Public Perceptions
Haque (2004) also discusses other issues affecting the Muslim community that relate to public perception of Americans. There are many misconceptions that are perpetuated by the media’s portrayal of Muslims. Muslim individuals are portrayed as violent and extremist, though, just as most extremist groups, this is a small minority within the entire population. September 11, 2001 further impacted American’s views and misconceptions about Muslim individuals. There is another misconception that all Muslims are from the Middle East. Islam is a worldwide religion and is practiced within the context of many different cultures and countries. Haque (2004) points out that there are Muslims from Eastern Europe, Russia, China, Pakistan, …show more content…
In a review of literature in 2012, Koenig found that in 30 clinical trials, 63% had better outcomes with religious or spiritual treatments. A study by Stanley, et al. (2011) indicated that most participants from a sample of older adults’ prefer the inclusion of religion and/or spirituality in the treatment of anxiety and depression. The study showed that the main perceived advantages of incorporating religion and spiritual beliefs into therapy would be an increase in support, acceptance, and comfort and, therefore, an improved relationship with the therapist. Religious integration seems to be an important aspect of counseling. The following authors offer suggestions for how to go about incorporating clients’ religious views into …show more content…
One suggestion is to incorporate the use of faith, prayer, hope, and patience in therapy as these are three major themes in Islamic beliefs. Encouraging consciousness and better understanding of the individual’s beliefs, reading and reciting the Qur’an, and increasing gratitude and contentment are also suggested based on the behaviors prescribed by the Islamic faith itself to preserve mental health. The author also states the importance of avoiding negative behaviors. Haque recommends that the therapist should act as an advisor and be assertive in pointing out the problem and offering solutions. Interdependence on the family should also be important due to the collectivistic nature of the culture. The collectivistic culture also leads to a greater importance of behavior than emotional states. Emotions may not be expressed fully or at all in order to protect others in the
Haque (2004) also discusses other issues affecting the Muslim community that relate to public perception of Americans. There are many misconceptions that are perpetuated by the media’s portrayal of Muslims. Muslim individuals are portrayed as violent and extremist, though, just as most extremist groups, this is a small minority within the entire population. September 11, 2001 further impacted American’s views and misconceptions about Muslim individuals. There is another misconception that all Muslims are from the Middle East. Islam is a worldwide religion and is practiced within the context of many different cultures and countries. Haque (2004) points out that there are Muslims from Eastern Europe, Russia, China, Pakistan, …show more content…
In a review of literature in 2012, Koenig found that in 30 clinical trials, 63% had better outcomes with religious or spiritual treatments. A study by Stanley, et al. (2011) indicated that most participants from a sample of older adults’ prefer the inclusion of religion and/or spirituality in the treatment of anxiety and depression. The study showed that the main perceived advantages of incorporating religion and spiritual beliefs into therapy would be an increase in support, acceptance, and comfort and, therefore, an improved relationship with the therapist. Religious integration seems to be an important aspect of counseling. The following authors offer suggestions for how to go about incorporating clients’ religious views into …show more content…
One suggestion is to incorporate the use of faith, prayer, hope, and patience in therapy as these are three major themes in Islamic beliefs. Encouraging consciousness and better understanding of the individual’s beliefs, reading and reciting the Qur’an, and increasing gratitude and contentment are also suggested based on the behaviors prescribed by the Islamic faith itself to preserve mental health. The author also states the importance of avoiding negative behaviors. Haque recommends that the therapist should act as an advisor and be assertive in pointing out the problem and offering solutions. Interdependence on the family should also be important due to the collectivistic nature of the culture. The collectivistic culture also leads to a greater importance of behavior than emotional states. Emotions may not be expressed fully or at all in order to protect others in the