The Shifaa Method Level 2 Training Program
Elevate your clinical expertise through intensive advanced training and immersive, hands-on learning. Designed exclusively for experienced practitioners, our Level 2 program prepares you for advanced certification with a research-driven, evidence-based curriculum
What is The Shifaa Method?
The Shifaa Method is a therapeutic modality that integrates Islamic spiritual principles with somatic awareness and heart-centered therapeutic techniques. Currently in the process of being written as a book (anticipated release in early 2026), this groundbreaking approach builds upon the theoretical model of Islamic psychology and psychotherapy developed by Dr. Abdallah Rothman (Rothman, 2022). The method offers a structured framework for practice that addresses the unity of body (jism), mind (‘aql), soul (nafs), heart (qalb) and spirit (ruh).
Once The Shifaa Method book is published (expected early 2026), public trainings will commence.
- Program Start and End Date: June 22, 2025 – September 21, 2025
- Format: Hybrid
- Investment: $4,000 Early Bird Rate $3,400 (inclusive of 5 day in-person intensive)
- Instructors: Dr. Abdallah Rothman & Saman Hussain
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3
The Shifaa Method Training Program
The Shifaa Method Training is a highly experiential educational program, offering tangible skills that can be immediately integrated into professional practice. The complete training pathway consists of three levels:
Level 1 introduces the theoretical and foundational aspects of The Shifaa Method, including specific principles of Islamic psychology based on previous research in theory development, with the addition of initial somatic awareness, and heart-centered interventions.
Level 2 advances practitioners’ skills through more detailed instruction on each stage of the method’s therapeutic arc, intensive practice sessions, feedback, learning pods, case studies and application to various clinical scenarios.
Level 3 focuses on method application refinement and advanced competency demonstrations. Practitioners master the method through recorded practice, direct feedback, special clinical topics (working with couples, grief and loss, etc.), and higher-level discussions on integration and professional adaptation.
Exclusive Opportunity for CMC Graduates
Prior to The Shifaa Method book publication and the official public launch of the program, we are offering an exclusive opportunity to graduates of the Cambridge Muslim College (CMC) Diploma in Islamic Psychology who have also completed the PIPP Summer Program. Because their prior training is equivalent to Level 1 of The Shifaa Method, these individuals can enroll directly in Level 2 advanced training. For those who have completed one year of group supervision with Dr. Rothman post CMC graduation, completion of Level 2 will fulfill all remaining supervision requirements to receive IAIP certification.
Shifaa Method certification will be awarded only after successful completion of Level 3. By completing Levels 2 and 3 ahead of the broader release, this select cohort will be among the first fully qualified practitioners of the method once the book is published and formally announced.
CMC IP Diploma Graduates-Specific Adaptation
Because The Shifaa Method was still in development during the CMC cohorts’ initial diploma and summer program, this first version of the Level 2 training will be tailored to ensure participants receive the full framework of the method as it has evolved. In addition to intensive practice and feedback, this adapted training will provide foundational grounding in the newly formulated practical framework and corresponding techniques. This ensures the cohort is fully prepared for subsequent application and for eventual Level 3 mastery.
Your Instructors
Dr. Abdallah Rothman: Founder and clinical Director of Dar al-Shifaa, with 20+ years of experience, Head of Islamic Psychology at Cambridge Muslim College, and President of IAIP his holistic approach engages heart, mind, and spirit in healing.
Learn more about Dr. Abdallah Rothman
Saman Hussain: A coach, counselor, mediator, and group facilitator with 15+ years of experience working with individuals and groups and designing and facilitating experiential learning programs, Saman holds an MS from Johns Hopkins, is an ICF accredited PCC coach and has studied with traditional Islamic teachers for over 17 years
Level 2: Advanced Application of the Shifaa Method
Purpose & Goals:
This Level 2 program elevates practitioners beyond foundational theory into practical, step-by-step application of The Shifaa Method. Participants will be introduced to The Shifaa Method therapeutic arc, new method-specific competencies, skills and techniques—and will engage in structured practice sessions to strengthen their ability to integrate somatic awareness, heart-centered practices, and spiritually informed interventions. This in-depth exploration and experiential learning is designed to bridge the gap from theoretical understanding to confident clinical application, while also laying the groundwork for Level 3’s advanced practice and certification requirements.
Primary Outcomes:
- Participants will gain enhanced clinical competencies to facilitate transformative client sessions utilizing The Shifaa Method. By the end of Level 2, attendees will:
- Develop an in-depth understanding of the specific features of The Shifaa Method and apply these step by step within a therapeutic encounter.
- Demonstrate proficient use of body-based tracking, guided visualization, and heart-centered inquiry and healing.
- Deepen self awareness (muhasabah) and personal practice of self purification (tazkiyat an nafs), crucial for fostering a therapeutic environment characterized by compassion, certainty and Divine connection.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Introduction to The Therapeutic Arc Participants receive in-depth instruction on each stage of The Shifaa Method process, learning both its theoretical underpinning corresponding competencies and how it unfolds in practice.
- Foundational Principles: A systematic presentation of the method’s core principles that guide the therapeutic process and interventions.
- Applied Techniques & Interventions: Direct, practical guidance and demonstrations utilizing specific applications and interventions, including how to tailor the method to client-specific needs.
- Deep Understanding of Change Processes Instruction focusing on how and why The Therapeutic Arc fosters transformation, providing a robust framework for effective client outcomes.
- Structured Practice & Feedback Ample opportunities to practice with cohort members and in participants’ own professional settings, accompanied by supervised feedback sessions to refine skills and explore different ways of applying the method.
Practical Applications:
- Integrate qalb-centered somatic techniques into private practice or other settings, expanding the range of therapeutic modalities offered.
