Dr. Seema Girija Lal [Ph.D.]
With a doctoral degree from Vrije University, Amsterdam , The Netherlands, her thesis dwells into understanding vulnerability, agency, lived experiences and empowerment. She actively advocates towards promoting mental health, understanding disability through the lens of neurodiversity, promoting child rights and inclusive education. She has a Bachelor's and Masters degree in Psychology, a two Post Graduate Diploma , one in Special Education and the other in Social Entrepreneurship. As a mental health professional with over twenty years of professional experience spanning both non-governmental organizations and private sector institutions based out of India and the United Arab Emirates. She provides online and in-person consultancy and training in areas related to mental health, education, disability, schooling [home schooling, / inclusive], parent. teacher and student empowerment.
She strongly subscribes to two of the below quotes and aims to live by it :)
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“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” -Maya Angelou-
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can -Arthur Ashe
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With a bachelors, masters and doctoral degree in psychology, Dr. Seema’s thesis draws deep insights into the concepts of lived experiences, vulnerability, empowerment and agency. Her work is based on a trauma informed model, focusing on co-creation of knowledge with her client, building skill sets together and expanding their support systems. She does not subscribe to a strict bio-medical model of diagnosis and labelling. She provides both one to one and group sessions for individuals and families seeking support. Her clients are spread across India, Middle East , UK, Netherlands, Sri Lanka, Australia , North and South America.
Following a Rehabilitation Council of India-approved course work she has ever since been engaged with special schools, rehabilitation centres, private clinics and mainstream schools over the past 20-plus years. Via direct and online consultancy services for the past two decades. Her thesis is towards understanding the journey of mothers of autistic children in India to develop long-term sustainable solutions via policy and practice.
Spearheading programs on setting up inclusive education systems within mainstream schools, Dr. Seema’s has been conducting talks for school administrators, teachers, parents and students alike. The topics vary from understanding child development, intervention support for teachers from preschool onwards. Life skills, study tips, child safety and sexual health and hygiene, social and emotional wellbeing and more for students of all age groups, parent empowerment and training programs providing support to develop individualized education programs [IEP]for teachers at school and parents for home.
As the founding member of Together We Can, her advocacy forum, the public interest litigation and several other petitions to the child and disability rights commissions have been instrumental in bringing about significant policy level changes in the state and country. Her active lobbying with and engagement with the media – print and visual and social media has spread the much-needed awareness and brought about change in mindsets too about mental health and disability in general. Making lived experiences matter has been the core theme of advocacy. Networking with other change agents and organisations to address social and economic inequalities has been the focus of advocacy.
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Was very comfortable with Dr Seema as I felt she understood me perfectly.Though we only had a few sessions I started feeling better. A few days back was my father’s first death anniversary and I felt totally at peace. Thank you Dr Seema for giving me the support when I needed it most.
CLIENTThe opinions were very transparent and open. The communication was clear, and appreciated the openness of the consultant in expressing her views.
CLIENTThe honesty and care that Seema shows towards her patient. There is a very personal touch to her work where she really takes the effort to be genuinely help.
CLIENTSeema was kind and helpful. I felt at ease while talking to her and also hopeful that I can overcome my issues with her inputs.
CLIENTSeema Lal Ma’m put me at complete ease. Even though it was my first session, I felt like I was not meeting someone new. It was my first therapy session, and she helped me so much. I am very grateful to her for accommodating me at such short notice. I feel more grounded after the session.
CLIENTSeema is excellent at listening and understanding what one is trying to say. She gets a lot of things without me having to tell her what it is that I am really feeling. Sometimes, it is difficult for me to talk about things or give cogent reasoning and explanations, so it helps a lot.
CLIENT
