Islamic Psychotherapy and Spiritual Care: Theory and Practice

This course introduces helping professionals to Islamic psycho-spiritual therapy as practiced in variety settings (private practice, institutional, congregational, and public agencies). The subject matter is located at the intersection of Islamic theology and the social and human sciences, addressing developmental theory, grief theory and gender studies among other things. This course emphasizes multidimensional assessment and the different application of psycho-spiritual, therapeutic, supportive, educational, and resource management strategies for individuals. Gender, professional identity and professional ethics are also examined. This course introduces students to gender dynamics in a cross-cultural context and helps students develop skills and gender aware helping approaches in Islamic spiritual care and psychotherapy.