Reconciling Your Muslim Faith with Therapy
Have you ever heard the advice: “Just pray, and everything will be okay”? Has someone reprimanded you for being “ungrateful” when you were genuinely having a difficult time? As much as advocacy for mental wellness has advanced and become normalized in recent times, there is still a stigma attached to attending therapy in the Muslim community. Oftentimes, members of the Muslim community may struggle with their mental health, but hesitate to seek treatment due to a culture of guilt or shame. Why?
Ongoing Stigma in the Muslim Community
People walk into therapy with two fears:
the fear of not being understood… and the fear of being understood.
Rooted deep within the Muslim faith are the teachings to always be grateful, be wary of backbiting against your brother or sister, and acts of charity. Sometimes, interpretations of these teachings may hold Muslims back from seeking mental health treatment due to the misconception that therapy sessions are centered around engaging in negative speech about others and expressing ungratefulness. Additionally, they may feel that their faith or relationship with God will come into question if they admit their struggle. If and when Muslims do decide to pursue therapy, they may find it difficult to find a therapist that understands their specific experience. They may give up on the therapeutic process before even beginning, due to the daunting task of having to explain and teach the intricacies of their faith to their therapist; it can feel impossible to find someone who will see them for who they truly are.
What is Therapy Really Like and How Can It Help?
In a world where you may be juggling so many different parts of your identity - may be hiding parts of yourself or struggling to embrace yourself - therapy can be a safe space for you to show up authentically, or learn what that means. Exploring what your faith and identity mean to you can aid you in your journey towards self-acceptance and self-love. Advocating for yourself and seeking wellness makes room for a stronger spiritual connection and clarity in various areas of your life.
Traditional talk therapy can be beneficial in this self-exploration and strengthening of identity. Additionally, participating in art therapy can help you tap into a deeper
emotional experience and navigate your way through cognitive defenses. The beauty of art-making - through intricate mosaics, stunning architecture, and delicate calligraphy - has been woven throughout Islamic history and can be a vehicle to understand and express your individual Muslim experience. Rather than a space that risks betraying faith-based teachings, therapy has the potential to promote a better understanding of interpersonal relationships and deepen a sense of authenticity and resilience in life.
CONTACT US to learn more about THERAPY FOR THE MUSLIM COMMUNITIES and how we can help you on your journey.