Black Identities + White Therapies Working with Race, Ethnicity and Culture in and Outside the Therapy Room
2022-07-15 19:00 - 2022-07-16 19:00 UTC | online
A Conference for Trainers, Practitioners, Students & Academics. Many interesting speakers with keynotes from Dr Dwight Turner on Twin tribes and intersectionality and Divine Charura & Colin Lago ‘Black Identities & White Therapies’: Race, Respect and Diversity. Abdullah Maynard is speaking on “Thinking differently about racism, refugees, and anger – (perhaps even
terrorism) in counseling and psychotherapy” and Sabnum Dharamsi on “Why I’m still talking to white people about race”
See link for full programme.

"Open Hour"
2022-07-30 11:30 - 12:30 UTC | online
Come and meet us so you can discover all you need to know about our highly respected Islamic Counselling courses! A lovely informal way to get to know us and ask any questions about our courses.
Prospective Level 2 and Level 3 especially.

Level 2 in Islamic Counselling
2022-09-03 - 2023-01-21 | online
Amidst all the noise of divergent psychological models, the Level 2 in Islamic Counselling opens up a whole world of spiritually embedded practice focused on helping self and other. The first level in our progression route. This course runs over 15 days between September and January. The additional dates for this course can be found in the prospectus. This course is eligible for Zakat Scholarships but prospective students must first be awarded a place.
Early bird fee also available.

ReOrienting the Post-Western: International Conference on Critical Muslim Studies
2022-09-23 - 2022-09-25 | Leeds University, United Kingdom
‘ReOrienting the Post-Western’ International Critical Muslim Studies Conference
23rd – 25th September 2022
University of Leeds

About the conference
Abdullah and Sabnum will be presenting their paper “Show me things as they really are” (Prayer of the Prophet SAW) The search for authentic'” at the 1st International Conference on Critical Muslim Studies. Hosted by The Centre for Ethnicity and Racism Studies in collaboration with the ReOrient Journal, and the International Islamophobia Studies & Research Association (IISRA), the conference will take place on 23rd-25th September 2022 at the University of Leeds. It will be an in-person event, and we are looking forward to (re-)connecting with colleagues working in this exciting emerging field and building spaces for explorations and reflections on the conference theme of ‘ReOrienting the post-Western’. The conference is an opportunity to expand the examples by which we understand the Islamicate and contribute to the ongoing debate about the promise of post-Western possibilities, decolonial paradigms and Muslimness.

Other than Myself Diversity Conference
2022-10-15 00:00 (America/Toronto)
Another interesting event – a collaboration between OnlineEvents and the existential Academy with keynote speakers Dr Dwight Turner, Celena Lewis and Dr Chloe Farahar. Many other workshops including:
Abdullah Maynard is speaking to:
‘They run from questions they create’ – diversity and the geopolitics of counselling
In this workshop we will consider some of the geopolitical realities of the last 10 years and what they mean for diverse individuals and counsellors working together in a plural society.
Sabnum Dharamsi is speaking to: – Recognising the “open door of every consciousness” – towards a decolonial perspective in psychotherapy.
“Frantz Fanon, psychiatrist and activist, author of Black Skins White Masks, said:
What matters is not so much the color of your skin as the power you serve and the millions you betray.
Frantz Fanon, Black Skin, White Masks
He also said:
I want the world to recognize with me the open door of every consciousness
Frantz Fanon, Black Skin, White Masks
Her workshop identifies key concepts of decoloniality and invites participants to consider their significance in their understanding of self and relationships. “

Our therapeutic direction is towards Light: Islamic Counselling and a non-secular politics of difference and transcendence
2023-03-07 13:00 - 14:30 (Europe/London) | zoom, Rumi's Cave 26 Willesden Lane, London, United Kingdom
Part of Brunel University’s Departmental Seminars, presentation by Giulia Liberatore and sabnum Dharamsi, based on our collaborative paper, under editorial review.

