Mrs. Niharika Kauthankar is a trained psychologist with a strong academic foundation, consistently demonstrating excellence throughout her education. She topped the first year of her undergraduate studies, earning a scholarship and the “Student of the Year” award. She graduated as the topper of her B.A. Psychology Honours, further securing a Top-10 rank in the M.Sc. Psychology (Clinical Specialization) from Bengaluru North University.

She has strengthened her academic profile with diverse certifications, including CBT, REBT, Trauma-Informed Care, Research Methodology, and specialized workshops in learning disabilities, sexual abuse identification, mindfulness-based listening, and parapsychology. She is also a Graduate Member of The British Psychological Society (GMBPsS) with GBC status.

Professional Background

Mrs. Kauthankar currently serves as a Psychologist, working full-time in a clinical environment providing structured mental-health interventions.

Since March 2023, she has been associated with Felicity Therapy, India, as a Clinical Therapist, where she assesses clients, provides therapy, develops intervention plans, and refers them for psychiatric support when required.

In addition to these roles, she has been a part of Kaha Mind, Bengaluru wherein she conducts 1:1 therapy sessions with corporate clients and conducts clinical research within corporate settings. She has worked in a clinical setting, where she conducted one-on-one therapy and group sessions for neurodiverse individuals to help them with behavioural and life-skills development at The Owl House - Autism Centre, including those with Down Syndrome, Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and related developmental conditions.

Her professional exposure spans counselling, psychotherapy, trauma-informed care, expressive arts facilitation, adolescent mental health, and community mental-health advocacy.

Research Contribution

Her notable research publication:
“Paternal Post-Partum Depression and Perinatal Anxiety with Infants Up to 6 Months: Indian Urban Study” (2025)
published in The International Journal of Indian Psychology, contributes meaningfully to the limited Indian literature on paternal mental health, perinatal anxiety, and early parent-infant wellbeing.

This research’s relevance to urban Indian mental-health determinants reflects originality, societal impact, and strong scientific grounding.

Training & Certifications

Highlights include:

• British Psychological Society Graduate Membership (GMBPsS) – GBC Eligible

• IELTS Band 8 (2025)

• CBT, REBT, Trauma-Informed Care Practitioner Certifications

• Suicide Helpline Training (COOJ – Mindfulness Based Active Listening)

• Workshops on gender sensitivity, research methodology, mental-health advocacy, child sexual abuse identification, and more.

These certifications reflect continuous professional development and a multidisciplinary approach to mental-health practice.

Achievements & Leadership

Mrs. Kauthankar has demonstrated leadership, community involvement, and excellence in multiple domains:

• Delivered an inclusive expressive-arts therapy workshop at Serendipity Arts Festival 2025

• Expert speaker for The Owl House Fellowship

• Team lead for state-level neurodiversity event celebrating individuals with Down Syndrome & ADHD

• Guest speaker at Rotary Club of Dona Paula on World Autism Awareness Day (2025)

• Paper presentation at national conference on cultural and psychosocial themes

• Represented college in inter-collegiate events and served in student council from Std. 11 to post-graduation

• District-level basketball player

• Member of DSPCA – North Goa, contributing to animal welfare initiatives

Eligibility for the Outstanding Researcher Award

Mrs. Niharika Kauthankar is highly eligible for the Outstanding Researcher Award due to:

• A peer-reviewed research publication addressing an under-explored domain of paternal postpartum mental health in India

• Strong academic record and recognized scholarly excellence

• Evidence of multidisciplinary engagement across clinical psychology, expressive arts, trauma care, and psychosocial development

• Professional credibility through BPS membership, clinical roles, and continuous training

• Contributions to mental-health awareness, community advocacy, and national conferences

• Demonstration of innovation, interdisciplinary methodology, and societal relevance in research

Her profile aligns strongly with the criteria for research impact, original scientific contribution, academic excellence, and professional leadership.