Psychoanalytic, Client-Centred, and Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy: Congruence or Dissonance with Islāmic Spirituality

This chapter explores how psychoanalytic, client-centred, and cognitive-behavioural therapies intersect with Islāmic spirituality, identifying both congruences and dissonances. Psychoanalytic therapy, rooted in the Freudian tradition’s secular framework, often disregards religion, which poses challenges for integration with Islāmic beliefs that emphasise spiritual dimensions in understanding the human behaviour. Client-centred therapy—known for its focus on empathy and unconditional positive regard—lacks formal recognition of spirituality, potentially limiting its effectiveness within Islāmic contexts that prioritise spiritual considerations. In contrast, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) shows more alignment with Islāmic teachings by promoting positive cognitive patterns and gratitude, which enhance both mental resilience and spiritual well-being. CBT’s emphasis on behavioural activation corresponds well with Islāmic principles of engaging in good deeds and acts of worship, reinforcing psychological and spiritual fulfilment. However, significant divergences exist in philosophical perspectives, such as CBT’s empiricism versus Islāmic beliefs in divine intervention and predestination. Overall, this chapter critically examines how these therapeutic modalities can be integrated with Islāmic spirituality, highlighting opportunities and challenges in addressing the holistic needs of Muslim clients.