Pavlova. [Psychological counseling for muslims: the analysis of foreign literature]

Abstract:
The article presents a survey of foreign literature on various aspects of the theory and practice of psychological counseling for Muslims. Psychological counseling for Muslims is a professional psychological aid which uses knowledge about the peculiarities of the client’s faith that are important for him as an individual: his religious views, religious language, sacred stories and legends, sacral practices, as well as the traditions and customs of Muslim peoples. The possibilities of using such spiritual practices as Islamic meditation and Islamic reasoning in psychological work with Muslims are shown. Also the article provides an analysis of the main problems arising during the family therapy of Muslims and describes the professional qualities of a psychologist that are necessary for effective work with clients who profess Islam. In conclusion, it is shown that the solution of psychological problems of believers is difficult or impossible to achieve without a trust that is formed between a client and a psychologist and based on their mutual understanding of religious matters.