Field Visit to VIMHANS
04 April 2026, Saturday
04 April 2026, Saturday
11:00 AM
01:00 PM
Department of Psychology, School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, IILM University, Gurugram
Department of Psychology, IILM University, Gurugram
Dr. Aanchal Chaudhary & Ms. Aradhya Sharma
IILM University, Gurugram
The Field Visit to VIMHANS (Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences) — a reputed institute in mental health and neurosciences in New Delhi — aimed to provide students with experiential learning through direct exposure to clinical and rehabilitative mental health settings, including guided hospital rounds, interactive sessions with practising psychologists, and participation in an art therapy session to gain insights into patient care, therapeutic processes, and the role of creative interventions in mental health treatment. The visit commenced with an orientation session at VIMHANS where students were introduced to the institution, its departments, and the scope of services offered, with the importance of ethical conduct and confidentiality in clinical settings emphasised as foundational professional standards. Hospital rounds took students through different units observing the functioning of outpatient and inpatient services, providing insight into patient care, clinical observation, and the structured environment of mental health institutions, and directly bridging the gap between theoretical learning and clinical application. Students engaged in interactive sessions with practising clinical psychologists who discussed case histories, diagnostic processes, and therapeutic interventions, providing practical insights into handling real-life cases, maintaining therapeutic relationships, and applying psychological theories in practice. A significant highlight was the art therapy session where students participated in guided creative activities, demonstrating how art can be used as a medium for emotional expression, stress reduction, and psychological healing, with students experiencing firsthand the impact of non-verbal therapeutic techniques in clinical settings. Students actively interacted with professionals asking questions related to therapy techniques, patient management, ethical concerns, and career opportunities, and at the valedictory session reflected on their experiences and provided documented feedback. Signed by Dr. Aanchal Chaudhary (Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator, PG) and Ms. Aradhya Sharma (Assistant Professor & MA Mentor, 2024 Batch).
tudents gained practical exposure to clinical mental health settings and developed an understanding of patient interaction and therapeutic environments through hospital rounds covering outpatient and inpatient services, directly bridging the gap between theoretical learning and clinical application. The art therapy session enhanced awareness of alternative and expressive therapeutic techniques, with direct participation providing students with experiential understanding of how non-verbal creative interventions are deployed as clinical tools in a professional psychiatric setting. Students gained clarity regarding career pathways in clinical psychology and mental health services through interactive discussions with professionals about therapy techniques, patient management, ethical concerns, and career opportunities — a form of career guidance accessible only through field-based exposure. Students developed observational skills, ethical awareness, and sensitivity toward individuals experiencing mental health challenges through direct observation of the multidisciplinary collaborative care model at VIMHANS. Students reflected on their experiences and provided documented feedback at the valedictory session, affirming the enriching and insightful nature of the visit and its significant contribution to their professional development.