Hi! I am a graduate student in counseling psychology and I am doing research for a paper about counseling those of Islamic faith. I've read some of the responses in this forum and have been impressed with the level of depth and honesty I've encountered. I am hoping that some of you could help me understand some of the issues facing the Islamic community and how counseling is viewed by Muslims.
Hi! I am a graduate student in counseling psychology and I am doing research for a paper about counseling those of Islamic faith. I've read some of the responses in this forum and have been impressed with the level of depth and honesty I've encountered. I am hoping that some of you could help me understand some of the issues facing the Islamic community and how Muslims view counseling. Here are the questions I have:
1. What are some common misconceptions about the Islamic faith?
2. Are Muslims in America discriminated against? Have you ever been a victim of prejudice or discrimination? Please explain.
3. What are the Islamic teachings about psychology and counseling, if any? Is it OK for a Muslim to see a counselor for issues they are facing. If not, who should they go to with problems?
4. What information might be helpful for a counselor to know when treating a Muslim client?
1. What are some common misconceptions about the Islamic faith?
Some would include these that Islam commands hatred, it tells us to kill all Jews and Christians, and of course Muslim women are oppressed.
2. Are Muslims in America discriminated against? Have you ever been a victim of prejudice or discrimination? Please explain.
To an extent yes. There will be individuals who act in ways which are un American and treat Muslims in a way that is disgraceful to themselves more than anybody else. I have only gotten stares, but nothing harmful was said to me so I have had mostly pleasant interactions.
3. What are the Islamic teachings about psychology and counseling, if any? Is it OK for a Muslim to see a counselor for issues they are facing. If not, who should they go to with problems?
Islamically, it is okay for a Muslim to see a counselor. There are also many Muslim psychologists. Mostly Muslims have cultural issues with going to a counselor, because in many cultures it is perceived that only mentally ill people need a psychologist, so many just suffer it out than deal with the society's ill talk. Others go to their local imaam if they so wish and seek his help.
4. What information might be helpful for a counselor to know when treating a Muslim client?
Be aware of their culture and background. Not all Muslims are the same. You might presume that a Muslim is walking in, and you might your preconceived notion of what a Muslim is, but the reality is that they will be different. What Islam commands, and what Muslims do are two different things. We try to be the best Muslims we can be, but many of us fail. And sometimes our cultures overpower our religious devotion, so if you see any aspect that is questionable, do some research to distinguish whether the client is more inclined to their religion or culture.
"...You are my Walî in this world and in the Hereafter. Cause me to die as a Muslim, and join me with the righteous." [Surah Yusuf 101]
1. What are some common misconceptions about the Islamic faith?
Some major misconceptions about Islam are that all Muslims are terrorists, Muslim women are oppressed, Muslims believe in a sun god, Muslims should treat Christians and Jews poorly, and that Muslim men are oppressors and abuse their wives.
2. Are Muslims in America discriminated against? Have you ever been a victim of prejudice or discrimination? Please explain.
I would defiantly say Muslims in America are discriminated against. Being that America is mostly a Christian nation if you want to call it that, Americans look at Muslims as extremists and exotic. It has also been harder since the September 11th attacks. I personally have not being discriminated against because I am a new convert, but I know plenty of Muslims who have been. People have called them names, and stereotype all Muslims as being extremists and terrorists among other things.
3. What are the Islamic teachings about psychology and counseling, if any? Is it OK for a Muslim to see a counselor for issues they are facing. If not, who should they go to with problems?
I would assume it would be fine for a Muslim to seek help from a counselor. In some cultures it may be frowned upon because the family should deal with any issues together, and should try not to tell a lot of people about problems they are having. If a Muslim were to go see a counselor they should see someone of there own gender.
4. What information might be helpful for a counselor to know when treating a Muslim client?
I think a counselor should treat a Muslim client like any other client they have with some exceptions. The counselor should know that all Muslims are not all the same. Muslims are people from all walks of life with different types of jobs, families, culture, and economic status’. It would also be beneficial for the counselor to ask the Muslim client of any conflicts with anything. Just know that just like everybody else Muslims have feelings and deal with the same issues other people face.
I hope that has helped in some way. I wish you all the best.
1. What are some common misconceptions about the Islamic faith?
Biggest misconception is that muslims are terrorists, and that muslims women who dress according to the islamic garb are opressed.
2. Are Muslims in America discriminated against? Have you ever been a victim of prejudice or discrimination? Please explain.
I am not from America so i cannot answer this question from personal experience, but from what i have perceived from the media, etc, american muslims are very much discriminated against, (i stand to be corrected here). Fortunately i live in a country where muslims are respected, and do not have to fear being discriminated against.
3. What are the Islamic teachings about psychology and counseling, if any?
I unfortunately do not have sufficient islamic knowledge to answer this question
Is it OK for a Muslim to see a counselor for issues they are facing. If not, who should they go to with problems?
Yes it is permissible for a muslim to seek help from a counseller, psychologist etc, if there are no means to do so, they can turn to fellow friends (of the same gender) sisters/brothers, or elders in the community.
4. What information might be helpful for a counselor to know when treating a Muslim client?
just as a counsellor would take into consideration the cultures, traditions, background etc of a non muslim client, so too should this be done for a muslim client. keep in mind that muslims may find it difficult to discuss some matters due to shyness, modesty, etc.
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