An Islamic Therapy: A Fear Reducing Holistic Approach (FERHA)

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Islamic Studies
• Philosophy

Background:

• Extreme fears and negative imagination (wahm) significantly impact mental well-being.
• Existing therapeutic approaches may not fully address the spiritual and rational dimensions of fear reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel 'Fear Reducing Holistic Approach' (FERHA) integrating Islamic principles for managing psychological distress.
• To explore the potential of combining Ibn Sina's rationalism with Said Nursi's spiritual methodology.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative approach analyzing the integration of rational and spiritual elements within Islamic tradition.
• Development of a four-stage model: Building trust, Recognizing the problem, Reducing fear, and Discovering strength.
• Case study methodology to illustrate the application of the FERHA.

Main Results:

• The FERHA framework offers a structured method for addressing extreme fears and wahm.
• The approach emphasizes building trust, in-depth problem recognition, emotional regulation through engagement, and strength identification.
• Initial case study suggests potential efficacy but also highlights areas for further investigation.

Conclusions:

• The FERHA presents a promising, integrated model for psychological healing within an Islamic context.
• Further research is needed to validate the FERHA's effectiveness and explore its therapeutic applications.
• The study underscores the value of combining rational and spiritual perspectives in mental health interventions.