Meet with
Nigar Gadashova

Biography

Nigar Gadashova, a dedicated 28-year-old clinical psychologist and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) specialist, is a force for positive change in Azerbaijan's mental health landscape. Working with the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society, Nigar empowers volunteers with psychosocial support skills, raising crucial awareness about mental well-being in communities and providing vital psychological first aid in underserved rural areas. However, it's her profound commitment to vulnerable populations, particularly children affected by conflict, that truly illuminates her impactful work.

One of Nigar's most significant achievements lies in the development and implementation of a structured seven-session intervention program for children impacted by war. Reaching nearly 600 schoolchildren, this carefully crafted program, adapted from resources by the Swedish Red Cross and ICRC, demonstrates her meticulous approach and dedication to providing culturally relevant support. By creating a comprehensive guideline detailing procedures and session scripts, Nigar ensured consistent and effective implementation, ultimately helping children in conflict-affected regions cope with their experiences and build essential emotional resilience.

Beyond her humanitarian work, Nigar is also a rising voice in scientific psychology, a field she notes is still developing in Azerbaijan. Undeterred, she has successfully conducted research presented at international conferences across Japan, Türkiye, and Russia, among others. Her findings have also been published in esteemed international scientific journals, including the International Journal of Psychology and European Psychiatry, showcasing her commitment to evidence-based practice and contributing to the global psychological community.

Driven by an early fascination sparked by her school psychologist, Nigar's passion for understanding the human mind goes beyond a desire to simply help. For her, psychology is a profound investigation into human feelings and thoughts, a unique opportunity to explore the very essence of what it means to be human. This intrinsic curiosity fuels her dedication to providing quality, evidence-based support, a principle that sets her apart in a field sometimes plagued by misinformation.

Recognizing the critical need for reliable mental health resources in Azerbaijan, Nigar is the founder of an online group, moderated with the help of two other psychologists, dedicated to connecting individuals with verified psychologists. This initiative tackles the challenge of ensuring that people can find professionals with strong academic backgrounds and a commitment to evidence-based methods. While navigating the complexities of verifying credentials and facing resistance from those who prefer less scientific approaches, Nigar remains steadfast in her mission to promote genuine psychological support grounded in the constitution of Azerbaijan.

Nigar's dedication extends to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health in her country. She actively works to educate communities, particularly in rural areas where the understanding of mental well-being is often limited. Her proudest accomplishments include instances where her work has directly impacted lives, from helping a student prevent a suicide attempt to guiding an elderly man towards understanding the psychological roots of his years-long physical pain. For Nigar, these tangible impacts far outweigh diplomas and certificates, highlighting her genuine care and commitment to her community.

Looking to the future, Nigar's passion for supporting vulnerable populations remains a driving force. Her master's thesis focused on the representation of illness and treatment in women with breast cancer, an area often lacking adequate psychological support in Azerbaijan. She aims to continue this vital work, pursue a PhD, and ultimately develop support programs for cancer patients in her country.

Her message to aspiring young psychologists in Azerbaijan is clear: psychology is a rigorous science demanding years of dedicated learning, not a pursuit of fleeting fame or superficial online presence. She emphasizes the paramount importance of education, ethical practice ("do no harm"), and a genuine focus on making a meaningful difference in people's lives.

Nigar's perspective on failure is equally insightful. She views it not as a roadblock, but as an inherent part of the human journey, an opportunity for learning and growth. As a psychologist, she reminds herself and others that imperfection is human, and setbacks can lead to valuable discoveries.

For Nigar Gadashova, authenticity lies in embracing all facets of oneself and using them purposefully. Her journey, from a curious child observing her school psychologist to a dedicated clinician and researcher, is a testament to the power of genuine passion, unwavering commitment, and a deep-seated desire to build a healthier and more resilient Azerbaijan, one mind at a time.