In a past few decades, there are various changes brought in the legal system throughout the world. There were multi-disciplinary approaches adopted to refine the legal processes and make it more accessible to the masses to their specific problems.
In a past few decades, there are various changes brought in the legal system throughout the world. There were multi-disciplinary approaches adopted to refine the legal processes and make it more accessible to the masses to their specific problems. The purpose of the law movements is to find better solutions to individual’s problems, who are left with no option, but to take the help of law. Interaction with law has dual effect, that may be beneficial in protecting their person and property or cause psychological stress at the same time out of ignorance. One need to look at various options that suits his or her social, psychological and financial background. An un-biased Psycho-legal approach will help an individual who is going through emotional turmoil and unable to take decisions with regard to relationships in family or contracts. The purpose of Psycho-legal approach is to maximize the benefits by expanding the options available to the beneficiaries, avoid prolonged litigation and live without stress and apprehensions
Aim and objective of Psycho-legal solutions
We all strive to make life better and, in the process, earn and safeguard our properties as a security. Seeking legal help. To protect his/her person and property is inevitable in all stages of life. People become either over ambitious, aggressive, insecure, attached or escapists, in order to maintain their status and lifestyle. This causes a lot of emotional turbulences and cognitive distortions. It all takes a toll on their mental health if they are ignorant of law and not conscious about their rights. The developments happening in their court cases constantly triggers them psychologically. If this state is prolonged, as the litigations in India take very long time to settle, out of frustration it affects their overall personality. It shows minor or major symptoms of anxiety and depression among those who are undergoing such experiences.
The main aim and purpose of psycho-legal solutions/help desk is to create an awareness through psycho-legal knowledge about the methods that are applied by the criminal and civil justice systems. To give the clients a clarity of thought and expression by eliminating the errors and assumptions in their belief about the judicial system. This improves their power of decision making, increases the level of confidence and empowers them. It prepares them to face the life challenges independently and vigorously without fear and anxiety.
The purpose of the help desk is particularly to empower the masses to face the legal challenges. By any means the psycho-legal counselling or therapy do not intend to interfere with the legal and professional battle between the court-lawyer-client in any way. This kind of assistance will make the clients empowered to seed justice with confidence with clarity of thought and mind.
Psycho-legal solutions also help the professionals to present their case with more solid proofs before the courts. Such approach will open up new avenues to grow professionally in a right direction without avoiding or escaping from their obligations in the society. It works as a holistic and potential healing by forming relationships through broader participation while serving the community through the justice system.
Legal awareness among the masses can avoid many complications even in an ordinary person’s life. Particularly, when it comes to deal with a psychiatric patient, the responsibility of the family members on whom
the patient depends, the society and the state are of utmost importance. Psychiatry comes in contact with the law in many ways in different fields and ignorance of law is not excusable. There are two divisions of law that needs to be understood by all those who are assisting the clients in the field of psychology.
Criminal Law and Psychiatry In India Section 84 of Indian Penal Code (Act.45 of 1860) speaks about liability of a person with unsound mind. A mentally ill person must satisfy that.II.Civil Law and Psychiatry
In case of criminal offence, the onus of proving inanity in a person is on the state, whereas in civil matters, the burden of proof is on the party who alleges, to prove sanity while entering in any contract. The defense of unsoundness of mind, while entering into various civil responsibilities between the individuals is taken in the following situations:
Status in other religions:
II.Adoption
The Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act. (Act 78 of 1956) say
Role of a Clinical Psychologists:
Person with unsound mind as a witness in the court:
Testamentary capacity:
The regulations with regard to testamentary dispositions are laid in Indian Succession Act (Act 39 of 1925).
The person who is executing a Will must be of ‘sound and disposing mind’, and not being a minor. To test the capacity of a person the examiner needs to look at:
How to examine:
Transfer of Property, Contract and Driving: Section 7 of Transfer of Property Act deals with mental status of a person entering into sale or purchase of the property. The Indian Contract Act mentions about the capacity of a person as a ‘Major’ to be eligible to enter into a contract. The mental status of such persons is to be examined.
WHO CAN APPROACH FOR PSYCHO-LEGAL SUPPORT/ASSISTANCE:
a)Distressed with litigation or in a dilemma to initiate
a)Unaware about the laws, and the procedures of the court
a)Want to understand for who’s benefit laws are made –
Points for consideration:
All cases will be heard and dealt with absolute confidentiality with their consent and permission.
Psycho-legal Therapy/solutions could be a guide for a better understanding of their case with clarity.
The therapy is as a second opinion to clarify the doubts in the minds of the client who are not getting answers elsewhere. The ultimate decision is of the client, as the cases take different on twists and turn, depending on the situations.
The Psycho-legal therapy is designed to reduce the distress of the clients and empower them by creating legal awareness about law and equipping them in handling things independently rather than groping in darkness.
It is time saving, as the clients will get apt solutions from law and psychological healing. Can save money, by getting comprehensive solutions to both problems at one doorstep.
Note: The therapists do not entertain any case in the courts, nor give advises on legal aspects, but deal only with building confidence, empowering and give clarity on various amicable and peaceful options. The ultimate and final decision would be of the client.
