The Hyderabad Academy of Psychology (HAP) has been founded by Dr Diana Monteiro as a training academy and counseling center to bridge the gap between formal psychological education and practical application of psychology in everyday life. We are currently involved in Counselor training, Corporate training, Counseling and Outreach services and Continuing Education of professionals in the field.

The HAP is the first of its kind in the twin cities to offer Counselor training to individuals to ensure that adequate preparation in practical skills, theoretical knowledge and supervision is provided to those who are engaged in the process of helping others. The HAP also offers a wide array of seminars and workshops, throughout the year. We at HAP believe in Continuing Education of specialists and we train students in basic and advanced skills in counseling psychology. We also provide short term workshops and trainings for the professional development of psychologists and counselors.

We believe in action oriented change, and therefore are constantly widening our network of friends and support in the local and national psychology community. In addition, our plans include seeking collaboration with international universities and national organizations, so that students can benefit and grow within the field. Our students can claim the benefits of these networks through better opportunities for higher education and career placements. It is our hope that together we can take the field of psychology to new heights.

We also offer Counseling in various formats (individual, group, couples, child and career) to those in need. We ensure that the highest quality of care is provided to our clients and we follow the current standards of practice maintained the professional practice of psychology. Our Outreach services include educating the public about mental health by offering short seminars and workshops of positive mental health and wellbeing. We also offer suicide prevention trainings to the community and spread awareness about the warning signs and symptoms of suicide.

Our Corporate training services include trainings to help increase productivity, enhance organizational health, boost morale, attract & retain employees, promote workforce cooperation and help employees effectively manage their work and personal life. We offer consultation and assessment services to each corporate client to provide them with a distinctive training package that meets their unique needs.

Faculty

Dr Diana Monteiro, Director

Dr. Diana Monteiro is the Director of the Academy and has a passion for training counselors. She obtained her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi, USA and worked as a licensed psychologist before returning to India in 2008. After 10 years of training and experience in USA, Dr. Monteiro currently practices at Fillings Psychological Services in Secunderabad, teaches psychology and provides clinical supervision to psychologists–in–training. She is the Counseling Psychologist in charge at Sahayam, Osmania University’s Counseling Center, which she helped start and currently manages. She is licensed to practice as a psychologist and health service provider in Tennessee, USA (License no. 2665).
She is also guest faculty at Montfort College, Bangalore. She conducts seminars and workshops on various psychology based topics locally and internationally. She is an excellent presenter and speaker and is often sought after for conducting trainings and presentations. Her specialty areas include working with adolescents and adults, suicide prevention, relationship concerns, communication and multicultural issues. Clinically, she is adept at treating mental health issues from a positive psychology framework and uses strength based approaches in counseling. Her philosophy of training is based on integrity, ethical practice and working hard and playing hard to ensure good all round development.

Other Faculty

Our faculty and resource persons comprise of practitioners from all over the world. Some of them have included:

