Developing an Islamic Framework for Psychotherapy: An Islamic Conceptualization of Psychological Wellbeing and Healing by Amanee Elchehimi M.P.H. (Global Health), Simon Fraser University, 2013 B.Sc. (Psychology), University of British Columbia, 2011 Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in the Counselling Psychology Program Faculty of Education © Amanee Elchehimi 2021 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY Spring 2021 Copyright in this work rests with the author. Please ensure that any reproduction or re-use is done in accordance with the relevant national copyright legislation. Declaration of Committee Name: Amanee Elchehimi Degree: Master of Arts Thesis title: Developing an Islamic Framework for Psychotherapy: An Islamic Conceptualization of Psychological Wellbeing and Healing Committee: Chair: Lucy LeMare Professor, Education Masahiro Minami Supervisor Assistant Professor, Education Sharalyn Jordan Committee Member Associate Professor, Education Alanaise Goodwill Examiner Assistant Professor, Education ii Ethics Statement iii Abstract Data from outcome research studies indicate that spiritual and religious approaches to psychotherapy are effective in improving the psychological wellbeing of clients. While there has been significant growth in the field of Islamic psychology, the development of an approach to counselling that is indigenous to Islamic thought and scholarly works is no simple task. The purpose of this study was to explore and develop the beginnings of a psychotherapeutic framework based upon the Islamic understanding of psychological wellbeing and healing. Using a modified Delphi method with Islamic scholars and teachers as participants (n=6), this study has demonstrated the application of a unique methodological approach applying Islamic epistemological and ontological principles. After three rounds of questionnaires using the Delphi method, emergent coding content analyses and quantitative analyses of the data resulted in 47 consensus statements on the Islamic views of human nature, psychological wellness and illness, and change processes. The major themes and findings of this study lay the groundwork for the development of a psychotherapeutic approach that can be used by counsellors and other helping professionals with both Muslim and non-Muslim clients. There is a need for further exploration, additional research, and multi-methodology studies to create a comprehensive and practical framework. The findings of this research ultimately further the collective effort in the field of Islamic psychology to develop an epistemologically and ontologically sound Islamic approach that can be applied in counselling practice. Keywords: Islamic Psychology; Muslim; Mental Health; Psychotherapy; Epistemology; Islam iv Dedication This project is dedicated to the Muslim Ummah, a community that despite being sidelined and socially and politically marginalized, is thriving and in the midst of a revival. This work is for all the Muslim children, youth, and families who are struggling in some capacity, and yet cannot find or access mental health supports that centre their worldview and way of life. v Acknowledgements I thank Allah (SWT) first and foremost for blessing me with the opportunity to complete this research project. The ability to think, reflect, read, and write are gifts that I used each and every single time I worked on this research. Abu Huraira (RA) reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah.” (Hadith, Sunan Abu Dawud) I am so grateful for the participants in this study – the teachers, scholars, and people of knowledge – who made this research not only possible, but so incredibly fruitful. Their knowledge, humility, time, and energy, as well as their willingness to participate in a study design that was foreign to them, was invaluable. A sincere JazakumAllah Khairun for investing in this project with your expertise. May Allah (SWT) reward you in this life and the next. Ameen. I cannot express the depth of my gratitude for Dr. Masahiro Minami, my Senior Supervisor at Simon Fraser University. His patience, guidance, and commitment to supporting me throughout this journey is more than I could have ever hoped for. It has not been a straightforward, nor simple path to get to this point, but his integrity and compassion shone through at each obstacle or detour. I would also like to thank Dr. Sharalyn Jordan and Dr. Alanaise Goodwill for your support to strengthen this work. My family and friends have been instrumental in my graduate studies journey, and especially with this research. My husband – Mohamed – you never wavered in your support, kindness, motivational talks, late-night tea and snack deliveries, and caring for our daughter as I worked on this project. My mother – thank you for your unending support, homecooked meals, childcare, and every loving check-in. My father and my siblings – you have always had so much faith and confidence in me - it means the world. To my incredible volunteer editors – Anam, Andrea, Misha’a, Nadine, Rabea, Sahar, Sehrish, Soraya, and Yousra - thank you for your honest, no-holds-back feedback. To my beautiful daughter, Ayah: Mama thanks you for your patience little one. You are our miracle and bring us so much joy. It isn’t easy to watch your mama stare at a computer screen day after day. You, my love, were my constant motivation to keep going, to do better, and to achieve more for you and your future. vi Table of Contents Declaration of Committee ................................................................................................ ii Ethics Statement ............................................................................................................ iii Abstract .......................................................................................................................... iv Dedication ....................................................................................................................... v Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................ vi Table of Contents .......................................................................................................... vii List of Tables .................................................................................................................. ix List of Acronyms .............................................................................................................. x Glossary ......................................................................................................................... xi Chapter 1. Introduction: The Personal & Professional ............................................ 1 A Personal & Professional Journey ................................................................................. 4 The Islamic Worldview, My Worldview............................................................................. 5 Chapter 2. Literature Review ................................................................................... 10 A Note on Language & Terminology .............................................................................. 11 History of Islam & Psychology ....................................................................................... 13 Muslim Psychology VS. Islamic Psychology .................................................................. 14 Islamic Adaptations of Western Approaches ................................................................. 16 Islamic Psychology ........................................................................................................ 18 Defining Islamic Psychology ...................................................................................... 18 Why Islamic Psychology? .......................................................................................... 19 The Development of Islamic Frameworks .................................................................. 21 Chapter 3. Methodology ........................................................................................... 27 Research Purpose and Question................................................................................... 27 Ontology & Epistemology .............................................................................................. 27 The Methodology of Ahl as-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah ................................................... 27 What is Islamic Epistemology? .................................................................................. 30 The Need for Islamic Epistemology in Psychology ..................................................... 33 The Delphi Method ........................................................................................................ 35 Participant Recruitment & Selection .............................................................................. 37 Method of Data Collection & Analysis ............................................................................ 38 Round One – Open-ended Questionnaire .................................................................. 38 Round Two – Consensus Questionnaire with Open-Ended Option ............................ 40 Round Three – Consensus Questionnaire with Open-Ended Option .......................... 42 A Note on Data Analysis ............................................................................................ 44 Chapter 4. Results &