The possibilities of using Positive Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in the psychological counseling of Muslim clients

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an active development of psychological counseling for Muslims in Russia. Russian experts have described the potential and the possibilities of adapting various psychotherapeutic methods to Muslim clients. One of these methods is Positive Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, a comprehensive psychodynamic approach with a positive humanistic perspective, developed by Nossrat Peseschkian, a German psychotherapist of Iranian origin. The idea of transculturality is embedded in the very foundation of the method by its creator, so the most important qualities of a psychologist are, from the point of view of psychodynamic psychotherapy, openness to the new and unknown, flexibility, optimism, and a religious and spiritual worldview. The transformation of values and the change in role concepts, as well as behavior that does not conform to cultural norms, are associated with modernization processes, migrations, and urbanization, leading to an ever-expanding repertoire of cultural norms and role models, which is important for a counseling professional to be aware of. In this regard, the development of a psychologist’s intercultural competence is a crucial task in any country and culture. 

 The basic ideas of positive psychodynamic psychotherapy, such as maintaining balance in various areas of a person’s life and promoting harmonious development, align perfectly with Islamic values. The processing of conflicts, the development of primary abilities, and the positive interpretation of symptoms can be achieved by drawing on Islamic values and resources. Parables, stories (for example, from the lives of prophets), religious ideas, and values used in the process of psychological counseling are considered to provide the clients with the basics of identification, as well as protection, and may sometimes offer unexpected solutions to the problems. They also help expand the client’s repertoire of concepts, values, and conflict resolutions.