- Enrich current clinical work by applying heart-centered, somatic interventions to address diverse client needs.
- Lay the groundwork for deeper specialization and further development of the method, positioning participants for Level 3 certification and ongoing professional growth.
Eligibility
This training program is open to those who:
- Are graduates of Level 1 of The Shifaa Method or equivalent training (ie:, Cambridge Muslim College Diploma + PIPP Summer Program).
- Have a relevant qualification (e.g., counseling, psychotherapy, coaching, pastoral care, alternative/lifestyle medicine) which allows them to practice ethically in their field and/or geographic jurisdiction.
- Maintain an active client load of at least 2 ongoing clients throughout the program
Assessment & Certification
- Ongoing Feedback: Personalized insights from experienced instructors and peer reviews.
- Practical Demonstrations: Live sessions and client recording submissions for targeted feedback.
- Reflective Practice: Structured exercises to deepen self-awareness and fine-tune your therapeutic approach.
Certification Pathway:
- Successful completion of Level 2 fulfills all requirements for IAIP certification
- Successful completion of Level 2 is a prerequisite for Level 3.
- Shifaa Method certification awarded upon successful completion of Level 3.
(Note: Full certification in this method is conferred only after Level 3, upon meeting final competency benchmarks.)
Program Structure & Curriculum
Duration
- Program Start and End Date: June 22, 2025 – September 21, 2025
- Five-day in-person intensive on August 22 – 26, 2025.
Note: Individual recording feedback sessions will take place between September 24- Oct 29
Number of Hours
- Online Component: 9 live sessions (approx. 2 hours each) plus individual study/practice assignments (7 hours total), 25 hours.
- In-Person Intensive: 5 consecutive days, 40 hours.
- Total number of hours 65
Location
- Component 1: Online
- Component 2: California
Training Format
- Hybrid delivery:
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- Online Cohort Sessions: Live virtual classes focusing on advanced theory, live demonstrations, learning pods, and group supervision.
- In-Person intensive: Experiential exercises, demonstrations, pair practice, clinical role-plays, and intensive skills practice.
- Experiential and interactive design:
- Demonstrations, pair practice, group practice, supervision, role plays, lectures, group discussions.
- One client recording submission and feedback session after the In-Person intensive.
Dates and Time
All live sessions will be held on Sundays at 4pm GST / 1pm BST / 8am EDT / 5am PDT/ 10pm AEST / 8pm MYT on the following dates:
June 22, June 29, July 6,July 13, July 20, August 3, August 17, September 7, September 14 or 21 (option to choose one)
Investment & Enrollment Options:
Pricing Options:
Total Price $4,000 (inclusive of 5 day in-person intensive)
Early Bird Rate $3,400 (make a deposit of $500 by April 15th to receive 15% off the total price)
Payment Schedule:
Deposit payment link of $500 goes live on March 25th.
Full balance due June 15th.
Payment Plans:
Option to pay the balance in two installments of $1450 each at the Early Bird Rate, due May 15th and June 15th.
Refund Policy:
Partial refunds (minus deposit) available before May 31st.
No refunds once online modules are in session.
The Venue: A Coastal Sanctuary
Nestled along the stunning coastal hills of Northern California, the 753-acre farm is a testament to regenerative agriculture and environmental stewardship. Trainees will enjoy luxury glamping tent accommodations, thoughtfully designed with comfort and serenity in mind inclusive of farm-to-table meals.
Professional & Ethical Considerations
Scope of Practice: This training does not grant independent therapeutic licensure. Participants must practice within their professional qualifications and local regulations.
Certification: Upon successful completion of all Level 2 requirements, participants will be recognized as having advanced training in The Shifaa Method.
Final certification is awarded after Level 3 and demonstrates competence to integrate this method into clinical or pastoral settings under one’s existing professional license.
Continuing Education: Annual continuing education credits will be required for all certified in the method after level 3 to maintain good standing and eligibility for supervisory roles in the method.
Partial Scholarships Available
We recognize that some may feel deeply called to this work, yet find the cost a barrier. To honor that, we’re offering a limited number of 50% scholarships ($2k off the original price of $4k) for the Shifaa Method Level 2 Training.
If you are in genuine need of financial support and feel aligned with this path, we invite you to apply.
Important Notes:
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Scholarships are limited and awarded based on financial need, alignment with the program, and demonstrated commitment.
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Recipients will be asked to contribute 15 hours of volunteer support for Dar al-Shifaa.
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Applications close on April 15, 2025.
FAQ's
Yes. However, this year, we’ve made special adaptations to Level 2 specifically for CMC graduates, to catch them up on foundational method-specific frameworks that will be covered in The Shifaa Method Level 1 and which were not covered in the CMC program. Future Level 2 cohorts will include participants from outside CMC who have completed Level 1 of The Shifaa Method and will have a grounding in the method’s principles, therapeutic arc, and competencies. Thus, beginning at Level 2 after this year will not be the same experience. We are happy to organize a one-hour online session for CMC graduates prior to beginning Level 2 next year, and provide resources to help close that gap, but we will be unable to provide a comprehensive orientation to the method.
Given the experiential and supervisory nature of the live sessions, participants are only permitted to miss one live session for the duration of the program. In the case of a missed session the participant will receive the recording only for the session they missed. Recordings of live sessions will not be provided otherwise.
Level 3 will be offered from mid January to early April, 2026. The fully virtual program will consist of live instructional sessions, practice and supervision. As there is no in-person component for Level 3, its cost will be less than that of Level 2. Pricing, dates and further details will be shared later this year.
Yes, the program fee includes luxury glamping accommodations and farm-to-table meals at the training venue.