Apoorva N

Msc psychology B section

Jain (deemed to be) university
Dr Sonia david and Dr Nagalakhmi R M

Field Visit to Cadabams Group – Anunitha and Amitha Centres

Date: November 8, 2025

Course: [Link]. Psychology, Jain University

Departure Time: 8:25 a.m.

Introduction

On November 8, 2025, we went for an experiential learning visit as part of our Master’s
program in Psychology from Jain University. Our destination was the Cadabams Group of
Rehabilitation Centres, located on the outskirts of Bengaluru. We left the university campus
at around 8:25 in the morning. It was a bright and pleasant day, and everyone in our group
was excited to see how psychological work is carried out in a real rehabilitation setting.

This visit was organized so that we could gain practical exposure and understand how people
with mental health conditions are supported through therapy, medication, and care. We had
heard about Cadabams before, as it is one of the most well-known mental health institutions
in India, but seeing it in person was a completely different experience.

Cadabams has many specialized branches that focus on different mental health areas. During
our visit, we were taken to two of them which were Anunitha, which is a de-addiction and
recovery centre, and Amitha, which focuses on psychiatric rehabilitation for people with
long-term mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. This visit
gave me an opportunity to observe the environment, understand the routines, and speak with
mental health professionals and residents. It turned out to be one of the most meaningful
learning experiences of my course so far.

Visit to Anunitha (De-Addiction and Recovery Centre)

Our first stop was Anunitha, the centre that helps people recover from addictions like alcohol
and drug dependence. When we reached the entrance, we were greeted warmly by a staff
member who guided us through the visit. The campus was calm, green, and quiet. The
atmosphere felt peaceful, and I could sense that it was designed to help clients heal and stay
away from distractions.

We were told that Anunitha provides both short-term and long-term rehabilitation programs
for people struggling with addiction. The treatment process starts with detoxification,
followed by therapy sessions and skill-building activities. The staff explained that addiction
is not only a physical problem but also a mental and emotional one, so their program is
designed to heal the person as a whole.

They follow a daily routine that helps clients build structure and discipline. The mornings
begin with meditation or yoga, which helps calm the mind and improve focus. After
breakfast, clients attend group therapy sessions where they share their feelings and progress
with each other. Later in the day, they have one-on-one counselling sessions with
psychologists or psychiatrists. After lunch, they participate in vocational activities or physical
exercises to stay active. In the evenings, they have recreation time with activities like music,
drawing, and indoor games.

We were given a tour of the facility. The living rooms were simple, neat, and comfortable.
Each client had a small personal space. The staff explained that keeping the environment
clean and peaceful is important because it helps in creating a sense of safety and routine.

We also saw the recreation area, where some clients were playing basketball and chatting.
The staff told us that social interaction plays a big role in recovery because it helps clients
feel less lonely and more connected. The patients are also encouraged to take responsibility
for small tasks like cleaning their rooms or helping in the kitchen.

The staff then told us about family therapy sessions. They explained that addiction affects not
just the individual but also their family members. Families are included in counselling so that
they can learn how to support recovery at home. They were allowed to call them 22 days after
admission only as they would do emotional bargain.

Although we did not personally speak to any clients at Anunitha, we learned a lot about how
the centre functions. It felt like a balanced combination of therapy, structure, and community
life. One thing that really stayed in my mind was when a counsellor said, “Addiction is not a
moral failure; it is a disease, but recovery is possible with willpower and guidance.” This
made me reflect on how society often misunderstands addiction and how important it is to
treat it with empathy.

Before leaving Anunitha, I felt a deep sense of respect for both the clients and the
professionals working there. It takes courage to face addiction and work toward recovery.
The visit helped me understand that healing takes time, patience, and consistent support.
Visit to Amitha (Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centre)

After the visit to Anunitha, we moved to Amitha, another part of Cadabams that focuses on
psychiatric rehabilitation. As soon as we entered, I noticed that this centre had a more homely
and active environment. There were open spaces, gardens, and several small buildings. Some
residents were engaged in different activities like art, playing board games, or talking with
staff.

The staff welcomed us kindly and explained that Amitha is home to people who are living
with long-term mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and chronic
depression. The goal of this centre is to help patients manage their conditions, become more
independent, and feel included in a supportive community.

At Amitha, the daily schedule is planned to keep patients engaged and active. The mornings
start with self-care activities, followed by therapy sessions, medication time, and group
activities. Afternoons are usually for vocational training, where residents learn new skills like
cooking, gardening, or craftwork. These activities help them improve focus and gain a sense
of achievement.

The rooms were different based on their financial ability like single sharing, double sharing
and deluxe rooms with ac and not a ceiling fan to ensure the patients safety and an extra bed
if the patient wants a nurse next to them or even sensors so the nurses can attend them, this is
there in both the centres. However in double sharing bedrooms they make sure both patients
don’t influence each other and do barter system. The food which was given were vegetarian
and was same to all in the dining hall and they were given medicines after eating around 7:30
am after their 6am coffee then sent to yoga and meditation.