We can think of following other options:
How to approach Help-line Creating legal awareness among the professionals Creating awareness among the masses Training for the resource persons to disseminate the Psycho-legal information
ROSHINI COUNSELLING CENTER
Is offering Psycho-legal help with
VRUSHALI REDDY
Clinical Psychologist & Legal Expert
CRR No.A58494
Marital & Psycho-legal issues.
Qualifications:
M. Phil Cl. Psy – CASR-OU
LL.M – OU.
Contact: RCC
040-66661117/1118
She is Psycho-legal advisor, Behaviour Therapist, Remedial Therapist, Psychotherapist, and a Counsellor for children, adolescents and adults. She completed P.G Diploma in Psychological Counselling, masters in Psychology and M. Phil in Clinical Psychology. She is currently pursuing Ph.D. from Osmania University, in Marital Therapy.
She practiced as an Advocate in the Civil and High Courts for sixteen years. She Worked as an Assistant Professor at Sweekaar Academy of Rehabilitation Sciences, Served at Ramakrishna Mission/Math at Hyderabad as Legal and Psychological Consultant since 2010 and associated with Aaryajanani, conducting workshops for pregnant women in creating an empowered and refined race
Suhasini is a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). She has completed her graduation in Psychology, postgraduation in Counseling Psychology, and M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology. She has experience working as a Behavior Therapist, Remedial Therapist, Psychotherapist, and as a Counselor for children, adolescents and adults. Currently, she also teaches Psychology at Andhra Mahila Sabha Arts & Science College for Women.
DR E OMESH KUMAR
MBBS (Osmania Medical College)
M.D. Psychiatry (Osmania Medical College)
Senior Resident, Gandhi Medical College, (2015)
Senior Resident, ESIC Medical college (2015-2020)
Assistant Professor, Psychiatry
Osmania Medical College and Hospital, Hyderabad Telangana.
10Yrs of experience in psychiatry
Peer Reviewer in Telangana Journal of Psychiatry.
Associated with Roshni Counselling Centre since 2015.
Member of
1)Indian Psychiatric Society
2)Indian Association of Biological Psychiatry
3)Indian Association of Child and Adolescent Mental Health
4) Asian Association of Continued Medical Education
Special Interests:
Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorders & Dementia
Child Development & Adolescents Psychological issues
Sexual disorders, Sleep disorders Counselling
Alcohol & Smoking Deaddiction Counselling
Depression, OCD & Anxiety Disorders
Counselling & Psychotherapy for Psychological issues
Stress & Relaxation Management
Attachment areas
Suchitra
“We are all capable. We are all emotional. And we hide our capabilities behind our emotions”.
With a mind open to experience, curiosity and penchant for learning, Sucharita stepped out of her comfort zone in the year 2000 and began her journey in the field of Psychology. She earned her M. Phil in Counselling Psychology and went on to complete her Ph. D in Psychology. She is a Certified Counsellor in Crisis Counselling from Lifeline Australia and Grief & Loss Counselling from South West TAFE, Victoria.
While she studied in India, she began her career working in suicide prevention, crisis intervention and child sexual abuse in culturally diverse backgrounds. Over the past two decades she has worked with a wide array of people/individuals and mental health issues however she finds a great deal of richness in working with couples and families
In addition to being a Counselling Psychologist, she is an academic tutor teaching Psychology at the high school level with the same passion and professionalism she brings to her clinical practice. Having trained from Career Education Association of Victoria, Australia, she helps adolescents and young adults understand their identity and make appropriate career choices during the transitional stages of their lives.
A learner and seeker at heart, she is continuously working on herself personally, and upgrading her skills and techniques professionally. She is focused on helping people improve their emotional literacy and understand their inner world in a safe and non-judgmental therapeutic setting. Sucharita enjoys the human-to-human interactions; genuine and relational work that brings about healing and transformation in the therapeutic alliance.
Ms. Geeta Magesh is a gold medallist, a Clinical Psychologist with a license registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), extensively trained in psychometric assessments for children and adults for personality, intelligence, memory, behavioural and emotional issues, specific learning disabilities and many more. She provides effective evidence-based psychotherapies and counselling to individuals, couples, children, and families presenting with a wide range of mental health challenges. Along with her ongoing practice in Hyderabad, she is a consultant for Spring Health, New York, USA. She has conducted research with individuals suffering from cancer. Furthermore, Ms. Magesh has over 10 years of experience in early childhood development and education.
In addition, she has extensive experience working with multinational corporates in supporting mental health and training employees with quality assurance, stress management, and several other key productivity enhancement skills. She is also a member of Rotary club and has received ‘Vocational Excellence’ award for her contribution in mental health.
