Dr Pallavi Dhakne (Churi) represents Goa on the global stage at the World Psychiatry Association Congress in Prague
In today’s fast-evolving world, it is imperative for professionals to continually update their knowledge. With rapid advances in technology and constant innovation, staying abreast of the latest developments poses a unique challenge. For medical professionals particularly psychiatrists, regular interaction, learning, and exchange of ideas with national and international experts are essential.
Dr Pallavi Dhakne (Churi), Consultant Psychiatrist trained in Mumbai with further education at esteemed national institutions and fellowships in the United Kingdom, recently participated in one such prestigious event: the 25th Annual Congress of the World Psychiatry Association (WPA) held in Prague, Czech Republic. This global forum, attended by over 3,000 specialists from more than 120 countries, was themed ‘The Role of Psychiatry in the Changing World.’
Dr Pallavi was a distinguished participant in an international symposium titled ‘The Stress, Challenges and Redressal Systems for Modern Marital Conflicts.’ She shared the stage with colleagues and friends from Mexico and East Asia, presenting data from India on the subject. In her address, she emphasised the significance of marriage in Indian society and explored how contemporary social and technological shifts are reshaping relationships, often giving rise to new conflicts. She highlighted the severe emotional, psychological, and financial toll that marital discord can impose on families, and proposed culturally rooted, community-based, and gender-sensitive solutions. The symposium was highly appreciated, generating engaging discussions and questions from delegates across the globe.
Dr Pallavi, a consistent advocate for women’s mental health and the reduction of stigma surrounding psychiatric care, also presented an e-poster and short oral presentation titled ‘Addressing Therapeutic Abuse, Transference, Stigma and Patient Advocacy.’
Her presentation underscored key issues such as patient autonomy, career psycho-education, and the importance of reflective practice among mental health professionals. She highlighted the need for active listening, gender-sensitive counselling, and the use of non-pharmacological approaches to distress management, aimed at fostering egalitarian therapist–client relationships, preventing abusive dynamics, and building trust while reducing stigma.
The presentation was met with enthusiastic feedback, with many colleagues sharing their clinical insights and personal experiences. These exchanges further enriched the academic and professional fellowship among the international participants. Dr Pallavi’s paper also brought attention to the often-unspoken biases women face while seeking psychiatric support – from family members, peers, and even healthcare providers.
During the congress, Dr Pallavi engaged with several eminent figures in global psychiatry, including Dr Vinay Lakra and Prof Danuta Wasserman from Australia; Prof Subodh Dave, Dean of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK); Prof Shehan Williams, President of the SAARC Association of Psychiatrists from Sri Lanka; and Prof Norman Sartorius of Switzerland. She has since received invitations to attend the upcoming WPA Congress in Stockholm, as well as regional conferences in Indonesia and Japan.
Currently, Dr Pallavi serves on the Executive Committees of the State, Regional, and National Psychiatry Associations, where she is recognised as an active and dynamic contributor. It is inspiring to see a doctor from the state representing Goa on such a distinguished international platform.
With 17 years of clinical experience, Dr Pallavi Dhakne (Churi) practises as a Consultant Psychiatrist and Visiting Faculty at Redkar Hospital and Research Centre, Dhargal; Galaxy Hospital, Mapusa; Campal Clinic, Panaji; and Swastik Hospital, Dona Paula.
Her key areas of interest include Community Psychiatry, Women and Child Mental Health, Neuropsychiatry, Consultation–Liaison Psychiatry, Old Age Mental Health, and Psychotherapy.
