by Naielah Ackbarali
The topic of mental health has increasingly become a pressing issue for many Muslims. With the rise of depression and anxiety in our community, more Muslims are turning to therapy and counseling for solutions.
However, for some, finding a therapist who understands not just their emotional struggles, but also their cultural backgrounds and religious values, can be difficult.
As Muslims, our daily lives are often influenced by the noble teachings of Islam. This is why we actively seek a therapist or counselor who shares our faith. We want to learn how to heal but without the worry of compromising our religious conviction and practice in the process.
As a female Muslim Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT) therapist and Islamic counselor, I want to reassure you that my sessions are faith-based, and they will be a means to healing and self-discovery insha’Allah.
The following are three principles I live up to as a Muslim therapist and counselor. (You can also view our Islamic counseling and coaching options for Muslims at this link!)
1. I am here to help, not to judge.
Being a coach and counselor of over 10 years, I understand the importance of providing a safe, non-judgmental space for clients. I respect and admire each person’s decision to embark on a personal journey towards well-being.
I have counseled Muslims from all over the world alhamduliLah. Each person I meet is at a different point in their faith journey. Some of my clients pray and fast, whereas others openly admit that they struggle to live up to fulfilling certain Islamic rituals.
I do not allow these issues to interfere with my work. There is no such thing as a perfect Muslim. We are all struggling in our faith in different ways. We have a duty to each other, as brothers and sisters in faith, to help each other do better and be better.
Instead of judging, my goal as a Muslim therapist and Islamic counselor is to help my clients navigate through the difficulties they are facing in their lives. My hope is that this will lead them to gain the strength to do whatever it takes to draw closer to Allah Most High.
That being said, I acknowledge the significance of faith in the healing process. For Muslims, spirituality is not just a belief system but a source of strength and resilience. Incorporating Islamic principles into therapy can be incredibly empowering, and I try to incorporate them whenever possible.
Islamic teachings provide comfort, guidance, and a sense of purpose. In therapy, integrating faith can offer a holistic approach to healing, addressing not just the mind and body, but also the soul.
2. I am here to understand, not to control.
My 10-year experience as an Islamic counselor and coach has exposed me to the unique needs of Muslim men and women. One of those needs is having the flexibility to individually choose what we believe is best for our own lives.
Every day we face challenges in our personal and professional lives. These challenges can be magnified by cultural expectations, religious obligations, and societal pressures. From balancing family responsibilities with personal aspirations to navigating our identity as Muslims in a diverse world, we may feel bogged down by the weight of multiple expectations and the demands of other people.
As an Islamic counselor and therapist, my role is to understand these multifaceted experiences and teach strategies for how to cope and overcome common struggles. I believe in guiding my client to choose what is best for their circumstances, not instructing them to do what I think is best.
My therapy and counseling sessions are online. This gives my clients the flexibility to arrange online therapy sessions from the comfort of their own homes, without worrying about how to travel to appointments or rearrange their schedules. I also offer evening appointments for clients in the UK, and when available, I am open to weekend sessions too.
By offering so many options, attending online therapy and counseling sessions is made easier. This way the focus remains solely on the client’s issues and needs, as opposed to side issues and concerns.
3. I am here to provide solutions, not only to listen.
Some are hesitant to try therapy and counseling because they believe that they will just be paying someone to listen to them. Whereas listening is part of the process, my goal is to brainstorm with my clients about which steps they can take to improve their lives.
Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. This is why I strove to train in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), counseling skills, and strategic coaching. I try to combine all of these techniques in my approach. The diversity of these tactics provides vast opportunities for my clients to thrive and grow throughout the therapeutic process.
In our sessions, we work together to identify and overcome obstacles, build resilience, and foster a sense of self-worth. Whether it’s managing stress, improving relationships, or finding purpose, my therapy and counseling sessions offer Muslim men and women the tools they need to be successful in all areas of life insha’Allah.
Therapy is a journey—a journey towards self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. For Muslim men and women, having a therapist who understands their cultural and religious context can make this journey all the more meaningful. As a female Muslim therapist, I am committed to providing compassionate, culturally sensitive care that honors both the individual and their faith.
In the end, it is about embracing wellness in all its forms—mind, body, and soul—guided by the principles of our beautiful faith.
View our Islamic counseling and coaching options for Muslims at this link!
© Muslima Coaching, All Rights Reserved.
