Individual Therapeutic Services
Learn more about the types of services I provide
Are you looking for a therapist that understands you completely?
Let me begin with a quick story. When I first began looking for a therapist, there were no Muslim therapists where I lived. So I chose a therapist based on my insurance and based on their website. That was great, the therapist was wonderful, warm and professional. I was happy to have found a therapist that matched with me, however, there was always something missing. There was always a gap when it came to understanding my religious beliefs and values and my cultural background. Sure I would explain things to her and she was open to learning, however, that deep knowing that comes from within wasn’t there.
I want your experience to be different, I want you to have a positive outcome
As a Muslim therapist, I understand where you are coming from. I know what it’s like to live in a Muslim family and to grow up with certain cultural expectations. Of course you are unique and your experience is an individual experience and I cannot have experienced everything that different Muslims will experience coming from all over the world. What I can offer you is an understanding and connection that is deeper than just knowing superficially. I have grown up with things that Muslims go through. As a South Asian Indian that was born in Tanzania, Africa, I am familiar with the desi cultural expectations and things unique to us. Marrying an Arab man has exposed me to the Iraqi culture and the nuances that they live with.
Do I Provide Religious Counseling?
I do not provide religious counseling. I am not trained as a religious leader or in any specific Islamic studies training program. I am knowledgeable about Islam through my own learning through various scholars and readings. I believe that today we have many talented and knowledgeable Islamic leaders. If you have questions about laws and ethics pertaining to Islamic principles, it is best to ask these leaders.
At the same time, I do incorporate spirituality into our sessions at your request and when it is appropriate and helpful. Each person is unique and I will take into consideration your needs, your history, and your goals into each therapy session.
My goal in providing Muslim centered therapy, is to provide a safe and culturally sensitive space for you to talk about the pain in your marriage, the challenges of being a parent, how hard it is growing up in the Western world, the challenges of being a young woman in University.
When you walk into my office and take a seat, you are in a judgment free space. You can be who you are without fear that I will put a label on you.
Negative patterns can only be changed in a safe and trusting space. I actively create this space for you in each session.
Other Questions About Therapy
What if I'm not religious?
I work with lots of individuals and couples that find it comforting knowing I understand their background.
You are who you are and I’m not here to convert you into a version of some Islamic way of living. We are all unique and we can also come together with our common beliefs.
Curabitur Non Nulla Sit Amet Nisl?
Confidentiality for you and all my clients is of utmost importance to me. I do not share any information about my clients or what’s discussed in session with any one. If a client is a threat to themselves or others, I am obliged to get help for them. If a child is under abuse, I am obligated to report this. This is an ethical and legal binding for all mental health providers.
I've experienced religious trauma, do you know how to work with that?
Yes, I often work with individuals who have experienced some form of religious trauma. It could have been through an institution, an individual or their family experience that led to their traumatic and stressful experience. Together we would identify your goals and with the expertise I have in working with trauma, I would create a treatment plan that would be unique to your individual needs.
I've gone away from my Deen (religion) and I want to get back to it, can you help?
Absolutely if you want to work on how to get back on track with your faith and being connected to Allah (SWT), I would love to help you in your journey. Together we would work on where you were in the past, where you are now and where you would like to be in the future. We would then identify the blocks to having a positive relationship with religion and then working on healing any trauma so that you can have a healthy relationship with religion again. Your journey will be unique to you because there are a million path to the One God (SWT).
I'm new to Islam, do you have experience working with Reverts?
I have worked with individuals that came to Islam from another faith or another experience. I have worked with them either individually or in a couple dynamic. Although I will never understand your lived experience of what that was like, I do understand how it can feel lonely and alienating to enter a new faith without the support of your loved ones. Together we would work on building internal resources of strength so that you can feel supported in your journey in Islam.
Get in Touch with Me!
My office is located in Falls Church, Virginia where I see clients in person.
I am licenced to provide therapy in the states of Virginia, District of Columbia, Maryland and Texas.
For all other states and countries, I provide therapeutic coaching services.
Email: info@mindbodysoultherapy.com
Phone: 512-609-0699