Biography

Dr. Natasha D'Cruz

Psychologist, Dancer, Musician, Teacher, Researcher, Learner, Consultant… the tags are many…but they don't confine me. I believe we are greater than the sum of the different hats we don and as long as we are open to learn there is life. We are Works in Progress…

Dr. D’Cruz is trying to push the boundaries and make psychology accessible to all. The following is a brief on her professional journey thus far.

Education:
2008- Ph.D, Psychology, University of Pune
2005- Ph. D Aptitude Test (PAT), University of Pune
2004- Master of Arts in Psychology, University of Pune
2002- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Nowrosjee Wadia College, University of Pune
Additional Qualifications:
2006- Advanced Training in Creative Dance Therapy
2006- Certificate in Creative Dance Therapy
2006- Certificate in Counseling from The Christian Counseling Center at Vellore
2002- Performer's Certificate in Pianoforte, The Trinity College of Music, London
Current Professional Activities:
2009- Consultant Psychologist, VA Tech Wabag Limited, Pune
2009- Consultant Psychologist, JNRO-ART & D-PSY-N, Hyderabad
2009- Adjunct Faculty, Nowrosjee Wadia College, University of Pune
2008- Director, Red Corner Consultants-Behavioral Training Consultants and Trainers
2008- Researcher, Dept. of Psychology, University of Pune
2006- Freelance Trainer/ Facilitator
2005- Psychologist in Private Practice
Other Professional Activities:
2010- Reach Out to Life, A youth development Initiative
  • Initiated this organization to provide youth and students a much needed outlet and center for assistance
  • Designed, trained and conducted workshops with volunteers for over 1700 students across Pune city
  • Organized a Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign to spread awareness on youth suicides
  • Started a 24 hour helpline for distressed youth
  • Initiated the process of getting the organization registered as a not for profit organization
2009- Consultant Psychologist, Cathedral Vidya School, (residential extension of The Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai)
2009- Consultant (Dance/Drama), St. Mary's Schools, Pune
2008- Electronic Media and Research Center (EMRC):
  • Recorded video lectures on various topics in psychology to be aired on National television
Workshops, Lectures and Seminars:
  • Personality and Research Methodology, Cognitive Psychology and Psychotherapy and Psychopathology for students pursuing a Masters in Psychology
  • Workshop at Mumbai, for the 6th National Conference of the Association for Psychological Counseling on Anger Reduction using Expressive Therapies
  • Part of Indian Express group- Partners in Education Program, conduct seminars in schools and colleges in Pune on Career Management, Time Management, Stress Management, Coping and Social Skills
  • Anger Management Workshop at Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM) to site a few
Past Professional Activities:
  • 2005-2007, Resource Person, Outdoor Mantra's, one of India’s premier outdoor educational and child development organizations
  • 2000-2003, French Pedagogics, School and College level
  • 2001-2002, Teacher (Piano), St. Cecilia's School of Music
  • 2000-2007, Teacher (Singing), Sardar Dastur Nosherwan Girls High School
  • 1999-2000, Teacher (Singing), St. Mary's Teacher's Training College
Affiliations:
  • Fellow member of The International Association for Holistic Psychology, India
Awards and Recognition:
  • Featured in Femina National Anniversary Issue “The Happy Feet Revolution” (November 2009)
  • Featured in ‘Scene-Stealers’ of the Femina Magazine among 10 women who have made headlines this year (Pune edition,January 2008)
  • Prof. S.G. Sathe Prize for Psychology
  • Akolkar Prize for psychology and philosophy
  • Nominated for the Dakshina Fellowship