Exploring the Essence of Islamic-Oriented Counseling

Insights from Iranian Therapists

Bibliographic Data

ID24230871
AuthorsAmir Ali Mazandarani (0000-0002-7156-6277, Behavioral Sciences, The Institute for Research and Development in the Humanities (SAMT)), Mahdi Zare Bahramabadi (0000-0003-0632-2142, Counseling, Allameh Tabataba'i University)
Year2026
Volume18
Issue4
Publication date2026-02-11
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Muslim Mental Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1556-4908 • E-ISSN: 1556-5009
PublisherUniversity of Michigan Library (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.3998/jmmh.6178
OpenAlexW4413435725
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited33

This qualitative study explores the essence of Islamic-oriented counseling through a thematic analysis of semi-structured deep interviews with 13 counselors in Iran. Four significant themes emerged from the data: Divine-Oriented Counseling, Development of Islamic Counseling Framework, Holistic Islamic Perspective on Human Nature, and Islamic Counseling Techniques. The Divine-Oriented Counseling theme emphasizes the foundational principles rooted in divine guidance and adherence to Islamic Sharia, highlighting the integration of Islamic values into therapeutic practices. The Development of Islamic Counseling Framework theme focuses on constructing a psychotherapeutic framework grounded in Islamic principles, while the Holistic Islamic Perspective on Human Nature theme underscores counselors' comprehensive understanding of human beings within an Islamic framework. The Islamic Counseling Techniques theme represents the practical implementation of Islamic-oriented counseling approaches, emphasizing the application of spiritual interventions and religious coping mechanisms. These findings underscore the significance of integrating Islamic principles into counseling practices to promote holistic well-being within an Islamic framework. The study contributes to the growing body of research on Islamic-oriented counseling and offers practical insights for practitioners seeking to better meet the needs of Muslim clients within a culturally responsive therapeutic framework.

culturally responsive therapy · Muslim clients · religious coping · spiritual intervention · Counseling Practices and Supervision · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology

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