Frequently asked questions
Do you use clinical empathy?
This term was not known when first asked. There may be some overlaps with compassion. The use of mirroring language or sharing similar stories to entice someone to open up are avoided. Rapport building strategies are not intentionally used. The Islamic framework for counselling does not require a person to open up details about what they have been through. This form of counselling does not put the customer in a vulnerable position in the same way that standard therapy does.
Why do you not provide goodwill?
Islamic business practise advises to mix trade with acts of charity. The terms for charity in Islam have linguistic meanings that are similar to purification and sowing of seeds. To mix trade with acts of charity helps to distance the merchant from conducting business only for the purpose of gaining wealth. Acts of charity can also help build good character. Good character is something that is a benefit to merchants and customers. Goodwill is a form of tax exemption and is used when customers are dissatisfied with service. This can be used to avoid complaint escalations. Whereas the Islamic guidance for conflict resolution is speak as much to present your point and to listen, to not overstep anyone’s rights and in the case of wrong doing, to seek forgiveness and reconciliation.
Why do you not follow Counselling or Therapy professional standards?
To provide counselling services, it is not mandatory to have accreditation or be registered with a Professional Standards body such as BACP. The ethics and standards of practise covered by BACP and other counselling/therapy bodies are standard transparency, fairness and fulfilment of agreed services. Each of the six main complaint points that BACP in particular address can be found in the “about” page.
Will the service gain therapist accreditation or register with professional standards in the future?
No. This is based on principles that the therapist and non-Islamic models offer many talking points that can result in further distress for clients which is not something that this services aims for.
Why do you not use quotes from the Qur’an or from Hadith?
The Qur’an is something to be read frequently and is written with intertwined points and is for the use of Muslims and non-Muslims. The services and resources provided here are not a replacement for this, and provide prompts for direct comparison and connection with the framework and ethics of Islam that are found in Qur’an and the example of the Holy Prophet, peace and Allah’s blessings be upon him. The Qur’an is the criterion and is used as a reference and verification of what is or is not within Islam. In the absence of familiarity of the Qur’an or the biography of the Holy Prophet a person would not be able to apply this verification, peace and Allah’s blessings be upon him.
Why do you not use AI?
AI can pose a risk to privacy with content being held for longer than permitted and can say what is not true at a loss to the customer and the service provider, “hallucinations”. Technology is improving at a rapid rate but it is another form of people harvesting from the resources of the Earth and the structured world that we live in. All forms of technology should be used purposefully and responsibly. The services and resources are aimed at building individuals to build communities. The question and answer process that is how AI is used can undermine the utilisation of people’s ability for deeper thought and connection of ideas.
Why do you offer anonymous service?
The company are focused provision of an information space rather than fitting to any particular demographic. This is intended to avoid alienation of any particular group. The first five people to accept Islam were from various backgrounds. A persons background and experiences are important and these have influence in situations but not always and not in the same manner and not to the same extent for others who are similar.
Why do you only offer text based services?
Text based services provides an anonymous environment so that any potential bias towards gender, education, professional and personal experience is not used as a basis of the service. Islam is intended for all people and so background of the person who speaks and the one who listens is not as important as what being said is good and true. A text only environment also provides opportunity for customers and service providers to read what has been communicated and think about matters more deeply. Text based communication can also encourage people to only say what they think is important as it takes more time than speaking.
Why are the LIVE chat counselling sessions not the same rate (price per hour)?
The rate for each session type is different.
The 15 minute session costs £3 which is a rate of £12 per hour.
The 30 minute session costs £30 which is £60 per hour.
The 60 minute session costs £50 which is £50 per hour.
The 15 minute session may restrict a customers chance for in depth questioning or to explain an issue in detail and so it is charged at the lowest rate without operating at a loss.
The 60 minute session is a lower rate than the 30 minute session to allow customers who are struggling to make appointments to book a longer session and access the services.
Any bespoke session lengths are charged at the rate £50 per hour these can be arranged through our contact channels.
How many people provide the service?
A small team provide the service and write the resources. After recruitment and training more service providers and resource authors may become available.
If you did not find an answer to your question, please get in touch through the contact page or social media channel. Your patience and support is appreciated.