Nafs and Therapy
This podcast explores the intersection of therapy, faith, and tradition, specifically from a Muslim perspective. Host Noura Amkieh, a practicing therapist, discusses how spirituality and psychology can align to promote healing. The show aims to create a space for reflection and growth, acknowledging that mental health struggles are universal regardless of belief.
Episodes
S3 E4: The ancient dilemma: knowing the right way but choosing otherwise
Unlock the profound connections between Islamic ethics, moral reasoning, and human development in this in-depth discussion with Dr. Mutaz Al-Khatib. We explore how knowledge and character intertwine, the role of desires, and practical steps toward moral excellence within Islamic tradition.Main Topics:The relationship between theoretical and applied knowledge in Islamic ethicsHow desires (Shahwa vs
S3 E3: Why focusing on holy texts in context can transforms how you connect with Allah
In this episode, we explore the profound ways in which Quranic stories and verses shape our understanding of ethics, emotions, and personal interpretation. Dr. Samer Rashwani shares insights on how to approach challenging passages, the relevance of prophetic models, and the importance of context in understanding Allah's disclosed words, highlighting how timeless divine wisdom remains relevant
S3 E2: Living Fiqh: Capacity, Choice, and our limitations.
What if fiqh was not something you only look up when you are stuck, but something that helps you live with more clarity, steadiness, and sincerity?In this conversation, Dr. Mohammad Fadel joins me to explore the meeting point between Islamic knowledge and mental health, and why many spiritual struggles are not a lack of faith but a struggle with meaning, responsibility, and what is realistically p
S3 E1: Beyond the Checklist: Islamic Law, Moral Responsibility, and Mental Wellbeing.
What happens when “doing religion right” starts to feel like anxiety, guilt, or a constant inner audit? In this conversation, Dr. Adnan A. Zulfiqar explores the meeting point between Islamic law, ethics, and mental health—and offers a more grounded, spacious way to think about moral responsibility, shame, and returning to faith.Dr. Zulfiqar shares his personal path into Islamic studies, and why Is
S2 E7: Returning to the Basics: When Living Islam Becomes the Ground of Healing
In this conversation, Dr. Abdallah Rothman shares his journey into Islamic psychology, emphasizing the integration of spirituality and mental health. He discusses the importance of understanding the soul, the impact of traditional practices on mental well-being, and introduces the Shifa method, which focuses on heart-centered healing. The conversation also explores themes of trust in Allah, the si
S2 E6: Finding God and your people, with Mohammed Isaaq
In this conversation with Mohammed Isaaq, we explore the threads that tie together spirituality, self-knowledge, love, and the realities of modern relationships. We sit with the question of what it truly means to stay connected—to God, to others, and to ourselves—and how easily we get caught in the illusion of success while neglecting the inner work.Together, we reflect on the complexities of love
S2 E5: Wounds and Worship - Reflections of a Faithful Neuroscientist
In this deeply intimate conversation with Michael, we explore how trauma, faith, and personal growth weave through each of our lives and shape who we are today. We reflect on the paths that brought us to this work — from personal experiences to trauma recovery in conflict zones — and how faith carries its own weight and wisdom in moments of hardship. Together, we look at the role of community, the
S2 E4: Beyond the Self - Healing through Faith and Connection, with Salma and Mehboob
In this conversation with Salma and Mehboob, we explore how mental health and Islamic psychology intertwine, reflecting on how we can care for our hearts and minds with purpose and faith. Together, we discuss the value of proactive mental wellness, the power of collaboration between therapists and spiritual leaders, and the ways grief and love shape our human experience. We also look at the import
S2 E3: When the Mind Wanders: ADHD and the Heart of Prayer
In this conversation, we explore the tender and often challenging relationship between Salah (prayer) and ADHD. We talk about what it feels like to struggle with focus, guilt, or distraction in prayer, and how our emotional and relational worlds shape the way we connect with Allah. Together, we reflect on the true purpose of Salah as a moment of presence and belonging, and how acceptance, compassi
S2 EP2: When the Mind Breaks Open Psychosis, Faith, and Belonging with Imtithal Mohammed
*Disclaimer* this episode talks about psychosis, if this is a triggering topic, please skip.In this deep and meaningful conversation, we open up about the tender and complex relationship between psychosis, mental health, and spirituality. Together, we reflect on lived experiences with psychosis, the role of community support, and how moments of deep struggle can sometimes hold the seeds of spiritu
S2 EP 1 : The Art of Presence - Psychiatry and Islamic Psychology in Practice with Armaan Rowther
In this episode, Armaan, a psychiatry resident, opens up about his journey through medical training and how he’s weaving Islamic psychology into the fabric of modern psychiatry. He reflects on what it means to care for both the mind and the soul, reminding us that true healing goes beyond prescriptions and diagnoses. Together, we explore the challenges of being a healthcare professional, the quiet
Season 2 on The Farm: The Intro.
