The Evolution of Islamic Spiritual Care and Counseling in Ontario in the Context of the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists of Ontario

Abstract

This article highlights some significant aspects of the new regulations and the benefits of the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists of Ontario (CRPO) in regards to the spiritual care and counseling practice of Muslim spiritual caregivers and imams. Currently, not all chaplains, spiritual care providers, and pastoral counselors, including Muslim spiritual caregivers in Ontario need to register in the College. Nonetheless, the scope of the practice of Muslim spiritual caregivers and imams includes the practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Therefore, Imams, and other Muslim spiritual caregivers may decide to join the new College in order to engage in the practice of psychotherapy in an ethical manner.

Intercultural Communication Concepts in Clinical Pastoral Education: The Intercultural Experience of Muslim Students

“…This recommendation is most beneficial because CPE, especially in Ontario, also allows for students to register with the College of the Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) regulatory body (Isgandarova, 2018). Hence, Muslim spiritual care providers must have sufficient training and education to become professional psychotherapists (Isgandarova, 2014). Additionally, there is a strong tendency to develop a secular model of CPE in order to make spiritual care relevant to all patients that may expect CPE students to use more psychological rather than theological language.…”

Spiritual aspects of care for chronic Muslim patients: A qualitative study

“…In Iran, Islam is accepted by most Iranians. In Islam, spirituality is introduced as the basis of human evolution[ 7 ] and the most crucial aspect of the spiritual needs of Muslim patients in understanding the meaning of the human nature and their relationship with God. [ 8 ] Patients with chronic illnesses, especially with a disability, need the help of others to perform daily activities.…”