Dr. Thapa Sirjana is an Associate Professor in the International Graduate
School at Namseoul University, South Korea, and a full-time faculty member
for the Master’s and PhD programs in the Department of Global Addiction
Rehabilitation Counseling. She is also the Founding Head of the Department
of Global Korean Studies, where she has played a central role in academic
leadership, curriculum development, and international program design.
Originally from Nepal, Dr. Thapa is currently based in South Korea. She earned her PhD from Yonsei
University, one of the country’s leading research-intensive institutions. Since joining Namseoul
University in March 2014, she has contributed extensively to graduate education, research, and
internationalization. She began her academic career as an Assistant Professor in the Department of
Child Welfare, where she served for five years before being promoted to Associate Professor.
Dr. Thapa’s research focuses on child maltreatment, domestic violence, cultural diversity, and mental
health, with particular attention to at-risk migrant populations and psychosocial well-being. Her work
integrates interdisciplinary perspectives from counseling psychology, social welfare, and cross-
cultural mental health, contributing to both academic scholarship and applied practice.
In addition to her academic and research leadership, Dr. Thapa is actively engaged in professional
practice as a mental health counselor. Through this dual role, she bridges research and graduate
education while contributing to evidence-based counseling and mental health services.
She is currently a member of the International Board of the Korean Counseling
Association(2024–present) and previously served as an editor of the Korean Society of Psychiatric
and Mental Health Nursing(January 2024–December 2025).