Dr Melissa Bartsch	Dr Melissa Bartsch is the Practicum Coordinator and a Staff Psychologist at the University of Tennessee Counseling Center. She also has an appointment as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology where she teaches practicum courses for Counseling Psychology doctoral students and also teaches First Year Studies courses for entering university freshmen. Dr Bartsch has served on governing boards of various national, regional, and local organizations, including ACPA–College Student Educators International Directorate for Counseling and Psychological Services and the Knoxville Area Psychological Association Board of Directors. Dr Bartsch is also active in multiple campus-wide service committees, including the Division of Student Affairs Diversity Committee, the Distressed Staff Protocol Task Force and the SEE Center’s Safety, Environment & Education Committee. Her professional interests include addictive behaviors, veteran’s issues, relational issues, college student development and supervision & training.
Bona Marie Colaco	Bona Marie Colaco is a trained counselor who enjoys working with adolescents and adults. She obtained a Master’s degree in General Psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad in 2009. She is very enthusiastic about being a counselor and has obtained significant additional training in counseling through Christian Counseling Center, Vellore, and is also a Master Trainer of Counselors with GFATM (the Global fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria). She worked with Bhoomi, an NGO, where she completed two projects on Mentoring and Infant Assessment. She completed the Basic Skills in Counseling Course at the HAP and is currently employed as a HAP Counselor and a faculty member. Her speciality areas include working with relationship concerns, health psychology and suicide prevention.
Kalpana Shankarnarayanan	Kalpana Shankarnarayanan is a learning disabilities specialist, who is also trained in working with slow learning, ADHD and counseling adolescents. She obtained her Masters in guidance and counseling, a Post graduate diploma in learning disabilities and has bachelor of education in learning disabilities. Her rich and diverse experiences include working with special children for seven years in inclusive classrooms within the normal school and rehabilitation center environment. She is well versed with IEP, remedial strategies and techniques.
Deepanwita Maitra	Deepanwita Maitra is a Rehabilitation Psychologist, who is trained in working with children with special needs. She obtained her Post Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Psychology for Sweekaar Institute of Rehabilitation and is currently working as with Care for Autism, Secunderabad. She enjoys working with children with disabilities and developmental problems.
Divya Nair	Divya Nair is a Clinical Psychologist with a Master of Psychology (Clinical) degree from the University of South Australia and is registered with the South Australian Psychological Board (No. 1885). Her work has been published in a leading international journal of psychology. She is an experienced career counselor and has a passion for clinical psychology. She works well with depression, anxiety disorders and chronic pain management. In addition, she also also adept at conducting behavioral and cognitive assessments for children and adults.
Divya Raj	Divya Raj is a trained counselor who obtained a Master’s degree in General Psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad in 2009. She has obtained significant additional training in counseling through Christian Counseling Center, Vellore and has completed the Basic Skills in Counseling Course with the HAP. In addition she is a Master Trainer of Counselors with GFATM (the Global fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria). She worked at N. G. Aacharayaranga Agricultural University at Rajendranagar, where she taught a course on Personality Development, Ethics and Values. She also worked with Bhoomi, an NGO, where she completed two projects on Mentoring and Infant Assessment. She enjoys working with individuals with depression and anxiety and especially adolescent issues.

Our Student Testimonials

Being a part of the HAP has been the most enriching academic experience. Now I love my subject (Psychology) even more. I feel confident of being able to apply my knowledge.., thats what we’re taught at the HAP. The internships and supervision were the highlights of the course, it gave us students a chance to gauge where we stand in terms of our skills, boosted our confidence and at the same time showed us areas where we needed to improve.

We have the most amazing teachers. The style of teaching is extremely effective and fun. The discussions in class and the assignments are also a great source of learning. I have been very lucky to be a part of an amazing batch, I have learnt a lot from my classmates. As I’ve always said, my classes were my therapy.

This course has helped me decide in which way i need to steer my career, I intend to be a counselor. I’m grateful

–Bona Marie Colaco, Batch 1 2009–2010

It is very refreshing to see that the course is not just theory but a lot of practical hands–on skills being taught. Diana and Aaarthi make it a lot of fun as well.

–Mamta Reddy, Batch 2 2009–2010

I am Rekha Lagu,one of the student of HAP. My experience with HAP was JUST GREAT.I got to learn a lot from this course.The best part of this course was the practical training that I got from HAP.I don't think there is any other institute that offers what HAP offers. Dr. Diana and Aarthi are two great people.They are very good at what they do.I enjoyed every bit of the training. I am going to miss my classes and my classmates.

–Rekha Lagu, Batch 1 2009–2010

Students comments on Course Evaluations

Batch 1 and 2

"The Helping skills that were taught to help us to deal with clients was very good. so enjoyed this course. The counseling and training was just awesome"

"Attending classes was very important and most valuable to understand and gain more knowledge. However, the amount of knowledge that I have gained from this course is incredible."

"The practical experience provided was most valuable. I learned a lot in the course and I liked it a lot. Before joining this course I did not have much language in psychology but now I can proudly say I know something. Thank you so much."

"The role plays taught me a lot and the skills, theory and most important of all the supervision was very valuable. The suicide assessment was very interesting and an eye opener. I have learnt a lot during my practical training, but I am not confident about learning the theory part. However, after this course I have become more confident and feel I am able to understand and help people better."

"Supervision was extremely helpful and valuable."

Batch 1	Batch 1I	Batch 1 with Dr. Melissa Bartsch