In this episode, I share reflections from the Shifaa Method training, a unique approach that integrates psychological, spiritual, and relational dimensions of healing. We look at how these teachings can shape the way we understand and practice care. I also give you a glimpse into what’s ahead this season, episodes that will explore psychiatry in today’s context, the intersection of ADHD and salat,
EP 12: From Gaza’s ER - Holding Suffering, Faith, and Resilience with Dr. Adil Husain
Disclaimer: This episode contains descriptions of war, trauma, and graphic content. Please listen with care and pause if it feels heavy. This conversation is not a substitute for therapy or professional mental health support.In this special episode of Nafs & Therapy, we sit with Dr. Adil Husain, who served as an emergency medicine doctor in Gaza. Together, we step into the heart of the hospita
EP 11: Dr Hooman Keshavarzi - Religious OCD: Untangling Obsession from Devotion
In this episode, we sit with Dr. Hooman Keshavarzi to explore where Islamic psychology and OCD meet, with a special focus on religious OCD, often called scrupulosity. Together, we talk about the symptoms of OCD, how the inner critic shows up in our lives, and the ways spirituality can play a healing role. We share practical strategies for coping, and reflect on why it matters to seek support from
EP 10: Finding Meaning, Dr. Samir Mahmoud on Beauty, Love, and the Psychology of the Divine
Join me on this episode as I sit down with Dr. Sameer Mahmood to explore where psychology, spirituality, and love converge through an Islamic lens. We reflect on Freud and Jung and what we have learnt from these two, but keep coming back to how Islamic wisdom grounds our understanding of the soul, the modern search for meaning, and the way beauty awakens true love. Dr. Sameer and I dive into why l
EP 9: Beyond Symptom Relief: Dr. Mazen Atassi on Islamic Psychology Meets Naturopathic Healing
In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Mazen Atassi shares his journey into naturopathic medicine and how he integrates Islamic psychology into his healing practices. He discusses the importance of addressing both emotional and physical aspects of health, the concept of Afiyah as holistic well-being, and the role of environment in healing. Dr. Atassi emphasizes the significance of spiritual depth,
EP 8: Centering Faith in Love & Marriage a conversation with Salma Khan
In this episode, we explore the complexities of relationships through the lens of prophetic guidance and modern therapeutic practices. We discuss common challenges faced by couples, the importance of communication, and the role of faith in navigating marital issues. The conversation emphasizes the significance of shared vision, emotional intelligence, and the need for preventative education in rel
EP 7: Motherhood and the path to Allah, a conversation with Noor Awad
In this episode, we discuss the profound journey of motherhood by exploring the emotional and spiritual challenges that come with it. Noor shares her personal experiences, including the struggles of postpartum mental health, the importance of community support, and the balance between joy and grief in motherhood. We emphasize the need for mothers to be gentle with themselves and to seek help when
EP 6: Beneath the Surface , Muslim Youth and the Struggle with Addiction with Imam Tabari Zahir
In this episode we talked about the pressing issue of addiction among youth, particularly within the Muslim community. We explore the various forms of addiction, the importance of compassion in treatment, and the need for a nuanced understanding of modern challenges such as instant gratification. Imam Zahir emphasizes the significance of motivational interviewing and the three C's of change: conce
EP 5/P2: The Faith-Fitrah Dissonance, a conversation with Wid Kattan
Part 2: As we continue this conversation, we delve into the healing of the spiritual wounds experienced by women, particularly in the context of Islamic teachings. We further explore the concept of fitrah faith dissonance and its impact on women's psychological well-being. The discussion emphasizes the importance of healing through both cognitive and emotional pathways, while also addressing the c
EP 5/P1: The Faith-Fitrah Dissonance, a conversation with Wid Kattan
Part 1: In this conversation, we explore the complex topic of spiritual wounds in women, particularly within the context of Islamic psychology. We discuss the concept of spiritual lacerations, the dissonance between faith and personal experience, and the impact of cultural narratives on women's mental health. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of questioning traditional interpretations of reli
EP 4: Religious Trauma, الصدمات الدينية - A conversation with Khoulod Aladani in Arabic
في هذا الحوار، نتعمق في تعقيدات الصدمات الدينية وتداعياتها النفسية، ونستكشف كيف يمكن للصدمة الدينية أن تغير نظرة الفرد إلى الله والروحانية، مما يؤدي إلى أزمات وجودية وتوقعات مثقلة بالأعباء. تؤكد المناقشة على أهمية فهم وإعادة بناء العلاقات مع الله، ودور الشفاء النفسي، وضرورة الاعتراف بالأخطاء كجزء من رحلة الإيمان. نحن بحاجة إلى منهج شامل للشفاء يدمج الجسد والعقل والروح، ليوجه الأفراد في نهاية المطا
EP 3: The Inner Critic & Gods' Mercy - A conversation with Rafah Sahab in Arabic
EPISODE IN ARABICفي هذا الحوار العميق، نستكشف معًا تعقيدات الصوت الداخلي وتأثيره على نظرتنا لذواتنا وعلى علاقتنا الروحية. نناقش التفاعل بين النقد الذاتي والنمو الروحي، ونؤكد على أهمية التعاطف مع الذات، ومخاطر السعي للكمال، والقوة التحويلية لإدراك رحمة الله. كما نقدم خطوات عملية لتعزيز علاقة إيجابية مع النفس وتقوية الصلة بالله.In this insightful conversation, we explore the complexities of the inne
EP 2: Loss, Grief, and God - A conversation with Sarif Alrai.
In this episode we engage in a heartfelt conversation about grief and loss, exploring personal experiences, cultural perspectives, and the emotional journey associated with these themes. We discuss the complexity of acceptance, the role of faith, and the importance of connection in healing. The conversation emphasizes that grief is a universal experience, and while it can be heavy, it also opens p
Episode 1: The long awaited intro
Episode 1 sets the pace and space for what this podcast will be about, I introduce myself and my background, and my passion for this ever growing field. Enjoy! You can find me on: Website: https://nouraamkieh.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nafsandtherapy
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