Anugraha

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WAPP

The World Association for Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy (WAPP) is the international umbrella organization of Positive Psychotherapy (PPT). It consists of individual members, national associations, national and regional training institutes, centers and representative offices.

WAPP promotes the theory, method and practice of Positive Psychotherapy (PPT after Peseschkian, since 1977). The Association is engaged in the training of postgraduate professionals in psychotherapy, family therapy, psychosomatics and counselling all over the world.

History of Positive Psychotherapy

Positive Psychotherapy (PPT) was founded by Nossrat Peseschkian (1933– 2010), an Iranian-born German psychiatrist, neurologist, and psychotherapist. Developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, PPT emerged as an integrative and transcultural approach influenced by humanistic psychology, psychoanalysis, and the cultural insights Peseschkian gained from studying over 20 different societies. Inspired by his personal encounters with renowned psychotherapists and the principles of the Bahá’í Faith, he sought to create a method that balanced cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects of therapy while emphasizing human strengths and resources. His pioneering work led to the establishment of Positive Psychotherapy training programs, publications, and international associations, making it a widely recognized psychotherapeutic approach today.

History of WAPP – India

While studying at Sigmund Freud University in Vienna, Fr. Arul Edward met Mr. Solomon, a fellow research scholar, and learned about Positive Transcultural Psychotherapy (PPT), which offered a path to European licensing. Fr. Arul began searching for such courses across Europe, contacting over 30 people, and after months of effort in 2023, received a reply from Mrs. Ewa Dobiala. Ewa offered to help Fr. Arul join a course in Europe and also expressed willingness to support bringing the training to India. Due to ongoing Covid cases, she sought and received permission from the World Council in Germany to host the first basic course online. Fr. Arul then shared the idea with Fr. Wilson, Fr. Sahayaraj, and Fr. Lawrence, who all gave their support. This collaboration marked the beginning of WAPP India courses with Mrs. Ewa Dobiala’s help.

Super Conference 2025: June 16 – 18

WAPP Super Conference 2025

Exploring the Social Responsibility, Diverse Modalities, and Future of Psychotherapy

The WAPP Super Conference 2025 was organized by the World Association for Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy (WAPP) and its National Centre in India, Anugraha Institute for Counselling, Psychotherapy & Research. As the sole National Centre of WAPP in India, Anugraha hosted this threeday national conference to explore the evolving role of psychotherapy in addressing the mental health needs of a complex, changing world.

Day 1: The Social Responsibility of Psychotherapy

Moderator: Dr. Vidhya S. Arunkumar (MD, DNB – Psychiatry)

Speakers:

Fr. Sundar Wilson, Ph.D. (Psychology) – “Beyond Algorithms”
Ms. Christiana Venita Deepa – “Ethics and Social Dimensions in Psychotherapy”
Dr. John Peter Vallabadoss – “Philosophical Perspectives and the Collective Psyche”

Day 2: Case Studies in Different Modalities

Moderator: Fr. Arul Edward, Director, Anugraha

Case Presentations:

Fr. Ignatius Amirtharaj – REBT Perspective
Fr. Arul Muthu – ACT Perspective

Day 3: The Future of Psychotherapy in the Modern World

Moderator: Dr. Kiruthiga K. (MBBS, MD – Psychiatry)

Panelists:

Fr. Mathew (Dr. R. Senthil Kumar) – “The Yogic Perspective in Psychotherapy”
Ms. Althea Correia – “Technological, Cultural, and Holistic Trends in Psychotherapy”

Each day featured deep reflections, rich discussions, and insightful case analyses that inspired participants to envision a more inclusive, humancentered, and futureready approach to mental health care.

Staff

Ewa Dobiala

International Supervisor

Dr. Arul Edward

Director

Javis Jerald

Manager