Bringing Faith Into Sessions
Many of our Muslim clients ask about integrating faith into therapy sessions. Our supervision and training allow us to incorporate the teachings of the Islamic faith into sessions in a way that both respects and upholds the Islamic Tradition.
We understand that everyone has a different relationship to their Islamic faith and while some may be excited to incorporate faith into sessions, others may decide not to. Our approach is client centred – meaning, we meet you where you are and follow your lead.
We also understand that in cases of traumatic experiences related to faith (ie. spiritual abuse) bringing Islam into sessions may not be appropriate and may cause further harm to the client. Incorporating faith into session requires permission from the client and also great wisdom on the part of the therapist.
We have found that both Islamic Psychology and Western Psychology incorporate evidence based techniques and interventions into sessions. This means that the therapeutic models and interventions we use have been shown through research to be effective in reducing negative symptoms and improving the well-being of clients.
We have also found that our training in Islamic Psychology provides additional tools to our tool kit as therapists. Islamic psychology is God centered – meaning that God plays a significant role in sessions and both client and therapist are anchored in the belief that there is a just Lord who is ultimately in control. Islamic Psychology is Holistic – meaning that beyond talk therapy in sessions, Islamic Psychology also looks at the well-being of the body (ie. somatic (body-based) interventions. Additionally, it looks at connecting with God, nature, and the greater community, to promote a holistic sense of wellbeing. Islamic Psychology is Heart centered – meaning that beyond discussions about the mind and body, Islamic Psychology looks for ways to connect with the inner wisdom of the heart and the soul.
Our approach with every client is compassionate and non-judgmental. We meet you where you are at and use our expertise to support you in working towards goals that feel most important to you.
Research shows that faith can be an incredible resource to help us manage life’s many challenges. With that said, In Islam we are encouraged to ask for help and to not suffer alone during the times when we are struggling. Therapy can be a powerful tool to not only address concerns we may be going through, but also help us to connect deeper with our faith.