Lectures Series 2026 – There’s More Than Therapy

There’s More Than Therapy: Exploring Diverse Fields of Psychological Practice

With the lecture series There’s More Than Therapy: Exploring Diverse Fields of Psychological Practice, students are invited to discover the wide range of professional paths psychology can open up. In a series of online talks taking place on Tuesday evenings, speakers from diverse fields of practice share insights into their daily work, their professional journeys, and the social relevance of psychology in different contexts. From clinical and community-based practice to politics, organizational change, and technology, the series highlights the many ways psychological expertise can make a difference.

Students from all SFU locations are welcome to join and can register with their SFU Microsoft account via the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/t4BAxJ8Lrp

Language of presentation will be English.

From 6 pm – 7.30 pm, online.

Lectures

14th April 2026 “Supporting Survivors of War and Torture”

Vienna | Petra Rothner-Amin

I’m a Psychologist Who Supports Survivors of War and Torture 

What does it mean to work as a psychologist with people whose lives have been shaped by war, torture, and institutional violence? At Hemayat – a care center for survivors of war and torture – psychological support includes work with adults, adolescents, and children through translator-supported psychotherapy, clinical psychological counselling, movement and art therapy, and group formats for both children and adults. A particular focus lies on clinical psychological diagnostics for torture survivors in line with the international standards of the Istanbul Protocol. 

This talk introduces clinical psychological work with survivors of war and torture, including diagnostics, treatment, and group-based support for migrant women. 

Students will gain insight into a highly meaningful field of practice and into the professional, ethical, and human challenges of working with profoundly traumatized and marginalized people. 

21th April 2026 “Working in Criminal Psychology”

Berlin | Sabina Valie-Zadeh& Josephine Jacobi

I’m a Psychologist Who Works in Criminal Psychology 

What does psychological work look like inside Berlin’s correctional facilities? In this lecture, we will share our experiences in addiction counselling and treatment in prison, and speak about the challenges and realities of supporting people struggling with addiction in the justice system. The talk offers insight into a field that is rarely discussed in psychology studies, but highly relevant in practice. 

This talk introduces psychological work in correctional facilities, with a focus on addiction counselling and treatment in forensic contexts. 

Students will gain valuable insight into an important and often overlooked area of psychological practice beyond the traditional therapy room. 

28th April 2026 “Supporting Refugee Children and Youth”

Berlin | Xenia Kastner

I’m a Psychologist Who Supports Refugee Children and Youth 

What if your psychology degree could take you into the fields of human rights, migration, and social change? In this lecture, Xenia Kastner shares her experiences from working in international and national non-governmental organisations and offers a perspective on psychology at the intersection of human rights, migration studies, and social psychology. Especially in the current political and global situation, this field highlights how urgently psychologists are needed to advocate for the mental health of marginalised and politically persecuted groups. 

This talk focuses on psychological and psychosocial work with refugee children and youth in the context of human rights and migration. 

Students will gain insight into a socially and politically relevant career path and are invited to reflect on how psychology can be used far beyond classical settings. 

5th May 2026 “Working Across Clinical Settings”

Vienna | Simone Merkinger

I’m a Psychologist Who Works Across Clinical Settings 

Clinical psychology is often imagined as one clear professional path, but in reality it can lead into very different settings and roles. In this talk, Simone Merkinger offers an honest look at her postgraduate training in Clinical Psychology and the different contexts she worked in along the way. Sharing what she learned, what surprised her, and what she wishes she had known as a student, she opens up a broader view of what clinical practice can look like. 

This talk introduces clinical psychological work across forensic psychiatry, alcohol rehabilitation, drug withdrawal treatment, military assessment, and neuropsychology. 

Students will gain a realistic picture of postgraduate training and of how openness and curiosity can lead to unexpected paths within psychology. 

12th May 2026 “Helping Organizations Navigate Change”

Berlin | Finn Torge Restel

I’m a Psychologist Who Helps Organizations Navigate Change 

What does psychology look like when it is used to support organisations through change? In this lecture, Finn Torge Restel shares insights into his work at the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO, where organisational transformation is approached through both data and dialogue. Using practical examples, he will show how employee surveys, workshops, and dialogue sessions with teams and leaders can help organisations understand change, make decisions, and turn plans into action. 

This talk presents psychological work in organizational culture and transformation, with a focus on evidence-based methods in complex change processes. 

Students will gain insight into how psychological perspectives can be applied in organizational settings far beyond clinical practice. 

19th May 2026 “Supporting Migrant Women and Communities”

Vienna | Sigrid Awart

I’m a Psychologist Who Supports Migrant Women and Communities 

Psychology can also mean working in communities, building support structures, and creating access where barriers exist. In this lecture, Sigrid Awart shares insights from a long professional journey connecting psychology, social anthropology, counselling, education, and project development. Her work at Peregrina – an education, counselling, and therapy centre for immigrant women – shows how psychological knowledge can contribute to inclusion, empowerment, and low threshold support in everyday life. 

This talk introduces psychological work with immigrant women and communities in counselling, education, and project-based practice. 

Students will gain insight into a long-standing career path that connects psychology with migration, social inclusion, and community-based support. 

26th May 2026 “Bridging Psychology and AI”

Milano | Dr. Lorenzo Desideri

I’m a Psychologist Who Bridges Psychology and AI 

What role can psychologists play in shaping the future of technology? In this lecture, Lorenzo Desideri shares his work at the intersection of digital health, artificial intelligence, and social robotics, with a strong focus on disability, assistive technology, and inclusive education. His experience across research, teaching, and international consultancy shows how psychological expertise can help design, assess, and responsibly implement emerging technologies in health, education, and social care. 

This talk explores how psychology connects with AI, digital health, and social robotics in research, policy, and applied practice. 

Students will gain insight into an innovative and expanding field that shows how psychology can contribute to technological development, inclusion, and quality of life. 

2nd June 2026 “Working in Politics”

Berlin | Alina Burkholder    

I’m a Psychologist Who Works in Politics 

Careers rarely unfold in straight lines, and this talk is a powerful example of that. Alina Burkholder reflects on a career path spanning public diplomacy, international relations, and political talent development, showing how psychological training can become a foundation for impact far beyond the therapy room. She explores how psychological competence shapes her daily work: building trust across divides, supporting leaders under pressure, and making sense of complex and unpredictable systems. 

This talk introduces psychology as a foundation for work in politics, leadership development, and democratic participation. 

Students will gain a broader understanding of how psychological knowledge can be applied in political and social systems, and how non linear career paths can become meaningful professional journeys. 

Make sure to register with your SFU Microsoft Account if you want to attend.