Dr. Poonam Nayar (Nee Grover)

Academic Qualifications

• B.Sc. (1975) | University of Zambia, Lusaka
• P.C.E. (Postgraduate Certificate in Education, 1978) | University of Botswana
• M.A. (Psychology) (1980) | University of Delhi, India
• C.Yed. (Certificate in Yoga Education, 1980) | Higher Yoga Research Center, Mantalai, J & K, India
• Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology) (1986) | Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
• Thesis: “The Efficacy of Yogic Techniques in the Treatment of Psychoneurosis”

Professional Experience

Research & Clinical Psychology

• Ph.D. Research Scholar (1981-1986) | Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
• Specialized training in clinical psychology, psychodynamics, psychotherapy, and research methodology.
• Senior Research Fellow (1985-1989) | Sponsored by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), conducted research on “Role of Yoga in Psychogenic Headache” and mental health of nurses.
• Co-Investigator in Multiple Research Projects (1986-Present): Projects include “Effect of Yoga on Mental Health of Nurses” and “Yoga in Treatment of Essential Hypertension.”
• Research Associate (2018-2021) | Conducted a randomized controlled trial on the “Impact of Behavioral Intervention on Pregnant Women Experiencing Abuse,” sponsored by ICMR and National Institute of Health and Family Welfare.

University Teaching Experience

• Guest Faculty | IILM University, Gurugram (2020-Present) — Teaching courses in Psychology (BA & MA levels).
• Lecturer (1989-2005) | University of Delhi — Extensive teaching experience across colleges such as Zakir Hussain College, Gargi College, Indraprastha College for Women. Subjects taught include Clinical Psychology, Social Psychology, Research Methods, and Psychological Assessment.

Clinical Experience

• Consultant Clinical Psychologist | Mata Chanan Devi Hospital, New Delhi (2001-Present)
• Infertility Counselor | Akanksha IVF Centre, New Delhi (2010-Present)
• Senior Counselor | Delhi Public School, Dwarka, New Delhi (2003-2010)
• Clinical Psychologist (Honorary) | University of Delhi, South Campus (1990-1993) — Established the Counseling and Psychological Services Centre for students, providing free diagnostic and therapeutic services.

Professional Memberships

• European Society of Human Reproduction & Embryology (ESHRE)
• Indian Fertility Society (IFS)
• Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)
• Behavioral Medicine Society (Life Member)

International & National Conference Presentations

International

• 2017: Oral paper on “Psychological Distress of Women with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency” at ESHRE Annual Meeting, Geneva.
• 2018: Poster on “Can Yoga Enhance IVF Outcomes?” presented at ASRM, San Antonio, Texas.
• 2019: Poster on “Psychological Distress in PCOS Infertile Patients” at ESHRE, Vienna.

National

• Speaker at the Indian Fertility Society’s FERTIVISION conferences on topics including counseling, patient support, and stress reduction in infertility treatment (2016-2020).
• Workshops: Conducted workshops on stress management, infertility counseling, and life skills at various educational institutions and healthcare settings.

Publications

• 1983: “Construction of a Scale for the Measurement of Attitude to Yoga,” Journal of Clinical Psychology.
• 1990: “Yoga for the Treatment of Psychoneurosis,” Indian Journal of Psychiatry.
• 2017: “Mental Health and Quality of Life in Women Undergoing Assisted Reproduction,” Fertility Science and Research.

Workshops & Training Programs

• “How to Deal with Negative Outcomes in Infertility or IVF” (IFS Secretariat, New Delhi, 2019)
• Stress Management and Exam Stress Workshops for students (DPS Schools, 2008-2019)
• Training in Counseling Skills (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, Orissa, 2011)

Key Skills

• Clinical Psychological Assessment & Therapy
• Infertility Counseling & Stress Management
• Research Design & Data Analysis
• Teaching & Curriculum Development
• Workshop Facilitation & Training