Therapy for the Muslim Community
“Then Indeed, with difficulty there is ease. Indeed, with difficulty, there is ease”
The Treatment of the Muslim Community in Health Care and Why It Matters
Muslims - including all that fall into the religious spectrum of practice - are a growing religious minority in the United States today. As of 2011, approximately 7 to 10 million American Muslims resided in the United States (US), and this figure has continued to grow since then. Despite being a well-integrated population amongst western society, American Muslims continue to be misunderstood, and fall victim to cultural and racial discrimination. This fact holds particularly true in the healthcare field. A lack of cultural knowledge from non-muslim providers results in detrimental effects to Muslim folks, specifically when it comes to accessing mental health care.
Although the statistic on the prevalence and type of mental health concerns in the community is spare, what we do know is that they exist. The limited research conducted on this topic indicates the same. In part, stigma around accessing mental health care in the Muslim community may partially inform the reason for lacking data. Whether it be struggles arising from cultural adjustment, self-esteem issues arising from racial and ethnic discrimination, navigating complicated family dynamics or thriving in America despite western stereotypes about the Muslim Identity and experience.
Recognizing this duality in need vs access highlights the importance of institutions diversifying their staff.
Diversity in Identity
It is crucial for helpers in this field to make no assumptions about any one persons identity. At Repose we recognize the multi-facted nature of the muslim identity. Whether you are a muslim immigrant, a convert, a cultural muslim, or otherwise, we want to hear your story, not write it. For this reason, our team of diverse staff some of whom identify as Muslim themselves, and others who are trained in the delivery of culturally competent care are here to listen.
We recognize that Muslims here in America come from several countries. According to statistics provided (Numan, 1992), the largest two groups are South Asian (25%) and Arab (23%) folks. The South Asian Muslim group comes from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. The Arab Muslim group may come from Egypt, Lebanon, and Palestine (Arab American Institute, 2005) or may even be African-American converts through the generations. We recognize that each group has underlying cultural norms that intertwine with the religion of Islam, hence presenting and expressed differently.
How Can We Help You?
At Repose, we strive to offer accessibility and representation by having a diverse therapist directory to help YOU get the care you deserve. Working with therapists that do not share the same identity as you, or have not received quality training in offering culturally competent anti-racist care can result in:
You experiencing subtle and/or even overt racism
Re-traumatization
Feeling stuck in receiving low quality care due to fear of retaliation
Taking on emotional labor and the labor of “explaining” your culture
Feeling like your cultural experience is being pathologized
Wasting your financial resources
Isolation and ostracization
Begin Muslim-Affirming Therapy Today with Repose
Our team of compassionate professionals are here to help you take the first step in your mental health journey. Our clinical team recognizes the nuanced overlap of religion, and culture and are here to learn from you, whilst also supporting you in navigating life’s challenges.
