Ex-Muslim Therapy

We will work together to look at how your thoughts, emotional feelings, physical symptoms, and behaviours are linked together to create a cycle. For example, if you are being told you have be a certain way to be accepted by loved ones, this might be making you feel sad, anxious and/or guilty because you are thinking that you are doing something bad. As a result of feeling like this, you might be tearful or struggling to sleep (these are the physical symptoms). In order to avoid feeling this way, you may do what is asked of you, even though it isn't what you want. In the short-term, these behaviours will make you feel better and reduce those difficult emotions as loved ones are more accepting of you.  What we will look at in therapy is the long-term impact of this.  We will work together to ensure you understand your own cycle and we will discuss which of these areas to work on. CBT is very much a ‘doing’ therapy, where we discuss what actions are required to help you move towards your goals, and most importantly, I will help you put these actions into motion in a safe way, if and when you feel ready to do so.

In life, there are situations that we cannot change. An example of this is loss of faith, and how family members respond when we tell them. These situations cause distressing emotions, and our instinct can be to try and push away these emotions, or even persist in trying to change the situation even when we know this is outside of our control.  ACT can help you learn how to stop avoiding or struggling with these unwanted emotions. We will aim to help you accept the situation as it is and understand that these feelings are a normal response given the circumstances. The less you fight them, the easier it is to have them. We will look at how you can live with these emotions, without letting them prevent you from living your life. 

EMDR focuses on memories of traumatic and/or stressful experiences that can contribute to psychological difficulties. It supports people to recover from symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. It is often used to help people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is commonly used to support people experiencing emotions such as shame, self-criticism and self-hate. The process of leaving faith can lead to these emotions developing and may be reinforced by loved ones. Whilst all therapies involve an element of compassion, CFT specifically aims to support us to become more compassionate towards ourselves and others.

A safe space for Ex-Muslims to support and connect with each other, whilst working toward their individual goals. Groups are 4-8 people and can be accessed on their own or alongside individual therapy. Please read here for more information.

Training:

After Faith is aware that many services, including mental health providers, often have individuals who come to them for support relating to loss of faith. These services are usually not familiar with difficulties relating to this, particularly the cultural elements. After Faith is happy to create bespoke training based on the needs of your service and deliver this to your team.

Please get in touch to find out more.