Dr Sonakshi Ruhela
Dr. Sonakshi Ruhela is an esteemed psychologist, educator, and researcher with over 15 years of experience in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, training, and mentorship. Holding a PhD in Psychology and a Harvard Certification in Higher Education, she is recognized as a Senior Fellow (SFHEA) by the UK Higher Education Academy (Advance HE).
Currently an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Dubai, Dr. Ruhela has played a pivotal role in establishing psychology departments at major universities in the UAE, including as Program Head for Psychology and Health Sciences at Curtin University Dubai, and as Associate Registrar at Amity University Dubai.
A licensed psychologist with the Community Development Authority (CDA) Dubai, she specializes in psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and relationship counseling. She is a consultant psychologist at OpenMinds Psychiatry, Counselling & Neuroscience Center and serves as an Inclusion Champion at GEMS New Millennium School.
Dr. Ruhela’s global impact is reflected in her participation in over 300 international conferences, seminars, and media engagements. Her book Counseling Interventions for Millennials, published in nine languages, was archived at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library and earned the UAE Mastermind Authors Award (2023). She has received numerous accolades, including the Leader of Impact Award (2023) and Outstanding Positive Impact Speaker (2024).
Her research spans interdisciplinary studies with Scopus-indexed publications and funded projects in India and the UAE. She is an active member of the American Psychological Association (APA), Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists, and the Middle East Psychological Association (MEPA).
Dr. Ruhela continues to inspire as a TEDx speaker, thought leader, and advocate for mental health and education. For more information, visit: www.drsonakshi.com
Are Marriages on a Decline? A Solution-Focused Lens to Marital Therapy
Marriage, usually known for social and emotional stability, has witnessed significant transformations in recent decades, with global trends indicating a decline in marriage rates and a rise in relational dissatisfaction. This presentation examines the factors contributing to this shift, exploring sociocultural, psychological, and economic determinants that challenge the institution of marriage. While traditional therapeutic approaches have focused on conflict resolution and problem analysis, this research adopts a solution-focused therapeutic lens to address marital challenges.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a strengths-based, goal-oriented approach emphasising positive communication, resource-building, and future-directed strategies. Through empirical analysis and case studies, this presentation evaluates the efficacy of SFBT in marital therapy, highlighting its potential in fostering relationship resilience. The discussion will explore how cultural variations influence marital expectations and how solution-focused interventions can be adapted to diverse populations.
This research contributes to the broader discourse on marriage sustainability by shifting the focus from pathology to solutions, offering a pragmatic framework for clinicians, counsellors, and researchers.