The Muslim Therapist
ISLAMIC COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES
السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّهِ وَبَرَكاتُهُ
May the peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you
A Helping Hand
is a Hand of Love
Islamic Counselling and Psychotherapy for Muslims from an Intercultural and faith based approach
My name is Shayek. I'm a Qualified Counsellor & Psychotherapist, an Islamic Scholar, a registered member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy, based in London.
I work with Fathers, Mothers, Husbands, Wives, Health care professionals, Teachers, Students, Aalims, Aalimahs, and all kinds of lovely humans who are doing the best they can to not let what happened to them keep them from loving, being loved, growing and seeing the beauty of life. They are incredible people, the most inspiring people I know.
I offer online integrative counselling and psychotherapy for individual adults on a short term or long term basis. I provide a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space for you to express your emotions, explore your issues in depth and find ways to move towards a positive future. I offer intercultural counselling from a faith based perspective for the Muslim community, integrating Islamic concepts into my practice to help you explore any issues you may be struggling with and develop ways to manage your emotions better. I can help with a range of difficulties that you may be facing, such as anxiety, trauma, depression, confidence, relationships and self-esteem.
We all face challenges in our lives from time to time, but all too often, we try to cope with them alone, which prevents us from living the life we want to live. It can be difficult to reach out to a professional for support, but in doing so, you are taking the first step towards achieving your goals. Finding the right therapist, one that understands the issues you are dealing with as a Muslim can be challenging, which is why I incorporate Qur’anic and Prophetic teachings into my therapeutic approach so you can cope with the challenges you are facing and fulfil your potential.
For more information about how counselling can help, see our Issues I help with page.
Intercultural therapy
As intercultural therapists, we understand the importance of culture, religion and faith. By looking at the challenges you are facing through the lens of culture and faith, we can gain a deeper understanding of your emotions which will make our work together more effective. Within each culture there are conscious and unconscious assumptions. We can help you work through these, so you can find positive ways to move forward in your life.
A problem shared
By working with us, you will have the opportunity to share your experiences and explore your issues in depth. Many people bottle up their emotions, which only creates bigger problems later on, so counselling will give you the opportunity to find your voice when you may be used to keeping quiet. You will be listened to intently and deeply, and your thoughts and feelings will be valued and accepted. Only then, can you begin to make sense of them and find your answers.
Confidence & confidentiality
In the therapeutic space, you are the focus of our work together. We will build a strong therapeutic relationship, so you feel safe and confident enough to explore your struggles in detail. You will be in control of the direction and pace of your therapy and at no point will you be pressured into sharing anything you feel uncomfortable sharing. Our relationship is confidential, so everything that we discuss will be between us and completely private. This way, you can confidently explore your issues, making our therapeutic relationship more effective.
How can counselling help you?
Counselling and psychotherapy provides you with a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space for you to express your emotions, explore the issues you are struggling with in depth and develop ways to make more positive choices in your life. Through counselling, you will become more self-aware, reconnecting with your inner self and your core values so you can live your life on your terms.
As your counsellor, we are here to listen with empathy and compassion, offering you an objective perspective on your emotions and the challenges you are facing. We are not here to fix you. The answers that you seek lie deep within you. We are here to help you make sense of your feelings so you can find ways to manage them better. By finding your own answers, you will be able to take back control of your emotions and work towards independence.
You may be looking for a counsellor who fully understands the unique challenges that you may be facing as a Muslim, so we offer counselling that integrates Qur’anic and Prophetic teachings in to our therapy sessions, so you can work towards achieving your goals effectively. If we work together, we will be starting from a place of mutual understanding, enabling us to have a deeper level of communication and a more effective therapeutic relationship.
For more information about our therapists, please see my About Us section.
About Us
The Muslim Therapist was developed by our Founder and CEO, Shayek Miah.
Shayek observed that Muslims in London at the time had difficulty accessing counselling and psychotherapy, and that traditional psychotherapy was insufficient to address the needs of diverse social identities.
These insights prompted Shayek to found The Muslim Therapist, the first organisation in the UK to acknowledge the significance of the therapist-client relationship, while also taking into account the therapist's and client's cultural and Islamic background.
