Dr. Erum Kausar
PhD in Professional Psychology (Clinical Group)
Spring 2022
MPhil in Professional Psychology (Clinical Group)
Fall 2012
Post Magisterial Diploma
Fall 2008
MSc in Clinical Group
Fall 2007
Since becoming a part of the Institute of Professional Psychology (IPP) as a Lecturer in 2018, I have found myself thoroughly exhilarated, by both the exposure to some exemplary personalities and the exposure to my field.
The five years of my PhD program were indubitably one of the toughest times of my life. Truth be told, there were times when I was ready to call it quits, but my parents’ support kept me from buckling under the pressure.
I was tested, both emotionally and mentally, beginning from the first setback, my internship hours. I was offering my services as therapist at XYZ clinic, and my boss refused to facilitate my internship hours in any way. With the deadline only six months away, I was forced to take patients for almost every day.
In the fourth year of the program, COVID-19 pandemic struck Pakistan, and with it came widespread panic. Being forced to work from home and minimize human interaction was mentally taxing, especially pertaining to work related to my degree. I lost a very close relative, my aunt, during COVID-19 as well. Her treatment suffered many delays and ultimately, she passed away in our home.
Soon thereafter, I fell incredibly ill. The tests revealed that I had kidney stones, and several ones at that. The doctor recommended that I get them surgically removed, but I opted to first try medicinal method. Through adherence to a strict diet and medicine, my kidney stones passed, but the pain had not completely subsided.
One of the CT scans detected something unusual and additional tests confirmed the presence of fibroids. Throughout my degree, Prof. Dr. Zainab Hussain Bhutto, who was also my research supervisor, had showed great support and she didn’t fail me now either. She offered me guidance, streamlining the entire process herself. I remember being in excruciating pain at the time, barely able to stand properly, but I fought through the pain as had to submit the first draft for my thesis after printing. I urged the doctor to postpone my surgery for a week, completed all my thesis work and printed the draft. While I was in surgery, my father delivered the draft to the university.
In 2021, I was promoted to the position of Senior Lecturer. In March 2022, I was awarded my PhD degree, and in July 2022, I was promoted to the position of Assistant Professor.
It has been a tempestuous period, but it was the most rewarding as well. I have grown as a person, strong and more confident than ever. I learned the importance of family, and the love I’ll always cherish, for it was their words and support which gave me strength. The invaluable guidance and support offered by Prof. Dr. Zainab Hussain Bhutto through the years, both as a mentor and a supervisor, has greatly increased my respect and admiration for her.
I am blessed Alhamdulillah, for Allah ST presented me with challenges, but also gave me companions in the form of my parents and friends, and a great mentor in Prof. Dr. Zainab Hussain Bhutto, to aid my journey. I will forever be grateful to them.