Islamic Counselling Evening Open Hour
2023-05-19 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Toronto) | Zoom
Hear about course requirements, what you need to be an Islamic Counselor, progression routes, Nafsiyyat, /everything you need to know before you metaphorically pack your bags to join the flying carpet that is the course. 😊
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-hour-for-islamic-counselling-tickets-576308102047?aff=odcleoeventsincollection

"Open Hour'"
2023-07-21 19:00 - 20:30 (Europe/London) | Zoom
Our last open event for the year! Come and meet us so you can discover all you need to know about our highly respected Islamic Counselling courses! Focusing primarily on our level 2 and Level 3.

Counselling from an Islamic Perspective
2023-08-26 13:30 - 14:30 (Europe/London) | online

Level 2 in Islamic Counselling begins
2023-09-02 10:00 - 17:30 (America/Toronto) | Zoom
The Level 2 in Islamic Counselling is the first level in our accredited progression route. Running online, Saturday classes between September and January. See courses page for application.
And We are closer to him than you, but you do not see. [56:85] For, they who believe in Allah and His messengers – it is they who are, loyal, and the martyrs are with their Lord; they have their reward and their light. [57:19]

The Diploma Year 2 in Islamic Counselling begins
2023-09-02 10:00 - 17:30 (America/Toronto) | Zoom
Welcome back to Year 2 students in Islamic Counselling. This inshallah is the year that you become an Islamic Counsellor.
And We are closer to him than you, but you do not see. [56:85] For, they who believe in Allah and His messengers – it is they who are, loyal, and the martyrs are with their Lord; they have their reward and their light. [57:19]

Celebrating Diverse Practice: Spirit, Mind and Body
2023-11-04 10:00 - 16:30 (Europe/London)
This conference makes room for the spirit, soul and the body in therapeutic practice. We also want to highlight the range of diverse practice within the BAATN membership and bring this work centre stage.
Sabnum and Abdullah will be presenting a keynote speech as well as a workshop in which they will explore journeys of light…..

Vulnerable Selves: Conversations in Islamic Counselling
2023-12-07 17:00 - 19:00 (Africa/Johannesburg)
UCT Poster PDF

Palestine and Israel: A Space Without Pretence
2024-02-07 13:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | online
A process group for us to sit together around our experience of the conflict in Gaza and Israel.

Level 3 in Islamic Counselling Begins
2024-02-24 10:00 - 2024-07-20 17:00 (Europe/London) | online

Therapy and Social Change Summit - Minoritised Communities, neo-colonialism & decoloniality towards mental wellbeing
2024-06-30 09:30 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | online
There’s a ripple in the force! Abdullah and I presenting at this ‘snap’ conference in advance of UK elections. “Changing the way we think, feel and do politics” This conference is studded with star speakers such as Mick Cooper, Emmy van Dreuzen, Myira Khan, Andrew Samuels, Nick Totton, Dwight Turner and many others. Looking at the interface of therapy and politics.

Islamic Counselling Open Evening
2024-07-12 18:00 - 19:30 (Europe/London) | online
Join us for a virtual open evening to learn more about our Islamic Counselling Courses!

Release and Restoration - post far right Islamophobia
2024-08-29 18:30 - 20:30 (Europe/London) | zoom, Rumi's Cave 26 Willesden Lane, London, United Kingdom
Join us for this event, intended to support therapists and student therapists who identify as Muslim and who feel impacted by the recent far-right islamophobic, anti-refugee and rascist disorder. The space is intended to allow practitioners to be with and share what they are experiencing, reflect uon their role as caregivers and seek support amongst peers. It is not intended to be a political debate space.

Strength and Solidarity : Reviving Ties that Unite Us
2024-08-31 09:00 - 18:00 (Europe/London) | The Occulus, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL, Warwick, United Kingdom
Islamic Counselling and Resilience by Abdullah Maynard, hosted by BIMA National Conference 2024
https://britishima.org/event/bima-national-conference-2024/

Islamic Counselling - A Discussion on Decolonising Therapy through the Islamic Counselling Paradigm: Challenges in Malaysia
2024-09-12 20:00 - 21:30 (Asia/Shanghai) | Mukha Ba, 15 Lorong Rahim Kajai 13, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Level 2 in Islamic Counselling begins
2024-09-14 09:30 - 12:30 (Europe/London) | online

Diploma in Islamic Counselling 2024-2026 begins
2024-09-21 10:00 - 18:30 (Europe/London) | Toddington Venue, United Kingdom
The Level 4 Diploma course is our professional qualification. It is an intense course, demanding of students deep personal growth, detailed supervision in relation to their counselling work, and working within a placement. Nafsiyyat underpins all areas of work, but we also pursue lines of enquiry into neuroscience, research, social psychology and other sciences. Students are encouraged to see the similarities and differences with other counselling models to prepare them for work within mainstream and niche settings. The Level 3 qualification in Islamic Counselling is an essential entry requirement.

