Photo of Farah Hussain Asghar, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 10011, NY
Farah Hussain Asghar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011
My identities as a South Asian, Muslim, first-generation American have given me true empathy, understanding, and an additional skill set to help meet the needs of those communities.
Accepting new clients in TX & NY! - Are you struggling with your identity or traumas? Do you need help managing the multiple stressors in your life? Or maybe your anxiety is getting the best of you and you want to improve communication in your relationships? Acknowledging that you need help is the first step, so I'm glad you're here. I know firsthand how daunting it can be to reach out, and I hope you know how brave you are. If you're ready to make a change, or even if you're on the fence, I would love to see if we're a good fit for one another.
My identities as a South Asian, Muslim, first-generation American have given me true empathy, understanding, and an additional skill set to help meet the needs of those communities.
Accepting new clients in TX & NY! - Are you struggling with your identity or traumas? Do you need help managing the multiple stressors in your life? Or maybe your anxiety is getting the best of you and you want to improve communication in your relationships? Acknowledging that you need help is the first step, so I'm glad you're here. I know firsthand how daunting it can be to reach out, and I hope you know how brave you are. If you're ready to make a change, or even if you're on the fence, I would love to see if we're a good fit for one another.
(512) 729-1133 View (512) 729-1133
Photo of Leyla Gulcur, Psychologist in 10011, NY
Leyla Gulcur
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
New York, NY 10011
You desire a more fulfilling relationship or sex life. Maybe it is a challenge to directly express your needs and you get stuck in repeating arguments that go nowhere. Perhaps you struggle with loss of passion or experience sexual anxiety. You may wonder how you can ask your partner for better emotional support, appreciation, alone time or good sex. If you're an expat or immigrant, or if you're in an intercultural relationship, you may run up against cultural differences. If you're in a non-traditional or open relationship, maybe you find it a challenge to navigate different values and relationship styles.
You desire a more fulfilling relationship or sex life. Maybe it is a challenge to directly express your needs and you get stuck in repeating arguments that go nowhere. Perhaps you struggle with loss of passion or experience sexual anxiety. You may wonder how you can ask your partner for better emotional support, appreciation, alone time or good sex. If you're an expat or immigrant, or if you're in an intercultural relationship, you may run up against cultural differences. If you're in a non-traditional or open relationship, maybe you find it a challenge to navigate different values and relationship styles.
(347) 472-1949 View (347) 472-1949
Muslim Therapists

Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?

A culturally sensitive therapist will be respectful of faith, race, sexual orientation, gender, age, disabilities, or anything that is relevant to an individual’s reasons for seeking therapy. This mental health practitioner will therefore be able to recognize the role of faith in a client’s life, and they can appreciate the cultural values and beliefs of others. Cultural sensitivity on the part of the therapist may enhance the possibility of a strong therapeutic bond, even if the clinician does not have an extensive understanding of a client’s background before therapy begins.

How might I inquire about a therapist's experience with Muslim clients?

It is best to ask directly whether a therapist has worked with Muslim clients, and if so, the extent to which cultural or religious principles factored into their work together. You can also ask whether a therapist who is familiar with Islamic practices, values, and beliefs incorporates them into their professional work, and if so, how. If the therapist does not have a sufficient knowledge base, they may well know and can refer you to someone who has such experience.

What if the therapist does not have my exact background?

It is not necessary for a therapist to share one’s exact religious background for therapy to be successful. A qualified and culturally sensitive therapist will appreciate diversity within the Muslim community as well as diversity overall, and will have a sense of how religious and cultural issues can contribute to mental health. In addition, a good therapist would be willing to learn from their clients.

How do I recognize an effective Muslim therapist?

Like all therapists, a Muslim therapist who is effective will have the requisite training and expertise in evidence-based techniques, as well as the ability to connect with you on a personal level. An effective Muslim therapist may also demonstrate a clear understanding of your cultural background and faith. A therapist with such cultural sensitivity will set the stage for a strong therapeutic alliance.

Who is included in Psychology Today's directory of the Muslim faith?

The directory of Muslim therapists includes mental health providers who have shared their cultural background in their profiles. Psychology Today uses this information to assist clients in finding a therapist with a similar background. However, not all therapists choose to disclose this information, and they may not appear in search results for this reason. When the number of therapists identified as Muslim is limited, the directory will also show therapists with extensive experience working with clients from relevant backgrounds.