National Workshop on “Psychodrama – A Universal Learning Platform for Mental Health Nursing Process
Hosted by Sree Abirami College of Nursing, Coimbatore
Date: 27th June 2025
Sree Abirami College of Nursing, Coimbatore, took a pioneering step in redefining mental health nursing education by organizing a National Workshop on “Psychodrama – A Universal Learning Platform for Mental Health Nursing Process” on 27th June 2025. Held in the college auditorium, the workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation and marked a new chapter in experiential learning for nursing students and professionals.
The workshop was conceptualized as an interactive and immersive experience, focusing on psychodrama—a therapeutic technique that blends psychology and drama—to deepen understanding and develop skills related to the mental health nursing process. The aim was to bridge the gap between theoretical instruction and real-world application, a vision the institution consistently upholds.
The inaugural session commenced with a warm welcome to dignitaries, resource persons, and over 550 participants, including faculty and clinical staff from various nursing institutions across India. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Dr. P. Periyaswamy, Chairman of Sree Abirami Institutions, whose visionary leadership continues to inspire innovation in healthcare education. The program was organized under the patronage of the institution’s board of directors, with Dr. R. Renuka, Principal of the college, serving as the Organizing Chairperson.
The workshop’s success was a result of dedicated efforts by Dr A. Arvin Babu, HOD of Mental Health Nursing and Program Coordinator, Mrs. Rajalakshmi as Organizing Secretary, and Mr. Periyasamy from the Mental Health Nursing department. Together, they meticulously crafted a day-long schedule blending lectures, live psychodrama demonstrations, and hands-on participation.
Sessions explored key components of the mental health nursing process, such as history taking, mental status examination, care for patients with thought and perceptual disturbances, and management of violent behavior. These sessions were elevated by the use of live psychodrama enactments, performed by students with faculty supervision. These interactive sessions not only captured the audience’s attention but also demonstrated how psychodrama can enhance empathy, communication, and clinical reasoning.
The workshop featured an impressive line-up of expert speakers, including Dr. Sharmila from Dayananda Sagar University, Mrs. Mary Saji Daniel from Travancore College of Nursing, **Mrs. Meera Saravanan from PSG College of Nursing and Dr. A. Arvin Babu, each of whom brought a unique perspective to the platform. Their interactive teaching styles and real-life case simulations enriched the learning experience.
One of the highlights of the day was the hands-on training session led by Mrs. D. Rajalakshmi, Professor at Sree Abirami College of Nursing. Participants actively engaged in psychodrama techniques, exploring the roles of patient, caregiver, and observer. This experiential session allowed nursing educators and students to internalize concepts and practice new approaches to patient care in a controlled and guided setting.
The concluding session was delivered by Dr. Jeyan A., Consultant Psychiatrist, who presented on mental health assessment and therapeutic care. His address provided a professional clinical lens to complement the day’s experiential activities.
The valedictory function marked the end of a truly transformative day. Participants expressed their appreciation for the unique format and innovative teaching methods, citing the workshop as one of the most engaging and practical learning experiences in recent times. The workshop was accredited with 7 Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) credit hours by the Tamil Nadu Nurses and Midwives Council (TNNMC), further adding value to the participants’ professional development.
The event underscored Sree Abirami College of Nursing’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and innovation in healthcare education. By integrating psychodrama into nursing education, the institution not only equips its students with advanced clinical skills but also fosters empathy, critical thinking, and therapeutic communication—qualities essential to holistic mental health care.
This landmark workshop serves as a model for experiential learning in nursing, reminding us that the heart of caregiving lies not just in knowledge but in truly understanding the human experience.
