What is Psychology?
Psychology is the science of mind and behavior. It comprises a body of knowledge about human behavior, research to obtain and extend that knowledge and a field of professional practice where psychological skills and knowledge are applied. The practice of psychology represents the application of psychology as a scientific discipline to solve social and behavioral problems and to promote human wellbeing and happiness.
When was Psychology introduced in Nepal?
The history of psychology in Nepal can be traced back to 1947 AD when it was introduced at Tri Chandra College, Kathmandu in the intermediate level as part of philosophy.
When did MA program in Psychology started in Nepal?
The teaching of Psychology in the master level started only in 1980 at Tri Chandra College. It later moved to the Kirtipur Campus, Tribhuvan University. The first head of the Central Department of Psychology was Late Ms. Sarala Thapa.
What is the Master’s Program in Psychology in Tribhuvan University?
The Master’s Program in Psychology (M.A.) is a general program of 2 years with 1 year specialization course in Clinical and Counseling or educational or Organizational Psychology. This academic program is especially suitable for students planning to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology or those seeking an advanced degree in a related discipline. It may be useful for students seeking employment in a variety of settings.
Who is the current head of department in Tribhuvan University?
Dr. Shanta Niraula, Professor of Psychology is the head of the department from 2012.
What are the basic requirements for becoming a psychologist in Nepal?
The required minimum level of education is the Master’s degree and the few years of working experience in research, teaching, and other practices. The licensure system has not been yet started in Nepal.
What is the scope of Psychology in Nepal?
Psychologists are employed in a variety of fields in Nepal, both in the public and private sectors. The Government of Nepal employs few psychologists in Public Service Commission and other public institutions. However, there is no licensing system for psychologists and mental health workers.
In Nepal, a competent student who has completed the Master’s degree in Psychology with some job experience is considered a psychologist. Most of the students after getting the Masters degree start working actively in this field; very few of them continue their studies to the doctoral level. In recent years, the scope of psychology is increasing than ever.
What is most happening in the field of Nepalese Psychology?
Counseling has been the buzz word in the psychology and mental health field so, plenty of people are getting attracted to become counselors because that offers a lot of scope for employment.
Is it just the counseling?
No, counseling is just one of many subfields of psychology; there is a lot beyond it. Research is one major field in which the current and future generations should work on to adapt and develop a kind of psychology, psychological theories and interventions which is really useful in Nepalese context and culture. There is a plenty of opportunities as well as challenges in this field.
What is the current state of Psychology in Nepal?
The current state of Psychology in Nepal is good compared to the past 30 years. Academically, the courses have been updated in Bachelor and Master Levels recently. Professionally, the scope of psychology is increasing than ever in a variety of settings such as educational institutions, NGOs, INGOs, hospitals, counseling clinics, and so on.
What is the state of psychological research in Nepal?
Unfortunately, it is not good. The field still lacks the rigorous psychological practice and research work. Most of the research has been done with the help of foreign psychologists which has been published in international and national journals. Prof. Murari Prasad Regmi is one of the most published research psychologists from Nepal.
What is the state of media associated with Nepalese Psychology?
Prof. Ayan Bahadur Shrestha has published numerous books related to psychology which include Prarambhik Manobigyan (1979), Manobigyan ka kehi Rochak tathayaharu (1995), Shikchya Manobigyan ka bibidh pakchya (19??),Manobigyan ka kehi kura (2004), and Siknu ra sikaunu (2010). His forthcoming book is Manobigyan ka kehi Rochak tathayaharu-2 (2012). According to Prof. Shrestha, some more books are going to be published in future which are under preparation. In addition to that, he has published his academic writings in journals such as Nepalese Psychologists, International Journal of Psychology, Education and Development, etc.
Nepalese Psychology Network is an informal and volunteer-based network dedicated to the field of psychology in Nepal and worldwide with a major objective of facilitating the communication and information flow among interested and related people. It was started in 2008 and founded by Mr. Sujen Man Maharjan. The major breakthrough of Nepalese Psychology Network is the introduction of the cyber-culture and the promotion of effective communication through the online media.
http://psychology.com.np is one of the major websites dedicated to Nepalese Psychology. It is a web development project which is associated with Nepalese Psychology Network. Other sites suchh as http://mentalhealthnepal.com/ , http://psychbigyaan.wordpress.com etc have been started to deal with the problems of mental health and psychology exclusively.
Manaswe magazine is the only print media completely dedicated and related to Nepalese Psychology. It is in print since the last two years. Mr. Khem Raj Bhatta is the chief editor of the magazine.
( The above information is reproduced from Sujen Man Maharjan ‘s blog with his prior permission. Sujen Man Maharjan is a humanitarian professional engaged in mental health care and psychological research with an aim to promote psychological well-being. He is dedicated for the development of Psychology in Nepal and loves to collaborate with like-minded people. He is a founder of NEPsychNet (Nepalese Psychology Network) and he blogs at sujenman.wordpress.com)
