Therapy that honours your faith, identity, and lived experience
As Muslims living in the West, many of us navigate the tension between two worlds, the values we were raised with and the cultural norms that surround us. This balancing act can be enriching but it can also bring its own emotional struggles, from identity conflicts and family pressure to doubts, guilt or feelings of isolation.
You may find yourself asking:
• How do I honour my faith while still being true to myself?
• How do I manage the expectations of family or community?
• Can I speak about my struggles without feeling judged or misunderstood?
• Will a counsellor really understand my background and beliefs?
A Culturally and Spiritually Sensitive Approach
My approach to Islamically integrated counselling is not about offering religious rulings or advice. Instead, it is about creating a space where your faith can be explored, respected and included as part of your healing process if and when you choose. I aim to support you in a way that aligns with your values and worldview while drawing on therapeutic techniques grounded in evidence-based practice such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
We might explore how spiritual practices or beliefs affect your emotional wellbeing, how cultural expectations shape your identity, or how past experiences have influenced your relationship with yourself and others.
This approach can be especially helpful if you are:
• Struggling with anxiety, low mood, or low self-worth
• Navigating identity, family, or relationship conflicts
• Experiencing spiritual guilt, doubt, or religious burnout
• Feeling stuck between cultures or trying to find your own voice within your faith
Why Amaanah?
The name Amaanah is rooted in the Arabic word that conveys trust, honesty, loyalty, responsibility and integrity. It is a word with profound depth, and that is exactly why I chose it. In counselling, the foundation lies in safety, trust and integrity. These are values that align closely with the essence of amaanah and the way I aim to hold space for others. For me, Amaanah is more than a name. It is a guiding principle and a daily reminder of the values I strive to uphold in both my professional and personal life.
"Healing the heart begins with knowing the self and knowing the self leads to knowing the Creator."
(Inspired by principles of Islamic psychology (Ilm al-Nafs)