HKS in Alexandria/ Egypt

The HKS Ottersberg, University of Applied Sciences and Arts, was represented at the regional World Psychiatric Association Congress in Alexandria, Egypt.

Our university was represented at the regional World Psychiatric Association (WPA) Congress in Alexandria, Egypt, which was held under the motto "Embracing the Complexity of Mental Health: Neuroscientific Foundations and Novel Interventions." It took place from April 11th to April 14th, 2025.

The WPA Congress is a global gathering of more than 250,000 professionals from 123 countries. Since its founding in 1950, the WPA has hosted annual congresses across three regions of the world (Asia/Oceania, Americas, and EMEA: Europe, Middle East, and Africa).

Additionally, there are regional meetings. The goal of these events is to present the latest findings in psychiatry and psychotherapy, promote professional exchange, and establish current standards in diagnostics and treatment. The current president, Danuta Wasserman from Sweden, emphasizes integrating social, psychiatric, and genetic aspects into the prevention of mental illnesses and suicide.

The regional congresses mainly serve to bring together colleagues from specific geographic areas.

However, this years' congress was not only attended by psychiatrists, psychotherapists, neuroscientists, and art therapists from North Africa but also included professionals from Europe, Australia, and the Middle East – we are proud to have been part of this important exchange. Creative and Expressive Arts Therapies (music, dance, art and drama therapy) were particularly well represented, with psychiatrist, and dance and drama therapist Radwa Said Abdelazim serving as a key organizer. The latest research on Arts Therapies from Egypt, Greece, Italy, USA, and Germany was presented.

I felt very honoured when Radwa Said Abdelazim invited me to co-host a four-hour workshop on Creative and Expressive Arts Therapies (CAT) with her. She introduced dance therapy, while Christoph and Anne Ellinger from the USA participated via video call and led online drama therapeutic interventions. Reiner Haus explained the key factors of music therapy in his video presentation. A special highlight was the presentation of an online tool (https://www.caringandsharing.de) developed by our Master's graduate Farida Fares. Participants could perform practical exercises and reflect deeply on them – a testament to practical relevance and innovation.

Additionally, I had the opportunity to present our research project " EEG Measurements of Phototherapeutic Interventions: A Pilot Study," which sparked interesting discussions.

By participating in the WPA Congress, HKS Ottersberg underscores its commitment to the fields of psychiatry and psychotherapy and promotes international exchange.

The congress was very enriching, innovative, and inspiring. We look forward to future impulses and collaborations!

Prof.in Dr. Kathrin Seifert