Doctoral Student Sheryl Sudakar Earns International Recognition for Psychotherapy Research
Sheryl Sudakar, a first-year doctoral student in the College of Education's Counseling
Psychology Program, was recently recognized for her research at the 56th International Society for Psychotherapy Research (SPR) Conference, held at Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland.
Sudakar’s research poster, seen in the right half of the photo, earned second place out of more than 100 student presentations shared both in-person and virtually. She was honored at the Luborsky Student Poster Award Ceremony, which included a cash prize. This recognition is a major achievement, especially for someone so early in their doctoral journey.
Her presentations, Preemptive Measures: Comparing Predictors of Premature Termination among International Students Attending Psychotherapy in the United States and Social Determinants as Predictors of Treatment Response in a Public Behavioral Health Setting, stood out among submissions from graduate students across the globe.
“In 2023–2024, international student enrollment in U.S. colleges surpassed one million, yet they are an understudied population in the psychotherapy literature,” Sudakar explained. “Research finds that international students in the U.S. have worse mental health outcomes and drop out early from therapy compared to their domestic counterparts. However, there is limited data and understanding on factors that predict this early dropout. My research sought to address this gap."
As an international student, I personally relate to the unique challenges that come with navigating a new country, culture, and academic system. I have seen how institutions of higher education, while full of opportunities, can sometimes overlook the specific needs of students far from home, especially when it comes to mental health support. I want to use my platform and position to address this gap, help make mental health care more accessible, and improve representation of international students’ voices in the U.S.”
The Society for Psychotherapy Research is a global, multidisciplinary network of researchers dedicated to improving the science and practice of psychotherapy. SPR provides space for researchers at all levels to share new ideas, collaborate across borders, and discuss the challenges and innovations shaping the field. The organization also supports early-career researchers through grants, mentorship, and publishing opportunities. Its annual conference is one of the key ways SPR connects itsinternational community and helps translate research into real-world impact.
“It was a wonderful experience to talk about my research with people from different parts of the world and hear their insights and experiences,” Sudakar said. “Engaging in these conversations not only broadened my understanding of the topic but also gave me fresh perspectives on how similar research topics are approached in different cultural contexts. It reminded me of the importance of cross-cultural dialogue in advancing our collective understanding and made me feel connected to the global research community.”
Sudakar’s academic journey has already spanned continents. She earned her B.A. in Psychology, English Literature, and Communication Studies in India, followed by an M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Auburn University at Montgomery. Over the course of her studies, she became increasingly drawn to exploring mental health through both evidence-based approaches and culturally informed lenses. “I wanted to pursue education, training, and research grounded in a social justice and multicultural framework, which led me to the field of Counseling Psychology,” Sudakar said.
Looking ahead, Sudakar hopes to publish her research in a peer-reviewed journal and continue conducting psychotherapy outcomes research under the mentorship of her advisor, CoEdu professor Jeremy Coleman. “As of right now,my long-term career goal is to become a psychologist and work at an academic hospital,” she shared.
Sudakar’s achievement reflects the kind of global engagement encouraged by the College of Education's Counseling Psychology Program. It also highlights the potential of doctoral students to make meaningful contributions to their field, even in their first year.