I
Existential philosophy and psychotherapy
Heidegger’s being-toward-death, Frankl’s will to meaning, Yalom’s four ultimate concerns, terror management theory.
Offers CBT: a language and clinical stance for finitude, choice and meaning.
ICCBI 2027: International Conference on Cognitive Behavioral Interventions. Grounding in a
Chaotic World
MortalityMeaningSpirituality
Theme
Integrating Existential Philosophy, Cognitive Neuroscience and Indian Wisdom Traditions in Clinical Practice: Toward a Next Wave of CBT
- 12–14 February 2027
- Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
- CRE & CME credit awaited
- Dates
- 12–14 February 2027
- Location
- Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
- Format
- Immersive and experiential
- Organiser
- Indian Association for CBT (IACBT)
Key dates
Mark your calendar
Abstract submissions close on 30 November 2026. Early-bird registration runs until 5 December 2026.
8 Nov
2026
Registration opens
30 Nov
2026
Abstract submission deadline
2 Dec
2026
Notification of acceptance
5 Dec
2026
Early-bird registration closes
10 Jan
2027
Regular registration closes
20 Jan
2027
Late registration closes
12–14 Feb
2027
Conference, Rishikesh
About the conference
Where CBT meets the oldest questions about life and death
ICCBI 2027 is a three-day immersive conference in Rishikesh that brings existential philosophy, cognitive neuroscience and Indian wisdom traditions into dialogue with CBT, and into clinical practice.
CBT works well for defined symptoms, but it has few tools for the questions beneath many presentations: death, meaning, and what makes a life worth living. At a time of war, climate stress, economic insecurity and constant digital noise, more clients arrive carrying exactly these questions.
Three sources, one conversation
A next wave of CBT: more rigorous and more human
Existential philosophy, cognitive neuroscience and Indian wisdom traditions each offer CBT something it lacks. The conference sets them side by side.
II
Cognitive neuroscience
Threat detection and fear circuitry, prefrontal regulation, fear extinction and inhibitory learning, uncertainty and predictive processing.
Offers CBT: mechanisms to explain, test and refine how CBT works on death-related fear.
III
Indian wisdom traditions
Nachiketa and Death in the Katha Upanishad, nishkama karma in the Gita, anitya and maranasati, abhinivesha in the Yoga Sutras, sakshi bhava in Vedanta.
Offers CBT: time-tested practices for facing impermanence, in a frame that resonates with South Asian clients.
Confirmed keynote speakers
Voices from Sydney, Oxford and London
Australia
Prof. Ross Menzies andDr. Rachel Menzies
- Ross Menzies: University of Technology Sydney; President, WCCBT
- Rachel Menzies: University of Sydney
KeynoteDeath anxiety, terror management theory and CBT for fear of death.
United Kingdom
Prof. Paul Salkovskis
- Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Oxford; Director, Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre
KeynoteCognitive models and treatment of OCD and health anxiety.
United Kingdom
Prof. Rachel Tribe
- Professor of Applied Psychology, University of East London; Chair, Careif
KeynoteCulture, faith and community mental health; work with faith leaders.
Invited speakers will be announced on the home page.
Call for abstracts
Share your work in Rishikesh
Clinicians, researchers and students are invited to submit original English-language abstracts on any of the nine sub-themes.
- Oral paper
- Poster
- Symposium
- Case or practice presentation
Abstract submission deadline
30 November 2026
Submit through the online form.
Programme outline
Three days, built for depth and quality
A programme outline. The detailed programme will follow.
Day 1 · Friday
12February
Pre-conference workshops
In-depth, experiential and skills-based workshops.
Day 2 · Saturday
13February
Scientific sessions
Keynotes, symposia, open paper and poster sessions.
Day 3 · Sunday
14February
Scientific sessions and close
Scientific sessions, closing after lunch with the valedictory session and awards.
The experience outline
- Morning yoga and guided meditation
- Small-group dialogues and storytelling
- Reflective walks and quiet time along the river
- An evening at the Ganga aarti
- A cultural evening
- Fireside chat
The Ganga at Rishikesh
Venue and location
Away from the noise, on the Ganga
ICCBI 2027 is held at Neeraj River Forest Resort, in Rishikesh, on the Ganga in the foothills of the Himalaya. In February the days are cool and clear, well suited to sitting, walking and talking.
Cheela Dam – Rishikesh Road, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249306, India
Join us in Rishikesh
Three days on the banks of the Ganga, away from the noise. Questions about registration, abstracts or travel? Write to the ICCBI 2027 team.