''Before becoming a therapist, I studied for 6 years at an Islamic school to gain my Aalamiyyah qualification. After graduating from my studies, I went on to study counselling and psychotherapy. I completed my counselling training at the Counselling and Psychotherapy Training Academy and Sakoon Counselling Services, and I then became a BACP registered therapist.
During this time, I worked in primary and secondary schools as a counsellor, helping young people with a range of issues. I also worked with refugees, immigrants, and domestic abuse victims as well as working within the NHS. Currently, alongside my practice, I am a Headteacher of an Islamic institute.''
MBACP Registered Member Language: English
Issues we help with
We provide counselling and psychotherapy that can help with a variety of issues you may be struggling with.
Abuse
Addictions
Anger management
Anxiety
Anger
Autism spectrum
Bereavement
Cancer
Chronic fatigue syndrome / ME
Cultural issues
Depression
Family issues
Health related issues
Identity issues
Infertility
Loss
Personal development
Post-traumatic stress
Pregnancy related issues
Redundancy
Relationships
Self esteem
Self-harm
Sex-related issues / sexuality
Spirituality
Stress
Trauma
Women's issues
Work related issues
If you are dealing with an issue that isn’t listed above, please get in contact to see if we can work together.
How we work
Research shows that the ‘relationship’ is the therapy, in which we and our clients live, breathe and find meaning.
Our approach is predominantly person centred, which is a client centred approach that puts you in control of the direction and the pace of our sessions together. You will bring the issues you want to discuss to our sessions; you are the expert on you, and you have the answers within.
Our main approach is psychodynamic, which helps you focus on your childhood, past experiences, significant events, relationships, and how they are influencing your present situation. Together, we will bring to the fore any unconscious feelings you may have so we can explore them, and you can become more self-aware through the insights and links that are gained.
As an integrative therapist, we will draw on a range of other approaches in our sessions together. This means that your therapeutic pathway is tailored to your unique circumstances. No two clients are the same and no two issues are identical, so this way, we offer you bespoke therapy so you can achieve your goals and fulfil your potential.
Through transactional analysis, we explore your personality and how this has been shaped by your experiences, particularly those stemming from childhood. This is carried out through exploration of your ego states, questioning, and the utilisation of various models, techniques and tools.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a practical, solution focused approach on exploring thoughts, feelings and behaviours and breaking them down in order to understand them better. It helps you develop practical techniques to break the pattern of unwanted thoughts and behaviours and replacing them with more positive ones.
These sessions are designed around each partner to air their concerns and core issues, which need to be addressed. As your Counsellor, we facilitate the process by making sure each party has the time and space to talk. Once issues and concerns have been identified, we will offer suggestions, Islamic advice and practical solutions to the couple and support them through the process.
Islamic Mediation is a well-established process for resolving disagreements in which an impartial third party (the mediator) helps people in dispute to find a mutually acceptable resolution. Mediation is generally more cost effective and often takes less time than going to court, and is a flexible process that can be used to settle disputes in a whole range of situations. It is also an excellent preventative tool and can be used effectively to stop problems escalating and becoming worse. A mediation process is different to the legal process, where hostility often still exists between parties once the case is over. Please email me for more information.
Muslims turn to Imams for help and advice in many matters affecting their day-to-day life. Our Founder, CEO and Lead Therapist can advise on a wide range of matters, such as marriage, bereavement, family problems, and Islamic guidance.
If you would like to make an appointment, or would like more information, please use the contact form below.
Initial consultation
Before we begin working together, we can have a free initial consultation on the phone which will take about 10 minutes. This gives me the opportunity to find out more about you, your background and the difficulties you are facing. It also gives you the opportunity to find out more about therapy and if we are a good fit to work together moving forward.
How sessions will be held
Online therapy sessions offer you the flexibility of time so you can engage in counselling at a time that suits you, in a space that you feel most comfortable in, such as your own home. It also prevents the worry about travelling to a new place or arranging travel from hampering the progress we are able to make.
