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  • Dr Sonam Pelden

    Dr Sonam Pelden

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  • Academia.edu
    https://edithcowan.academia.edu/sonampelden
  • Academia.edu

Dr Sonam Pelden

Dr Sonam is the Academic Lead for counselling discipline and Course Coordinator for the counselling and psychotherapy programs at the School of Arts and Humanities.

Current teaching

Counselling and psychotherapy theories for couples and families, psychotherapy research, culture and diversity in therapeutic practice, field placement units.

Background

Dr. Sonam Pelden is an academic leader, counsellor educator, and researcher with over 22 years of leadership and expertise in counselling education, training, curriculum development and research. As the Academic Lead for the Counselling Discipline and Course Coordinator for Counselling & Psychotherapy courses at Edith Cowan University (ECU), she plays a central role in shaping the direction of counselling education and advancing the academic rigor of the programs under her leadership. Dr. Pelden is also a principal supervisor for doctoral and master’s students, mentoring emerging scholars and practitioners in the field of counselling.

With more than 16 years of clinical experience as a counsellor, Dr. Pelden has worked extensively with young people and families in diverse settings, both in Australia and internationally. Her professional experience spans across schools, non-profit organizations, and governmental bodies, where she has designed, delivered, and evaluated counselling programs that address the needs of vulnerable populations. Dr. Pelden’s expertise also extends to policy development, having collaborated with key global organizations including the United Nations (UNFPA, UNICEF, UNODC) and Save the Children.

She has led and pioneered the development of student-led counselling clinics and counselling services internationally. Notably, her leadership in advocating for and developing School Guidance Counsellor roles and policies and clinical supervision models in Bhutan has been highly significant.

Her research interests focus on suicide prevention in young people, culturally appropriate counselling interventions, and global pedagogy.

Professional associations

  • 2024: Working Committee, Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
  • 2021-Present: National Heads of Counselling and Psychotherapy Education
  • 2016-Present: Advisory Board, Bhutan Board for Certified Counsellors

Awards and recognition

National and International awards

  • 2012 - Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship
  • 2007 - Royal Government of Bhutan Scholarship for Postgraduate studies
  • 2000 - Government of India scholarship for Undergraduate studies

University and National Teaching awards

  • 2021 - Nominee for Vice Chancellor’s Awards in Advancing Teaching and Learning

Research areas and interests

  • Suicide in adolescents
  • Diverse and migrant communities
  • Culturally appropriate intervention in counselling and research
  • School counselling and education policy in Bhutan
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