Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Spirituality for Muslims with Depression and Anxiety: Comparing Outcomes from Muslim and non-Muslim Therapists

Abstract

American Muslims may be the most vulnerable and underserved population in regards to mental health issues. What often prevents Muslims from utilizing mental health services are misconceptions surrounding the alignment of therapy with their religious values (Basit & Hamid, 2010; Tanhan & Young, 2022). To help bring awareness of this alignment, the present study aims to investigate the relationship between CBT and spirituality based on the experiences of American Muslims. This study explores the impact of CBT on the spirituality of Muslims with depression or anxiety and assesses whether religious congruence with the therapist plays any role on this impact. Eighteen American Muslims of various ages and backgrounds were individually interviewed using a semi-structured interview protocol. Half of the participants received CBT from a Muslim therapist while half received CBT from a non-Muslim. Seventeen out of 18 participants (95%) claimed to experience positive changes to their internal spirituality after receiving CBT despite nine participants receiving CBT from a non-Muslim therapist. Eight common reasons for these spiritual benefits were extracted through analysis of responses to open-ended questions. Of the most common reasons expressed by 11 out of 18 participants (61%) was CBT boosting self-confidence and motivation to identify as a Muslim. Eleven out of 18 participants (61%) also credited CBT as uncovering the root cause behind spiritual barriers. The findings of this study can incentivize Muslims to seek appropriate mental health services and provide valuable insight to clinicians, community leaders, and mental health advocates.