I also offer telephone counselling which is flexible, like online counselling, but it offers you a less intense way to engage in therapy. If you are struggling with an issue that involves feelings of guilt or shame, or you are in any way self-conscious about sharing your experiences, telephone counselling may enable you to share your experiences and explore your struggles more deeply.
Please get in contact if you would like to arrange a consultation, or if you have any questions about online counselling.
Fees and Availability
Consultations and Sessions:
- Free Initial Consultation: Telephone – 10 mins
- Individual Therapy Session: Telephone/Zoom – 30/40/50 mins
- Couples Therapy Session: Zoom - 50 mins
- Islamic Advice Consultation - 30 mins
Concessions offered for Clients:
- with financial constraints
- on Benefits
- Students
We also offer limited free sessions, if you cannot afford therapy. Please contact us for more information.
Availability: Monday to Friday, 10:30am - 4:30pm.
Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel a session for any reason, please give us 48 hours' notice to avoid being charged in full for the session.
Testimonials
"It was really nice having Shayek as a therapist. I feel like I started to explain and understand my feelings much more. I was able to talk about my feelings. What I found very amazing was how compassionate he was, and how his tone of voice was very soothing and comforting."
Client D.K – Female
"All my sessions with Shayek, have been exactly what I needed. I felt understood and acknowledged. Through this service I have felt confidence to shine through and found mental strength to navigate me in the near future. I was able to learn a lot about myself and reflect within for a healthier mindset/approach to life. A big Thank You to my therapist for giving me the space to talk, being patient with me and helping me align better emotionally and mentally. And providing 100% professionalism at all times."
"What can I say about Shayek. In the beginning I was hesitant, as we live in a culture where we hear, ‘we don’t need therapy, go and pray’. We went back and forth with emails. Shayek made me feel so comfortable. He understood where I was coming from, as he also studied Aalamiyyah. I was suffering from anxiety, and he helped me manage my anxiety. I was amazed with the depth of his knowledge of Islam, and the way he would link it in to therapy. Having the same background allowed me to feel comfortable and I’m so happy that he is an Aalim and providing therapy services to the Muslims. You’ve changed my life, and I won’t forget you."
"He is truly, The Muslim Therapist! What a gentleman! His manners, quotes, and advices. He made me feel very safe and comfortable. I loved the way he would talk about prophetic narrations and link it into our therapy work. Although, I was not practicing, not once did he make me feel judged, but treated me with love and empathy."
"Best Therapist! Very fruitful collaboration which triggered many discoveries and changes. I would recommend him to everyone.’’. Great price-Value Relationship."
Client S.B – Male
"I am very thankful for and appreciative of Shayek’s experience and knowledge. As the weeks progressed, he provided me with tools to deal with my anxiety and an understanding of where it comes from. It helped that we share the same faith and he has so much knowledge about that as well. This factor is exactly what I wanted when I asked for a therapist."
"Shayek is so caring and loving. He taught me how a human should love, feel loved. No matter what you go through in life, there’s always help, and Allah will always help you. I felt his love, care and warmth. Initially, I didn’t want to work with a male, and my friend told me about him, and how they enjoyed their work with him. I am happy to say that I have no regrets and I will take him with me, his words and quotes."
"I once heard a poet say “I’ll extend you my open arms until the palms of my hands start bleeding”. It sounds quite graphic but the meaning behind it showed me that there are people in this world who just want to help, they want to help with their heart, their tears and their every limb in order to make the person feel better. And that person is you, despite this field being your profession you not once made it feel like it was a formal work session.
When I had first joined the sessions, I honestly did not think I’d stick through, I was nervous of the outcome, of how you would be as a person or if you would ever come across as judgemental. However, from the first session you lifted those worries away. You constantly reassured me and catered towards me. Allowing me to have a safe space, a non-judgemental environment where I could share my happiness and my sorrows. You were the voice I needed to help me heal from my past and I thank Allah alone for allowing us this opportunity.
It was through your sessions I learnt that you shared the passion of my studies, which no one in the world has been able to match. And it was within these sessions you helped me heal along with increasing me in faith, reminding me how my situation can link into Islam, and ultimately, it’s through Allah’s tarteeb we find cure. Just how He facilitated for Rasulullah SAW, he facilities for us and that it is up to us to see it with that vision.
