My Path
From cognitive science foundations to Islamic psychology integration—tracing the path toward culturally-informed mental health practice.
University of Toronto
Building the scientific foundation—cognitive psychology, perception, learning, and the first encounters with questions about how minds work.
Attention, memory, language, problem-solving—the architecture of thought.
How we construct reality from raw sensory data.
From brain to behavior—how experience shapes the mind.
Understanding suffering, diagnosis, and the boundaries of "normal."
University of Toronto
A pivotal year—asking whether Islamic spiritual tradition and Western psychology could speak to each other.
Supervised by Dr. Michel Ferrari
A 40-page theoretical framework proposing that Islamic concepts of Nafs (ego/self) development parallel and extend Western models of psychological growth.
Key Contributions:
University of Toronto
Final undergraduate year—deepening research skills and preparing for clinical application.
Advanced research design and statistical analysis.
Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the Faculty of Arts and Science.
University of Toronto — Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work
Transitioning from theory to practice—learning the art and science of clinical intervention.
Understanding the systems that shape mental health access.
Core clinical skills and therapeutic relationship building.
Group dynamics and therapeutic facilitation.
Selected specialization track focusing on clinical mental health practice.
University of Toronto — Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work
Deep dive into mental health practice—with a focus on culturally-informed care for immigrant and refugee populations.
Systems, policies, and contexts shaping mental health services.
Advanced clinical intervention for mental health settings.
Culturally-informed practice with displaced populations.
Association for Psychological Therapies
18-hour advanced certification in solution-focused therapeutic approaches.
Graduate degree with specialization in Mental Health.
OCSWSSW
Professional registration enabling independent clinical practice in Ontario.
Registration #849046
Tabeeah Services & KISA Foundation
Bringing theory to life—developing Islamic psychology frameworks for clinical application and community education.
KISA Foundation
Supervising emerging therapists and developing culturally-informed clinical protocols.
Exploring how EMDR trauma processing intersects with traditional Shia mourning rituals (Azadari).
Extracting therapeutic wisdom from Imam Ali's sermons for clinical application.
Analyzing the psychological dimensions of Shia pilgrimage practice.
A theological framework for understanding loss through Islamic lens.
Applying Islamic legal principles to OCD and scrupulosity treatment.
This journey continues. Current research explores the intersection of Islamic contemplative practices with evidence-based psychotherapy.