Description:

This specialized training workshop designed to empower Imams with the essential skills and knowledge needed for basic couples counseling skills. This workshop aims to enhance your understanding and capabilities in various key areas of relationship counseling. Below are the targeted learning outcomes that will guide our sessions and discussions:

1. Role Clarity: Participants will understand the distinct role of Imams in working with couples compared to professional counselors, recognizing the boundaries and the significance of their guidance within the community.
2. Issue Identification: Imams will be able to identify common marital issues that couples present during counseling sessions, enhancing their ability to address these effectively.
3. Enhanced Counseling Skills: Participants will acquire basic counseling skills, enabling them to engage more effectively with couples and facilitate meaningful discussions.
4. Communication Proficiency: Imams will gain insights into different couple’s communication styles helping them to unpack the issues couples present.
5. Error Awareness: Participants will learn from common mistakes in couples counseling, increasing their competence in managing similar situations and avoiding recurring errors.
6. Client Concerns: Imams will become aware of concerns and feedback from clients regarding imams’ approach to counseling, which will help them refine their methods and interactions.
7. Session Management: Participants will learn how to facilitate counseling sessions to better focus the discussion.
8. Resource Utilization: Imams will be introduced to a variety of additional resources that they can utilize for ongoing development and support in their counseling endeavors.

Interactive Components:

To ensure a comprehensive and experiential learning environment, this workshop will incorporate a variety of interactive and introspective activities. Participants will engage in hands-on exercises, role-playing scenarios, and reflective discussions, all designed to deepen understanding and refine skills.

Speakers:

Dr. Noha Alshugairi
Noha Alshugairi, Ph.D., is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California, specializing in couple dynamics and family relationships. She holds a Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from the Graduate Theological Foundation and an M.S. in Counseling from California State University, Fullerton. Noha is a Certified Positive Discipline Lead Trainer and the co-author with Munira Ezzeldine of the book “Positive Parenting in the Muslim Home.”

Noha strongly believes in the power of an encouraging therapeutic relationship to effect change. She works alongside her clients to uncover their hidden sources of strength and resiliency in their journey to achieve their inner peace. Noha works with families, couples, and individuals. Noha’s motto is from the Quran, “Allah will not change the condition of people till they change from within” (13:11).

She frequently lectures on issues related to women, the family, mental health, and the intertwining of faith and culture in the American Muslim community.

Speaker #2: TBD