I find it amazing how someone like yourself who has many clients as well as other duties to fulfil made me feel like you had all the time in the world for me. Your attention to every word, your way of comforting, speaking, reacting all was done with ease and gentleness. This characteristic I only envisioned with Rasulullah SAW and I didn’t think anyone in the dunya could replicate that. His character was such that the Sahabahs RA who were all so close to him SAW thought they were the most beloved to him, but in reality it was the way he gave them his attention, his time and love that each and every one of them felt they were his most beloved.
I witnessed you reflecting that in our sessions from the care and the attention you gave me. Through the way you have structured the sessions and selectively chose what to say at what time, showed me how well you have built yourself. You are the definition of a ‘Wounded Healer’ through your pain you channel good to the world. Through you experiences you’re able to relate and be that shoulder for others to lean on. I am so honoured to have met an individual like yourself, as it has granted me ease knowing that there are true assets to this ummah who are working above and beyond to help keep the unity together by building individuals to find comfort within themselves, who can learn from their pain and utilise in a positive way.
I remember coming into these sessions at a time where I felt so negative with life, I could not see happiness in anything and felt so unsettled. Through your sessions I had learnt how to deal and heal from the hurt I suffered with my whole life. I have learnt many, many lessons with specific phrases that had echoed within me such as;
“You deserve to be loved”
“Any father will be proud to have you as his daughter”
“You’re not anyone’s slave”
“Allah rewards a person for Sabr, and not whilst there is dhulm (oppression)”
These are a few of a many of the golden advices you have given me. I will carry them with me throughout all of my stages of life. "
"I felt safe to explore and talk about my issues to Shayek. He understood me! Yes, someone other than me understood what I was going through. For many years, I thought I was crazy. He taught me that I wasn’t crazy, and there, I started to be and feel like a human!."
Client J.A – Female
"Shayek has been like a friend to me. I don’t have anyone in my life that I can speak to about the things that I spoke to Shayek about. From the very beginning to the very end, he helped me through my problems, and was very patient with me. I’d like to say that I have worked with many therapists in the past, and Shayek was the one that now stands out for me. He taught me how to be a true man, a man with feelings, a man who cares about himself, his family and children. He has truly left me in awe, impacting my life in every form."
"Understanding Therapist! Very understanding. Shayek understood me, he took the time to listen to me, understand the situation – Flexible with his approach. He taught me how not all men are bad, and he taught me how to trust. He became a starting point for me…"
Get in touch
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about how counselling works, or if you would like to arrange a free initial consultation. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether we are the right service to help.
Frequently asked questions
Although both terms are used to refer to talking therapy and there is no real difference between them, counselling usually refers to short-term therapy, with a specific goal in mind and focused on current issues that you may be dealing with
Psychotherapy refers to a deeper exploration of the issues you are struggling with and is usually more open-ended and longer term. Psychotherapy also looks back at your experiences in life and as a child to see where the root of your current struggles lies, exploring unconscious feelings that may have been hidden for a long time.
This is entirely dependent on your situation. No two clients or issues are the same, so the length of time you may need to see a counsellor depends on you, your experiences and what you want to achieve. We will establish your goals when we first meet, but these may change as we begin to explore your thoughts and feelings in more depth.
There are many reasons why you may need to see a counsellor. You may have a tangible issue that you are struggling with, such as anxiety, depression or stress. However, you may also just feel unfulfilled, unhappy, not yourself, or that something is preventing you from living the life you want for yourself. Either way, speaking to a professional will help you make sense of your emotions and help you find ways to manage them better.
Put simply, in a counselling session you will share and reflect on your experiences and your struggles. As your therapist, I will listen intently, helping you gain an objective perspective of your problems. Together, we will challenge some of the thoughts, feelings or assumptions you have to help you understand them better. You will not be asked to share anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, and we will go in the direction and at a pace that works for you.
No, it is not necessary to visit a GP to be referred to a counsellor. If you decide that you want to change, to grow and to feel better, it is entirely your choice to use counselling as a means to achieve your goals. There is no obligation to continue with counselling, we will take in on a session by session basis, whatever works for you.