A person-centered approach is at the heart of her therapy, with an emphasis on integrated psychotherapies and its techniques focused on improving resilience, emotion regulation, better communication, effective stress coping skills, and general overall well-being
Ms. Geeta Magesh interests include:
Shama Lakhani, is a rehabilitation specialist and special needs educator practicing intensively in understanding learning disabilities, Behaviour management and ADD/ADHD. She has over a decade of experience in this field. She has worked at various schools, and dedicated a lot of her time to the Dyslexia Association of Telangana (DAT). Her work ethos is reflected in her holistic approach in supporting children with self-esteem building and self-discipline training. Shama is the founder of Unique Intelligence, a child development Center, gives therapies to children who deal with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder and all other learning disabilities. Over the years she has spoken on various aspects of education, ranging from teaching aids, learning disabilities awareness, brain development and inclusive education etc. She has been in association with “CognitiveBotics” as a principal advisor. She has been volunteering for many sessions for “Aga khan foundation “(AKF) relating to mental health and autism awareness. With her growing organisation, she kept adding feathers to her hat, through sessions, working at ” Roshni counselling centre ” as a consultant. Her limitless contributions, doesn’t end here, her versatility has also been a part of book, she co-authored the book ‘ Impact of Covid 19 on autism spectrum disorder managementa therapist perspective ” She is determined to help educate society at every opportunity, and give the parents an overall support system to deal with the challenges of a child with learning disabilities.
Mr. Anjan Kumar has been conducting Mental Health and well-being awareness programs for different strata of people, stress management programs for Govt. Institutions and effective sales and marketing skills for Insurance and Real Estate companies. Since 2010, he has been in the field of special education (Autism, ADHD and Learning Disability), providing parental guidance and counseling and trainings on “multiple intelligence” for age between 2- and 10-years children, Study skills for High school children.
Ares of expertise:
Psychological assessments and diagnosis for adults and children
Mood and anxiety disorders
Psychosomatic disorders
Life-style disorders management
Substance abuse disorders
Marital and family counseling/therapy
Sex therapy/counseling
Adjustment disorders
Behavioral issues in children
Parental counseling and guidance
Gayatri’s love for Psychology started more than two decades ago during her Bachelor’s Degree Program. It’s the zeal to explore and understand herself that ignites her passion towards the field. Attaining degrees in Psychology was a pleasure as it was her passion than amassing a mere degree. She has done M. A in Clinical Psychology (2002) and M. Phil in Counselling Psychology (2005) from Andhra University and Masters in Human Resource Management (2015) from Symbiosis. She also graduated in “Personal Effectiveness Training” program provided by Internationally renowned Dale Carnegie Institute for Training and Personality development. She has been working in the field of Counselling & Training for 14 Years. The love for the subject motivates her to explore the opportunities in the field where she can deliver efficient psychological support to others. Counselling/Training experience for her is an exchange of perspectives and a two-way learning process. Her belief about counselling or training is that “She can only make people think and eventually change follows”. Hence, she uses an eclectic approach to counselling that allows her to ask thought provoking questions to trigger the process of change in her clients. She is associated with Roshni since 2014 and prior to this stint has worked with ICFAI Business School, District Rural Development Agency, Aditya Birla, Hindustan Coca-Cola as a Behavioural Trainer & Psychologist
Dr. Subha Ramaswamy
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS • Extensive knowledge of student assessment methodologies and their implications • Hands-on experience in managing student learning, behavior and emotional issues • Well versed in developing programs to address and prevent behavior and emotional problems • Expert in conducting psychological assessments aimed at cognitive, social / emotional and behavioral functioning of both students and teachers • Strong knowhow of providing counseling services to students with a high focus on students with disabilities • Remedial therapy for children with learning difficulties & developmental delays • Career guidance and career counseling • Behavior Management and Behavior Therapy • Cognitive Behavior Therapy & Acceptance Commitment Therapy • Parental Counseling and Guidance • Teacher training programme
Dr Jayanti Sundar Rajan has 20 years of experience as a psychologist. She has a Masters in Clinical Psychology and Phd in Counseling and Psychotherapy Jayanti is associated with Roshni Counseling Centre from the inception and also with Infosys for more than a decade.
Her areas of expertise are –
Dr. Sri Lakshmi Pingali
Professor of Psychiatry
Senior consultant, Roshni Counselling Centre
Wide ranging experience in child and adolescent mental health
Women mental health, with special focus on pregnant and lactating mothers with mental health issues.
Conversant in English, Hindi, Telugu and Odia
Believes in spending quality time with patients during consultation for an indepth understanding of their problems.
Suhasini is a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). She has completed her graduation in Psychology, postgraduation in Counseling Psychology, and M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology. She has experience working as a Behavior Therapist, Remedial Therapist, Psychotherapist, and as a Counselor for children, adolescents and adults. Currently, she also teaches Psychology at Andhra Mahila Sabha Arts & Science College for Women.
Dr. Arun Kumar is the first batch of Psy.D (doctor of clinical psychology), Licensed by Rehabilitation Council of India. He has an experience of over 9 years, working with various age groups (child, adolescent and adult population) in various setups like Nizams Institute of Medical Sciences (govt.) Hospital Hyderabad, corporate setup like Accenture -Google were taking care of employees age group of 22-50.
He Prefers working with couples, marital issues, premarital counselling, depression and other mood disorders. Psychometrics for forensic cases, as well as teen and adolescent problems. Emotional problems adjustment issues.
