About this event
Welcome to a Vital Gathering of Reflection and Growth
All are welcome to this conference, which aims to offer therapists from our diverse communities an opportunity to reflect and dialogue on ancient and contemporary understandings of self, therapy, and well-being—especially within the context of today’s geopolitical upheavals. Therapy is not neutral, and for many Muslim individuals, this reality is deeply felt. Muslims often face significant barriers to accessing therapy, with lower engagement rates and worse outcomes in mainstream settings. This conference explores why these challenges exist and how faith can be embraced as a strength, aiming to break down barriers and build bridges toward culturally congruent therapeutic care.
This event is a space for both Muslim therapists and their peers to reflect on the nuances of working with the super-diverse Muslim community—a community that has often been subject to misunderstanding, suspicion, and even surveillance. We will explore how Islamic Counselling, Islamic Psychology, and liberation psychology provide pathways to more culturally aligned and meaningful therapeutic experiences for Muslims. With keynote speakers, community-led panels, and practical examples of therapeutic work, we aim to provide valuable learning for Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
A Space for Reflection, Resistance, and Peer Support
In these challenging times, the need for spaces fostering reflection, resistance, and peer support has never been greater. This conference seeks to bridge the gaps often felt within the broader therapeutic community, empowering Muslim therapists and their colleagues to critically examine the current field and to find new ways of working that honor the lived experiences of Muslim individuals. Together, we will explore the role of spirituality in healing, challenge prevailing narratives, and provide culturally responsive insights that are vital for promoting well-being and resilience.
Join Us
Join us as we explore the vital role that therapy, spirituality, and community activism play in nurturing resilience, well-being, and social justice amid current challenges. This is more than a conference—it is a gathering of hearts and minds committed to fostering deeper understanding and meaningful change in our field.
PRESENTATIONS
Islamic Humanism: A Resource for Mental Health Practitioners – Robert K. Beshara, Ph.D., M.F.A.
About this presentation:
Ibn Rushd (Averroes), a pivotal figure in Islamic philosophy, offers invaluable insights into the integration of reason and faith, making his works a significant resource for mental health practitioners. This paper explores how Ibn Rushd’s philosophy, rooted in Islamic humanism, can inform culturally and spiritually sensitive mental health practices. Central to his thought is the harmonization of rational inquiry and spiritual understanding, which provides a holistic approach to mental well-being.
