On April 25–26, 2025, the 9th Azerbaijan International Psychology Conference was held at Khazar University, organized by the Department of Psychology and the Khazar Psychological Service Center. The event brought together researchers and practitioners, offering a platform to discuss current topics in the field of psychology.

The conference opened with a performance by the Khazar University Chamber Orchestra, followed by a video presentation prepared by the Khazar Multimedia Center showcasing highlights from previous years’ conferences.

In her opening speech, Melek Karimova, Coordinator of the Department of Psychology, introduced the department’s activities and those of the Khazar Psychological Service Center, then passed the floor to Prof. Acad. Hamlet Isakhanli, the founder of Khazar University and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Trustees. In his address, Prof. Isakhanli emphasized the conference’s establishment as a tradition and expressed his wishes for its continued success, highlighting the significance of psychology as a scientific discipline.

The conference welcomed leading researchers from Türkiye and Iran as keynote speakers. Melek Karimova provided detailed information about the guests, noting that the list included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Yıldırım—ranked among the top ten psychology researchers in Türkiye—Prof. Dr. Ebru Şalcıoğlu, head of the Center for Behavioral Research and Therapies (DATEM), Prof. Dr. Shahram Vahedi of Tabriz University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Özaslan from Gazi University’s Faculty of Medicine (Child and Adolescent Psychiatry), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sevginar Vatan from the Department of Psychology at Hacettepe University.

The two-day event opened with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Yıldırım’s presentation titled “Positive Psychology: Development, Evaluation, and Future Perspectives.” This was followed by Prof. Dr. Shahram Vahedi’s presentation on “Positive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Overcoming Academic Difficulties and the Path to Success.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Özaslan then shared his experience in a session titled “Working with Children with ADHD and Their Families: Behavioral Management and Parent Training.” The morning session concluded with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sevginar Vatan’s presentation on “The Role and Importance of Emotions in Psychotherapy.”

After a lunch break, the afternoon program continued with Prof. Dr. Ebru Şalcıoğlu’s session on “Case Formulation and Therapy Planning: A CBT Approach,” followed by a practical workshop she led, titled “Demonstrating Conceptualization and Therapy Planning Using Real Cases.”

The second day began with an interactive training session led by Prof. Dr. Shahram Vahedi on “Applying Practical Methods of Positive CBT to Reduce Academic Stress and Achieve Success.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Yıldırım then presented on “Mindfulness Strategies to Reduce Stress and Anxiety.”

In the afternoon, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Özaslan delivered valuable guidance in a session titled “Guiding the Behavior of Children with ADHD and Developing Communication Skills: Practical Training for Parents.” The final session of the conference featured Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sevginar Vatan, who provided in-depth insight on “Emotional Regulation Strategies and Their Application in Daily Life.”

The conference concluded with a formal closing ceremony and the distribution of certificates to participants. A dinner was organized for the invited speakers, during which opportunities for future collaboration were discussed. At the end of the evening, gifts were presented to the participants.