With a great dedication to the field of psychology, Hashanthini holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology at KIU. She now contributes her knowledge and experience to her role as a special needs therapist at Ceylon Steps.
Prior to joining our center, she embarked on enriching internships and volunteer experiences at Psychiatric ward of Teaching Hospital- Badulla. She honed her skills in psychotherapy by assisting doctors and psychologists in sessions for adult day-patients recovering from long-term mental disorders. She actively engaged with individuals suffering from mental illness, developing strong communication, listening, and empathy skills.
At psychiatric unit, this individual would have been exposed to a diverse range of psychiatric cases, including patients with acute conditions such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and sometimes cases related to substance use or crisis situations. Through this experience, they would have developed a strong foundation in assessing mental states, observing behavioral changes, and understanding the subtleties of psychiatric symptoms. These skills are essential in evaluating patient needs and contributing to treatment planning alongside psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and other mental health professionals.
Her role in the ward involves interacting directly with patients, often supporting them during highly vulnerable and emotional times. They use therapeutic approaches tailored to individuals with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, OCD, learning disabilities, and intellectual or developmental disabilities. They are skilled in evidence-based techniques, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), sensory integration therapy and art and play therapy which they adapt to each client’s unique abilities and needs. Her hands-on experience in the psychiatric unit has deepened their ability to remain patient, flexible, and empathetic, which is essential when working with individuals who may struggle to express themselves or manage their emotions. Their training allows her to handle sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism, offering patients emotional support while maintaining therapeutic boundaries. She develops essential counseling skills that prepare her to support clients in navigating various mental health challenges.
The experience in a psychiatric ward is intense and requires resilience. Through she work, she has earned to manage the stress of emergency situations, such as patient crises or escalations, and respond calmly and effectively. She is familiar with hospital protocols, safety measures, and ethical considerations in mental health care, such as patient confidentiality and the balance between patient autonomy and safety.
At Ceylon Steps Rehabilitation Center, she continues to show compassion and expertise, empowering those in her care on the path to mental wellness.