Therapy and Social Change: Developing Connections
2024-11-09 09:30 - 17:30 (Europe/London) | Castlehaven Community Association, 23 Castlehaven Road London NW1 8RU, London, NW1 8RU, United Kingdom
This event is dedicated to exploring the connections between therapy, mental health, and social justice, with a particular focus on relational depth. The day will include a panel discussion, experiential workshops, conversations, and opportunities to network with therapists, activists, and those passionate about the role of therapy in driving social change. Organised by Therapy and Social Change, Sabnum Dharamsi will be joining Mick Cooper, Myira Khan and others as panellists for this event on fostering connection and relational depth.

Islamophobia and Mental Health 2024
2024-11-27 12:30 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | online
Abdullah Maynard will be a panellist at this event which centres on the theme “seeds for Change” highlighting how small meaningful actions can contribute to significant positive shifts in society. Run by the Association of Mental Health Providers

Islam: Therapy, Spirituality & Politics
2025-01-24 18:30 - 2025-01-25 14:00 (Europe/London) | online
All are welcome to this online conference, which aims to offer therapists and trainees from our diverse communities an opportunity to reflect and dialogue on ancient and contemporary Islamic understandings of self, therapy, and well-being. Islamophobia is rife in the construction of geopolitical and local politics and impacts therapeutic practice and its institutions but is often forgotten in race / health dialogues.
To critique existing practice, and to imagine different futures, we need to rediscover our diverse heritages. This conference explores Islamic understandings of knowing, being, and health, that may invite a wider understanding of the field of mental health as a whole. We are also offering an additional event for Muslim practitioners and students only after the conference.

Islam: Therapy, Spirituality & Politics - Islam and Therapy: Gathering for Muslim Therapists & Students
2025-01-25 16:00 - 19:00 (Europe/London) | Zoom
As part of the Islam: Therapy, Spirituality and Politics Conference, we warmly invite Muslim conference participants to share our experiences, gain support from each other, and consider any emergent themes and actions arising from the conference. The session will begin by sharing breathwork incorporating islamic principles. Please note, you will need to book separately for this meeting.

Islamic Counselling Level 3
2025-04-05 09:30 - 2025-08-03 12:30 (Europe/London) | online
Islamic Counselling Level 3 is the 2nd course in our progression route to becoming a counsellor. It is also useful for any professional or person working in the community to build their understanding and develop counselling skills in the context of their other work.
This level combines ‘head and heart’ – bringing together intuitive heart-based understandings with theoretical knowledge of nafsiyyat. We also lay a foundation for professional practice.

Nurturing Minds Conference - Mental Health and Young People
2025-05-03 10:00 - 18:00 (Europe/London) | Newnham College, University of Cambridge
https://jjo.jhl.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/VIDEO-2025-04-24-13-59-25.mp4

Islamic Counselling & Psychology: Decolonising Mainstream Models & Practices?
2025-05-22 17:00 - 19:00 (Europe/London) | Screening Room G.04, 50 George Square, University of Edinburgh, 50 George Square, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Over the last two decades, Islamic counselling and psychology have grown rapidly in the UK — shaping theory, training, and services. These approaches often emerge from cross-cultural, anti-racist, and decolonial traditions, yet there remains limited space for dialogue between diverse models and practices.
This panel brings together Muslim women working as practitioners, researchers, and educators to explore key questions:
🔹 What makes therapy ‘Islamic’?
🔹 How do Islamic approaches relate to mainstream counselling models?
🔹 How can they respond to the mental health needs of Muslim communities, especially women?
Speakers:
🔹 Sabnum Dharamsi
🔹 Prof Ghazala Mir
🔹 Dr Aaliyah Shaikh
Chair: Dr Giulia Liberatore