Interactions with Residents

During our time at Amitha, I had the chance to speak with a few residents, and these
conversations made the visit very personal and emotional for me.

The first woman I spoke to was cheerful and friendly. She said she liked being at Amitha
because the staff were caring and the activities made her feel good. She told me she had been
struggling with mental health issues for several years, but after coming here, she felt better
and more stable. She said she loved doing art therapy sessions because painting made her feel
calm and helped her express emotions she could not put into words. I felt happy hearing her
say that she now looked forward to every day and she also claimed it looked like a “ foreign
country”. The nurses mentioned she takes a lot of stress.

The second woman I met had a different experience. She seemed sad and quiet. She told me
she did not like staying there and missed her family and home. She said it was hard for her to
follow the routines and that some days felt too long. Hearing her talk made me realise how
difficult it can be for people to adjust to rehabilitation life. It made me understand that not
every person experiences progress at the same pace, and it is important to be patient and
supportive. She also spoke in kannada and asked me where i was from multiple times.

Then I met a man who had been staying at Amitha for around 26 years. He said he came there
many years ago and that the centre had now become his home. He spoke very calmly and said
he enjoyed walking around and helping take care of the plants on the campus. He shared that
working in the garden gave him peace and purpose. Listening to him made me realise that
stability and acceptance are very important for people who live with long-term conditions.
His attitude showed me that peace and happiness can come in different forms for different
people.

I met a woman who spoke in Hindi. She told me she had bipolar disorder. It was a little hard
to communicate because I am not fluent in Hindi, but we still managed to talk with simple
words and gestures. She told me that the staff and therapy sessions were helping her manage
her mood swings better. She said she liked attending group sessions where she could share
her feelings. Even though the language was a barrier, we smiled and connected through
kindness. That short conversation made me feel that empathy goes beyond words. Although
she did complain about food and how they were stingy with it.

Later, While walking around Amitha, I saw one man who looked very disturbed and was
acting in a neurotic way. He was shouting and seemed very angry, and at one point he almost
tried to hit someone near him. He kept saying he did not want to stay there and wanted to
leave. Watching him made me feel a mix of sadness and fear because I could see how much
he was struggling inside. It made me realize how hard it must be for people who are going
through such intense emotions every day.

Meeting the Clinical Psychologist

At the end of our visit to Amitha, we were introduced to a clinical psychologist who worked
there. He took some time to talk to all of us about psychology as a field and about what it is
like to work in mental health.

He began by explaining the different roles of psychologists in rehabilitation. He said

psychologists help patients understand their thoughts and emotions, work on behavioural
changes, and provide counselling to families. He spoke in a very encouraging way, and I
could sense his passion for the field.

He told us that working in psychology can sometimes be challenging, but it is also rewarding.
He said that small improvements in patients’ lives are worth all the effort. He reminded us
that as future psychologists, we should never lose patience or empathy, even when progress is
slow.

He also spoke about how psychology is a growing profession in India and how more people
are now seeking help for mental health issues than before. He encouraged us to explore
different branches of psychology, like counselling, clinical, and organisational, to find what
we are most passionate about.

He also shared a few stories from his experience with patients who had improved over time,
and it was inspiring to see how he cared about his work. Before ending, he wished us luck
for our studies and told us that we were the future of psychology and that the world needs
more people who can understand and heal others.

End of the Visit

After our interaction with the psychologist, the staff gathered us all in a small hall and
thanked us for visiting. They handed out certificates of participation to each of us. Everyone
was smiling as we took group photos to remember the day.

By that time, the sun was shining brightly, and it had become quite hot. We were all a little
tired from walking and listening for hours, but the tiredness felt good because we had learned
so much. The day felt long but very meaningful.

On our bus ride back to college, everyone was quietly thinking about what we had seen. I felt
peaceful and thoughtful. I realized how important this experience was for me, not just as a
student but as a person. It made me more compassionate and motivated to continue learning.

Reflections and Learnings

This visit to Cadabams gave me a deep understanding of how psychology works beyond
books. Seeing real patients, staff, and psychologists made everything I have learned feel real
and human.

At Anunitha, I learned how structure, discipline, and constant support can help people
recover from addiction. I understood that addiction is not about weakness but about pain, and
with proper care, anyone can heal.

At Amitha, I saw people who live with mental illnesses showing courage every single day.
Speaking to the residents made me realise that small acts of kindness and understanding can
make a big difference. I learned that empathy, patience, and respect are the true foundations
of psychological work.

The talk with the clinical psychologist inspired me the most. It gave me hope and reminded
me that psychology is not only a subject but a way to help people live better lives. His words
made me feel proud to be studying this field.

This experience also taught me how important teamwork is in mental health care. Doctors,
psychologists, nurses, and caregivers all work together. Each person’s effort matters, and that
unity is what helps patients improve.