Riya Susan Varughese is a Psychologist, Assistant Professor, Child and Adolescent Counsellor, and Behaviour Therapist with a professional background in Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counselling, Behaviour Therapy, Child Development, Teaching and Mental Health Support.
She holds a Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology from Kristu Jyoti College of Management and Technology, affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Kuriakose Elias College, Mahatma Gandhi University, along with a Post Graduate Diploma in Child and Adolescent Counselling from Mentex School of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Her professional interests include child and adult psychology, psychological counselling, child and adolescent counselling, behaviour therapy, emotional wellbeing, student development, teaching and mentoring.
She has professional experience in both academic and psychological settings, including working as an Assistant Professor at Labour India College and as a Psychologist cum Behaviour Therapist at Nivera Child Development Centre. She has also gained experience as a Trainee Psychologist and through clinical, community and rehabilitation internships.
Certifications & Professional Training
Emotional Intelligence – SWAYAM Massive Open Online Course
State Eligibility Test (SET) – Qualified, July 2024
Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) – Qualified, 2025
Clinical & Professional Exposure
Assistant Professor – Labour India College, Marangattupilly, Kottayam
February 2025 – Present
– Teaching and academic mentoring
– Student guidance and support
– Presentation and communication
– Student-centred learning and development
Psychologist cum Behaviour Therapist – Nivera Child Development Centre, Kumbalam, Ernakulam
February – December 2024
– Psychological support
– Behaviour therapy
– Child-focused intervention
– Behavioural observation and support
Trainee Psychologist – Amma Multi-Speciality Clinic, Cherpulassery, Palakkad
May – November 2023
Trainee – Ananthapuri Child Development Centre, Chalakuzhy, Thiruvananthapuram
March 2023
Internships
Community Internship – DREAM Kottayam
November – December 2022
Clinical Internship – Nakkada Mission Hospital, Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta
June – July 2022
Clinical Internship – Leela Hospital and De Addiction Centre, Puthuppally, Kottayam
March – April 2022
Clinical Internship – Max Minds Rehab Centre, Payyanur, Kannur
May 2019
Areas of Expertise
Child & Adolescent Psychology | Psychological Counselling | Behaviour Therapy | Clinical Psychology | Child Development | Emotional Wellbeing | Student Mentoring | Teaching & Training | Communication Skills | Presentation Skills | Academic Guidance | Mental Health Support
Research Interests
Child & Adult Psychology | Mental Wellbeing | Family & Marital Wellbeing | Social Attitudes | Psychological Skill Development
She has undertaken research and academic presentations exploring quality of marital life during the COVID-19 epidemic and attitudes towards transgender individuals among Keralites and non-Keralites in India. She has presented these works at international conferences focusing on psychological perspectives and psychological skill acquisition.
Professional Engagement
Riya has contributed to psychological and educational initiatives through community mental health support, group therapy, student mentoring, teaching and psychological awareness activities.
She worked as a volunteer in the COVID-19 Psycho-Social Support Team under the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Thiruvananthapuram. She also participated and served as a mentor in a Ten Days Intensive Group Therapy Workshop for Academically Backward Children, contributing to student-focused psychological support and development.
Her professional interests combine psychology, education and child development, with a focus on supporting students’ academic achievement, personal growth and emotional wellbeing.
Professional Skills
Communication Skills | Presentation Skills | Adaptability | Active Listening | Leadership | Teamwork
Languages
Malayalam – Proficiency
English – Proficiency
Hindi – Proficiency
