Find Hope and Healing in Islamic Spiritual Care & Psychotherapy
Spiritual care and psychotherapy for spiritual crisis, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.
DEFINITIONS, CONCEPTS, TERMS
Introduction to Islamic Spiritual care & Psychotherapy
Islamic chaplaincy or spiritual care is one of the helping professions (like social work, nursing, etc.) that aims to nurture a person's psychological, emotional or spiritual well-being. The specific focus is on addressing a person's spiritual or religious needs as he or she copes with illness, loss, grief, or pain. Those in the field also serve as faith representatives in public settings, including healthcare centres, the military, educational institutions, etc.
Islamic psychotherapy, on the other hand, treats individuals who suffer from severe mental health conditions, spiritual crises and emotional challenges.
In the field of mental health, the terms "psychotherapy" and "counselling" may be used interchangeably. However, in Ontario, the two terms have theoretical and practical differences. The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) defines psychotherapy as “the assessment and treatment of cognitive, emotional, or behavioural disturbances by psychotherapeutic means, delivered through a therapeutic relationship based primarily on verbal or non-verbal communication." Counselling, on the other hand, refers to general advice-giving, information-giving giving and general support.
This website aims to provide a glimpse into significant scholarly contributions to Islamic spiritual care & psychotherapy to highlight the historical and contemporary landscape in the field that attempts to integrate psychology and Islamic sciences with clinical mental health practice. We hope out attempts will Insha'Allah serve as one of the resources for scholars, researchers, and clinicians interested in Islamic spiritual care & psychotherapy, Muslim mental health, and the intersection of religion, spirituality, and psychology.
Philosophy, Expertise, Approach
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy
Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy are based on theories and interventions that rely on Islam's fundamental religious and spiritual sources, such as the Qur'an, Sunnah, hadith, and the works of classical and contemporary Muslim scholars. These sources are used to help clients achieve personal growth and maturation. Islamic spiritual
Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy are based on theories and interventions that rely on Islam's fundamental religious and spiritual sources, such as the Qur'an, Sunnah, hadith, and the works of classical and contemporary Muslim scholars. These sources are used to help clients achieve personal growth and maturation. Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy incorporates practices like tarbiyya, which involves nurturing individual potential; ta'lim, which entails gaining knowledge; and ta'dib, which focuses on developing good social and moral manners and personal conduct in crisis situations. These practices are essential components of Islamic psychotherapy.
Expertise
Philosophy
Philosophy
Muslim therapists trained in Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy can assist individuals experiencing maladjustment who may find solace in an Islamic context. During the therapy, the clients get a chance to address emotional, spiritual or mental health concerns and gain insight into a path to spiritual healing, self-purification, and
Muslim therapists trained in Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy can assist individuals experiencing maladjustment who may find solace in an Islamic context. During the therapy, the clients get a chance to address emotional, spiritual or mental health concerns and gain insight into a path to spiritual healing, self-purification, and forgiveness. Integrating Islamic customs into psychotherapy is essential in serving Muslim patients. By weaving together these sources, Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy provide a unique approach to better address the mental health needs of Muslim patients. Additionally, it educates clients on the Islamic faith, spirituality and fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence).
Approach
Philosophy
Approach
Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy practices are not new concepts but have been practiced for some time. Rather than relying on a singular method, it combines contemporary psychotherapeutic and Islamic healing techniques to help individuals overcome their issues and lead fulfilling lives. This holistic approach encourages individual
Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy practices are not new concepts but have been practiced for some time. Rather than relying on a singular method, it combines contemporary psychotherapeutic and Islamic healing techniques to help individuals overcome their issues and lead fulfilling lives. This holistic approach encourages individuals to delve into their cognitive, behavioural, emotional, spiritual, and religious aspects. In sum, Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy are a blend of traditional counselling and psychotherapy with the core principles of Islam.
'Lord, increase me in knowledge!' Qur'an, 20: 114
About Us
This website is a personal initiative of Dr. Nazila Isgandarova to summarize resources on evidence-based Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy literature. Dr. Isgandarova is an Assistant Professor and SPE Practicum Director at Emmanuel College at Victoria University in the University of Toronto. She is an accomplished researcher, registered psychotherapist, and social worker focusing on psychotherapy, counselling, and spiritual and religious care in healthcare settings. Dr. Isgandarova is passionate about serving her clients, especially immigrant and refugee families, and encouraging women to reflect deeply on their inner lives and spirituality to help them connect to their emotional and spiritual selves. She focuses on violence prevention, justice, social support system reform, housing and food insecurity, and racial and religious bias. For this purpose, she supports community organizations such as CASC, CCMW, AWSC, One Voice, Women to Women, One Love Family Services, etc. She has received awards for her contributions to the field, including the Champion for Diversity Award by the Ontario Government, the Order of Vaughan and the Forum for Theological Exploration research award.
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Islamic Spiritual Care & Psychotherapy
