Towards Culturally Competent Therapy for Muslims

In the realm of therapy, the aspiration is to carve out a sanctuary for the — an arena free from judgment, where one can navigate their emotions and experiences with support and devoid of (political bias/ undercurrents of discrimination). Yet, a lingering question persists: are therapeutic techniques, largely rooted in Western ideologies, universally applicable to all seeking intervention?

While efforts exist to address this quandary through movements and alternatives, they often endeavour to provide a blanket solution to a nuanced issue. Multicultural psychology, as taught in academia, strives to equip practitioners to adapt their approaches to suit individuals of various backgrounds - ethnic minorities, race, religion, gender, or culture. However, one crucial aspect frequently omitted from discourse is the profound influence of religion on the therapeutic landscape.

The practice of each religion is varied and tends to defy our attempts to reduce the people following these religions into a homogenous ‘population’. Hence, it begs the question: how often does therapy fall short for Muslim clients when their religious beliefs are not adequately considered? In an attempt to explore this inquiry, we engaged with several Muslim individuals, both as recipients and providers of therapy. Their responses were diverse yet collectively offered a profound glimpse into this complex terrain.

While some opted for Muslim therapists from the outset, many found themselves in therapy with practitioners outside their faith. When queried about potential knowledge gaps, responses varied. Some chose to sidestep discussions on religion altogether, while others felt compelled to elucidate the intricacies of their faith, often met with puzzlement regarding certain practices. An interesting thing that stood out during our conversations is that non-Muslim therapists may find it difficult to separate the religious practice of Islam from the cultural aspects of Islam.

Forgiveness, a cornerstone of Islam, emerged as a poignant theme in navigating personal trauma. For some, this principle catalyzed healing, offering a pathway to address past grievances. However, others found it triggering, exacerbating religious trauma. The delicate balance between religious doctrine and therapeutic exploration underscored the need for nuanced engagement.

Gender dynamics within Islam also surfaced as a pertinent issue. The incessant need to dispel misconceptions perpetuated by media portrayals weighed heavily on some respondents. Autonomy, a fundamental aspect of the therapeutic journey, became a battleground where preconceived notions clashed with lived experiences.

It is also important to note that not all our interviewees held the same beliefs, even about the way they practise their faith - or don’t. One of the people we spoke to is an atheist and comes from a liberal family. When we spoke about her identity as a Muslim, it was a conversation about her political identity set against the fearful rise of Hindutva fascism, and the resulting lack of safety she feels as a result. For her, it also meant that she needed to navigate her identity as a queer Muslim - what will it mean for her to integrate her partners into a family that may not have the same ideas of love, sex or gender as she does? Through it all, however, she was optimistic about the part therapy has to play in her life - it had helped her cope with hardships before, and would likely continue to help with whatever is to come.

Microaggressions, subtle yet insidious acts of discrimination, posed another challenge. Many respondents expressed discomfort discussing such incidents in therapy, preferring to confide in their community or simply, endure in silence. Some also experienced microaggressions within therapy - a subtle shift in the way their therapist acknowledged their faith, the kind of solutions that were presented or even the efficacy of the therapy itself started to change.

Guilt, intertwined with religious beliefs, emerged as a recurring theme. The notion of enduring hardships as part of a divine plan evoked conflicting emotions. For some, finding the strength to seek professional help, and finding one’s agency using therapy is part of God’s plan. Despite the stigma around mental health and going to therapy, working towards the ultimate good trumps it all. For some others, however, seeking help is a sign of doubt about the presence of God’s plan. It comes with stifling guilt, for not believing in God’s tests of their fortitude, and ultimately lets him down, by not having the faith that in the end, he will guide them to the calmer waters of life. Negotiating these tensions within the therapeutic context required a delicate balance of validation and introspection.

Ultimately, the integration of religion and mental health emerged as a pivotal consideration. The community of mental health practitioners in India is largely Hindu, wealthy and cis-gendered. To better serve our roles as therapists, this hegemonic class of therapists must acknowledge the political identities they occupy, and those of their Muslim clients as well. Our clients' relationship with faith and spirituality may be more nuanced than we often acknowledge, and understanding how religion intersects with mental health can bridge gaps, fostering a more inclusive and effective therapeutic experience for our clients, regardless of where they are on the journey with their faith.

In conclusion, the journey towards culturally competent therapy necessitates an appreciation of the rich tapestry of religious beliefs that shape individuals' experiences. By embracing this diversity and adapting therapeutic techniques accordingly, we can cultivate a more compassionate and inclusive therapeutic landscape.