What is the Therapy Process All About?

Making sense of the therapy process can be challenging. For a lot of people, the idea of starting therapy comes with a flurry of questions and confusion and can lead to barriers to accessing care. It can feel like there is a big mystery around how to access therapy when we make the decision that we might benefit from therapy. Therapy does not have to feel like this big, scary unknown. This blog article will focus on answering some Frequently Pondered Thoughts that often come up, especially as we navigate the therapy process.

Do I even need therapy?

We may think of therapy as medication or treatment that we should only tap into when we really need it. I want to challenge this potentially harmful belief that is too common in our communities. Think of therapy as a way to prepare for unplanned life situations when they arise because we have been working with a professional to build and practice with tools that can come in handy during our times of need. It can also be a decision to say that I am feeling stuck in my growth as a person, and I want someone trained to help people grow beyond their limits and reach their full potential to help me do that. Therapy can be used as a means to prevent further harm and damage and to address unhelpful patterns from our past that continue to affect us in the present. In all of these cases and other circumstances that lead us to seek therapy, therapy can be a safe space to explore ourselves and break unhealthy patterns to build a healthier lifestyle and mindset In Sha Allah.   

What does the therapy process feel like?

Some people describe it as an instant hit where they feel a sense of comfort and safety to be vulnerable and explore their true and authentic selves. Others may describe it as a challenging and uncomfortable process that helps them encounter things they have been burying for a long time. The therapy process can feel different for each person. The discomfort can be comforting because it is a path to building a more comfortable lifestyle for yourself and your loved ones. Remember that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all and that it is a dynamic environment that is ever-changing with you. It is likely that you will outgrow your therapist and that you will shift as your goals and life stages change, but all of these are indicators of growth and healing, which is often the primary focus of therapy! All therapists, including Muslim therapists, will begin the process by understanding your story, assessing your needs and establishing goals you have to anchor the work they will do with you in evidence-based and meaningful practices. Engaging in modalities like Islamically-integrated counselling, narrative therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), or cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) that are appropriate for you can be an intervention the therapist decides to explore with you based on your needs, goals, preferences and cultural appropriateness. There usually is a termination to the therapeutic relationships either objectively through a finite number of sessions listed in the policy or upon more subjective completion of goals as you prepare for your next journey.

How do I know if therapy is working? 

There are so many ways to assess if therapy is working for you, but this requires some work on your part! Evaluating the effectiveness of therapy requires that you also build a stronger sense of self-awareness through self-reflection so that you can pay attention to the changes resulting in your life from your work in therapy. It is important to remember that the therapeutic bond you share with a potential therapist is most helpful when both of you are aligned in your goals and visions for yourself and work together to emphasize actions and care that center your voice and values. You can measure changes in your life through a greater sense of comfort, contentedness, satisfaction, preparedness to take on new challenges, evolving reactions to patterns that have always existed in your life, and measuring the fulfillment of goals as you work together with your therapist. 

Does Islamically-integrated Counselling make sense for me?

Feeling understood and fully seen is important when working with a therapist, especially if your faith and cultural background are central to your life. Opting for Islamically-integrated counselling can be important for some people because it encompasses more facets of their identities and helps them feel fully seen in their sessions with Muslim therapists.

This approach allows for more opportunities to engage in conversations about one’s spirituality and how it fits into their story. This approach can be especially valuable if your faith, cultural background, or spiritual practices are central to your life. With the right Muslim therapist, we can receive culturally-responsive care that caters to our specific needs! 

For many Muslims, Islamically-integrated counselling offers a safe space to discuss not only their mental and emotional health, but also how their faith influences their experiences, challenges, and healing processes. This kind of therapy can address issues related to religious practices, such as navigating feelings of guilt, shame, or uncertainty around spiritual obligations. It can also help deal with cultural expectations, family dynamics, and societal pressures that are specific to Muslim communities.

Having a therapist who understands Islamic concepts and values can enhance the therapeutic relationship, fostering a deeper sense of trust and connection. You may find it easier to engage in conversations about your spirituality, rituals, or moral dilemmas without the need to constantly explain or defend your beliefs. With the right Muslim therapist, you can receive culturally-responsive care that caters to your specific needs, allowing you to explore your mental health within the context of your faith.

If Islam is a part of your story in any way, spiritually-integrated counselling can integrate Islam into therapy in a way that makes sense for you. Whether you’re dealing with personal struggles, seeking guidance on living according to your values, or looking for support in balancing your religious and worldly responsibilities, this approach can offer a comprehensive and holistic path to healing.

What are the different approaches that Muslim therapists take?

Therapists are trained to address the client’s needs and approach clients curiously and non-judgmentally. Muslim therapists may also seek additional, extensive training in approaching Muslim clients from a place of knowledge, wisdom, shared lived experiences and understanding of how to deliver Islamically-integrated care. Check with your therapist if they are comfortable and skilled in holding space for the conversations that matter the most to you. A common fear, however, when working with Muslim therapists can be the lack of privacy or confidentiality within the community or the fear of judgment. All licensed therapists are bound by their respective accrediting colleges to maintain confidentiality and protect client privacy. If you ever have any doubts about the limitations of confidentiality, you are invited to have an open and transparent conversation with the therapists themselves!  

How do I find a good Muslim Therapist? 

The therapy process can be intimidating and confusing to navigate because there are lots of uncertainties as we enter a new world of resources, opportunities and services that we are previously unfamiliar with. We might decide that we are ready to have a conversation with a Muslim therapist who caters to our needs, but we might not know where to begin. While it can be daunting, connecting with a Muslim therapist can be a transformative journey in our healing and existing process. At Ruh, we work with you and your needs to match you to a therapist who makes sense to you. Check out our Matching Form to accelerate your therapy process in meaningful ways, or check out our Directory to explore options for Muslim Therapists near you. 

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We congratulate you on your willingness to consider therapy as a means in your healing journey and pray for your ease as you navigate the therapy process – Ameen! Remember, you are not alone in this journey and our resources and team are here to support you as you navigate what may be uncharted terrains.