29 September - 1 October 2026
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The Arena, Riyadh | Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Abarna Lavanya Raju
School Counsellor - New World International School, Alkhobar
I am an experienced school counselor, and psychologist with over two decades of work in student well-being, social–emotional learning, and inclusive education. I hold a Master’s degree in Applied Psychology and a PhD in Psychology, with specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Certified Career Analyst, and CACHE level 3 special educational needs coordination (SENCo).
I had worked closely with students from early years to adolescence, supporting emotional regulation, behavior management, learning differences, and career development. Known for my reflective and compassionate approach, I design practical SEL programs, teacher workshops, and parent partnerships that bridge theory with real classroom realities.
Currently based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, I continue to up-skill through international certifications, advocacy work, and awareness initiatives that highlight the vital role of school counselors and SEN support systems.
Grounded in faith, driven by service, and guided by empathy, I believe that meaningful change happens when children feel understood, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Speaker Sessions
GESS Talks Live
1525
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Regulation Before Results: The Missing Piece in Student Behaviour, Learning, and Wellbeing
Session Summary:
In many educational settings, student behaviour is addressed through disciplinary frameworks that prioritise compliance and outcomes, often overlooking the foundational role of emotional regulation. Contemporary neuroscience and psychological research consistently show that students cannot access higher-order thinking, learning, or self-control when they are emotionally dysregulated. This session integrates evidence-based principles from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) to examine the relationship between regulation, behaviour, and academic performance. Using real classroom scenarios, the session highlights how behaviour frequently reflects unmet regulatory needs rather than intentional misconduct through interactive, practice-oriented activities that model regulation strategies in action. Join this session to:
• Master evidence-based principles from CBT, DBT, and SEL to recognise how emotional dysregulation impacts higher-order thinking, learning, and self-control, moving beyond traditional disciplinary approaches to address root causes of student behaviour
• Learn to analyse real classroom scenarios and distinguish between intentional misconduct and behaviour that reflects unmet emotional regulation needs, developing skills to respond appropriately to different types of student challenges
• Gain hands-on experience with structured activities and regulation techniques that can be immediately applied in classroom settings, enabling sustainable behaviour support without reliance on traditional reward-punishment systems
