PSY 103: Psychology and Counseling in Islam is an enlightening 14-week course designed to explore the rich intersection between contemporary counseling practices and Islamic psychological wisdom. This course delves into the fundamental principles of psychological counseling, with a special focus on how Islamic teachings inform and enhance therapeutic approaches. Students will gain insights into the holistic Islamic perspective on mental health, which encompasses spiritual, emotional, and psychological well-being. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, the course aims to equip students with the skills necessary to offer compassionate and effective counseling that aligns with Islamic ethical values and principles.

Central to the course is the exploration of the therapeutic relationship, empathy, and confidentiality, as emphasized in Islamic teachings. Students will learn about traditional Islamic methods of healing the soul (tazkiyah) and heart (qalb), and how these can be integrated into modern counseling techniques to address issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. The course also covers the importance of self-awareness, self-improvement, and emotional intelligence from an Islamic viewpoint, providing a foundation for developing a culturally sensitive and spiritually informed counseling practice.

Overall Objectives for this Course:

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the principles of psychology and counseling within an Islamic framework.
2. Identify the contributions of Islamic scholars to the field of mental health and counseling.
3. Describe the Islamic perspective on mental well-being, including the importance of spiritual health.
4. Apply Islamic principles in counseling practices, respecting cultural and religious sensitivities.
5. Utilize Islamic teachings to foster empathy, compassion, and understanding in the therapeutic relationship.
6. Explore traditional Islamic therapeutic practices and their relevance to contemporary counseling.
7. Address common psychological issues through the integration of Islamic wisdom and modern counseling techniques.
8. Enhance self-awareness and personal development by applying Islamic teachings on the self and soul.
9. Develop strategies for supporting clients’ spiritual and emotional needs in a counseling setting.
10. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of Islamic counseling approaches in diverse contexts.