Islamic-Based Therapy

Online Therapy in Silver Spring and Throughout Maryland & Virginia

“Verily, with hardship comes ease.”

(Quran, 94:5)

Not after, with, hardship there is ease. Allahﷻ even repeated it again in the next verse.

Hope is within reach. I’m here to help you find it.

Did You Know?

A 9th century Muslim scholar, Abu Zayd al-Balkhi, is one of the world’s first cognitive psychologists. This was centuries before western psychologists made the discovery though they are credited with it.

Now, we are seeing a resurgence of Islamic Psychology as we are reclaiming the knowledge and wisdom of our ummah and continue to destigmatize mental health. We have known, long before “modern psychology,” the importance of caring for our mental health and that it is okay to struggle and there are ways to support those who are struggling.

There’s no shame in seeking mental health care. Allah wants you to tie your camel too.

“Indeed, Allah will not change a condition of the people until they change what is in themselves.”

Islam is a way of life for you, determining how you think, speak, interact with others, and understand the world, which means it will be deeply intertwined with how you heal. You’re looking for a therapist who understands beyond the basics of Islam, someone who knows the nuances and has a deeper understanding.

It may be difficult to find a therapist who understands the important role Islam plays in your life. Maybe you fear being judged for your beliefs or are frustrated with the idea of having to explain so much context to your therapist for them to be able to understand. 

(Quran 13:11)

You may have learned Islam from a fear-based perspective when you were growing up. Despite this, you still hold tight to Islam and want to develop a closer relationship with Allahﷻ, but you’re unsure of how to do that when you’re struggling.

We’ve all heard, “Have sabr,” “Just pray,” “Trust in Allahﷻ.”

But what does that really mean when you’re struggling with anxiety, having issues within your most important relationships, and having difficulty caring for yourself?

Allahﷻ created us with emotions, so He does not expect us to ignore them. He has put them within us for a reason. Practicing sabr doesn’t mean ignoring our feelings. In fact, it means trusting Allahﷻ through difficult times and it is NOT a passive act. Together we can explore the purpose of your emotions and how you can actively practice sabr in a way that is pleasing to Allahﷻ and helps you work through your hardship.

Schedule a free consultation call with me and we can discuss how we can incorporate Islam into therapy and determine if it would be a good fit for you.

Viewing your hardships through the lens of Islam can offer different perspectives. As Muslims, we know that dunya is filled with tests. Islam gives us specific coping strategies and together in therapy we can determine how to apply it to your unique situations so that you can pass your tests. Islam also gives us a clear sense of purpose and an ultimate goal for life which is vital in the healing process and can give us hope during turbulent times.

How Does Islamic-Based Therapy Work?

We can infuse Islam into therapy by:

  • Reflecting on the Quran, Hadith, and Sunnah to understand yourself and the world more deeply as well as utilize specific guidance for your struggles. “There is no disease that Allah has created, except that He also has created its treatment” (Sahih Bukhari, 582).

  • Finding new ways, including dua, calling Allahﷻ by His names, and remembering that some negative thoughts come from Shaytan, to connect with Allahﷻ and feel His support when you’re feeling lost, confused, isolated, and worried.

  • Practicing gratitude for what we have. What we focus on tends to become magnified, noticing our blessings will make us more receptive. And we know “When you are grateful, I will certainly give you more.” (Quran 14:7)

  • Viewing Islam from the lens of love. Because even when we fall short, He doesn’t neglect us. Allahﷻ is Al-Halim, The Gentle and Al-Wadud, The Origin of Love. His rahma prevails His wrath (Riyad as-Salihin, 419).

Bismillah, Let's Begin!

What to Expect:

  • We can incorporate as much Islam as you’d like in sessions. It’s completely up to you!

  • A judgment free zone. I’m here to understand, empathize, and help you heal. We will not be repeating patterns of fear and gaslighting.

  • I will never push any beliefs onto you. There will always be respect for you, your beliefs, and your autonomy.

  • We will explore how Islam can help learn about yourself, draw closer to Allah, understand your struggles, and pass the tests of dunya. 

  • Together, we can determine effective ways of coping as outlined by Islam and psychology.

  • Encouragement to live in accordance with your values.

  • This approach is meant to supplement my general approach to therapy that you can learn more about here.

Islamic-based counseling can help you…

  • Connect more deeply with Allahﷻ and therefore with yourself and others.

  • Expand coping skills that Allahﷻ has given us through Islam.

  • Discover new perspectives to understand dunya difficulties and pass your tests.

  • Deepen your sense of purpose and understanding.

  • Incorporate Islam into your healing and other aspects of your life to maintain your well-being.

  • Live mindfully with tawakkul and the ultimate goal of Jannah.

  • Engage in tafakkur, deep contemplation and reflection, to explore how your mental health journey can bring barakah.

“And He found you lost and guided you.”

(Quran, 93:7)

FAQs About Islamic-Based Counseling

  • Although I am not a scholar, I find that my expertise in counseling as well as my knowledge of Islam works hand in hand. I am continuously learning and growing within my deen. I will bring in what I learn and you will bring your knowledge as well. This approach is collaborative and catered specifically to you. My expertise is in counseling so my approach leans more towards psychology. If you are looking for more religious guidance, speaking with a trusted Imam or Alim/Alima could supplement therapy.

  • Yes! I understand that everyone is in a different stage of their journey with faith. I take an open, non-judgmental approach and will work with you to learn how your faith plays a role in your life to understand what will benefit you. I always work with my clients to tailor treatment to best suit them.

  • No, not at all! Many of us have been taught Islam from a fear-based approach and I know it has unfortunately pushed some people away. Islam was given to us as a gift to help us care for ourselves and those around us because Allah is Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful), Al-Wadud (The Most Loving), Al-Mughni (The Fulfiller of Needs). This doesn’t mean that life won’t be hard, but Allah has given us guidance for the difficult times too and it’s more than just to have sabr.

  • Read more here.