included choosing a journal and refraining from predatory journals thus enhancing the participants’ ability to apply effective article writing techniques in their academic and professional endeavors. During the concluding session the participants were encouraged to share their feedback and were briefed on the core objectives of the workshop. Dr. Humaira Jami, assistant professor NIP concluded the session by appreciating the resource person and participants of the workshop. Certificates of training were distributed, followed by a group photo. The workshop successfully equipped attendees with essential skills to keep on a track for publishing despite of multiple trials.
Intensive Four Day Training on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Dr. Pamela Buck
Boston Child Study Center, Boston USA
Dr. Pamela Buck, a certified DBT therapist and a clinical psychologist from Boston Child Study Center, Boston USA led the level I workshop on DBT “Intensive Four Day Training on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.” The workshop took place from November 7 to 10, 2024, focusing on core DBT skills to support clinical application, especially for working with individuals experiencing emotion dysregulation. The training aimed to explain DBT’s theoretical foundations and evidence base, especially for treating borderline personality disorder (BPD). DBT’s four primary modules: Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, and Interpersonal Effectiveness were introduced. The workshop enhanced participant abilities to foster motivation, commitment to personal goals, and address therapy challenges. Each day began with mindfulness exercises and discussions, then covered various DBT modules. The final session focused on case formulation using a DBT framework and overcoming barriers to skill application. This workshop provided a comprehensive foundation for professionals aiming to integrate DBT strategies into therapeutic settings. The participants of the workshop were diverse professionals serving in Pakistan and abroad such as Somalia, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Abu Dhabi, and UK.
Data Analysis Using Jamovi: The Most User-Friendly R Interface
Prof. Dr. Agata Gasiorowska
Center for Research in Economic Behavior, University in Wroclaw, Poland.
Prof. Dr. Agata Gasiorowska is a full professor of psychology at SWPS. University in Wroclaw, Poland. Faculty of Psychology in Wroclaw, Center for Research in Economic Behavior. She led the training focused on introducing mixed models in Jamovi. The workshop emphasized Jamovi’s effective balance of simplicity and power, making it ideal for both teaching introductory statistics and supporting advanced research. The workshop focused on “Mixed Models in Jamovi,” analyzing hierarchical data using linear mixed models (LMM) and generalized linear mixed models (GLMM). Participants explored Jamovi’s user interface, data management tools, and key features, while focusing on GLMM techniques suited for analyzing complex, nested data structures often seen in behavioral, social, and clinical research. The session guided participants through the basics of LMM, including fixed and random effects, enabling them to set up and interpret LMMs in Jamovi. Basic model diagnostics and comparison techniques were also covered to help participants select the best-fitting model. By the end of the course, participants were equipped to confidently use Jamovi for conducting and interpreting LMM and GLMM analyses, preparing them to apply these models to real-world research scenarios.
Psychological Wellbeing in Cyber-scattered Era Ripples of Mind - Reclaiming Inner Balance
By Ms. Rakia Raza, art & drama therapist, visual artist, fiction writer, psychologist, serial entrepreneur, trainer, and theatre director
Ms. Rakia Raza led the workshop, “Psychological Wellbeing in Cyber-scattered Era Ripples of Mind – Reclaiming Inner Balance.” Ms. Raza is an art & drama therapist, visual artist, fiction writer, psychologist, serial entrepreneur, trainer, and theatre director. This workshop targeted the growing need to address mental fragmentation and stress in a cyber-dominated era, offering participants a safe, supportive space to reconnect with their inner selves through creative expression. The workshop began with a guided imagery meditation to help participants relax and prepare for self-exploration. Participants engaged in two art therapy activities: the Sail through Mind exercise, which encouraged them to paint spontaneously based on their stream of consciousness, and the Fix & Mix exercise, which guided them to expand upon their artwork in a structured way. These exercises allowed attendees to experience catharsis, self-awareness, and a sense of control over their emotions and mental processes. Following these activities, a group discussion and interpretation session provided insights into individual artworks, with personalized guidance on coping strategies for digital-induced stress. The workshop concluded with the Let it Go activity, where participants wrote down and symbolically released burdensome thoughts, signifying a commitment to positive change. This impactful workshop equipped attendees with practical art therapy techniques for managing digital distractions, fostering mental clarity, and enhancing overall well-being
Cyberpsychology in Action: Computational Models to Decode Digital Behavior
Ms. Mahnoor Ali, Lecturer Forman Christian College|, PhD Scholar (Forensic Psychology), Gold Medalist MSc Psychology, Certified in Data Science and Machine Learning LUMS
The Cyberpsychology in Action workshop led by Ms. Mahnoor Ali offered participants an in-depth exploration of computational modeling to decode digital behavior. Ms. Mahnoor Ali is lecturer Forman Christian College| PhD Scholar (Forensic Psychology), Gold Medalist MSc Psychology, Certified in Data Science and Machine Learning LUMS. Participants of the workshop were introduced to the intersection of psychology and computational methods, learning how these models are used to analyze and interpret digital interactions. The workshop was majorly theory driven as the AI models are entirely new to most psychology majors and it was a requirement to understand foundation before moving on to the computational models. Some AI software were shown through which research can be carried out and some real research projects were discussed. Hand on activities included few research related practical activities. The major purpose was to introduce the workshop attendees to the real AI. Topics covered included modeling online behavior, predicting behavioral patterns, analyzing user experience, and understanding human-computer interaction. Additionally, participants engaged in hands-on exposure to computational tools and techniques such as sentiment analysis and data simulations, empowering them to conduct advanced research in cyberpsychology. By the workshop’s conclusion, attendees felt equipped with practical skills for applying computational methods in their research, particularly in areas like behavior prediction and user experience analysis. This workshop successfully underscored the importance of computational approaches in psychological research, positioning participants to leverage these skills to advance their work in digital behavior analysis and computational social sciences.
