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The Shifaa Method Level 1 | Theoretical Foundations

The journey into the Shifaa Method begins not with technique—but with paradigm shift, deep reflection, and a sincere opening of the heart.

100% Online | Foundational Training Format

The Shifaa Method Level 1

Theoretical Foundations

Theoretical Foundations

The journey into the Shifaa Method begins not with technique—but with paradigm shift, deep reflection, and a sincere opening of the heart.

100% Online | 2 live weekly sessions

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, this groundbreaking approach builds upon the theoretical model of Islamic psychology and psychotherapy developed by Dr. Abdallah Rothman (Rothman, 2018). The method offers a structured framework for practice that addresses the unity of body (jism), mind (‘aql), soul (nafs), heart (qalb), and spirit (ruh).

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, this groundbreaking approach builds upon the theoretical model of Islamic psychology and psychotherapy developed by Dr. Abdallah Rothman (Rothman, 2018). The method offers a structured framework for practice that addresses the unity of body (jism), mind (‘aql), soul (nafs), heart (qalb), and spirit (ruh).

The Shifaa Method Training Program

Three levels, taken in sequence, from first principles to certified practice.

Your current level · Online

Theoretical Foundations

You leave with the theory and first practices of the method.

Next · Seven days, in person

Applied Practice

You leave with the full therapeutic arc, practised end to end.

Explore Level Two →

Final level · Supervised practice

Clinical Integration

You leave with the pathway to Shifaa Method certification.

Explore Level Three →

Why Begin with the Foundations?

Level 1 is the gateway into the Shifaa Method—a heart-centered, somatic approach to healing rooted in the Islamic tradition. This foundational training introduces the core theoretical framework of the method while gently inviting participants into their own inner process of transformation.

Designed for practitioners who feel called to align their healing work with a more spiritually integrated approach, Level 1 reorients therapeutic practice around the heart. It emphasizes presence over protocol, being over doing, and integration over information.

What You Will Gain?

Level 1 is not yet about full implementation—it is about orientation, alignment, and internalization. It introduces a new paradigm of healing that integrates Islamic principles, somatic presence, and heart-centered reflection.



Through this training, you will begin to develop.

Foundational Theoretical Knowledge

Understand the Islamic model of the soul, Islamic epistemology and ontology, and how these differ from secular paradigms in therapy.

Conceptual Tools

Begin to assess cases and formulate treatment plans using the Islamic model of the soul as a scaffolding for understanding client experience.

Reflective Capacity

Cultivate critical thinking and self-reflection as a core component of therapeutic presence and ethical alignment.

Contemplative Practice

Experience Islamic contemplative practices as tools for regulation, grounding, and inner clarity—first for yourself, then eventually with clients.

Why Begin with the Foundations?

Level 1 is the gateway into the Shifaa Method—a heart-centered, somatic approach to healing rooted in the Islamic tradition. This foundational training introduces the core theoretical framework of the method while gently inviting participants into their own inner process of transformation.


Designed for practitioners who feel called to align their healing work with a more spiritually integrated approach, Level 1 reorients therapeutic practice around the heart. It emphasizes presence over protocol, being over doing, and integration over information.

More than simply learning a new method, participants are invited to begin a personal journey of psycho-spiritual reflection. While this stage does not require deep personal reflection, it does ask for honesty, humility, and an openness to inner work. The path of the Shifaa Method begins with the practitioner’s own heart.

Who it’s for

Who is the Training For?

  • Clinicians and Therapists

    Psychologists, counselors, psychotherapists, and mental health professionals who want to integrate an Islamic psychology–based, heart‑centered modality into their clinical work.

  • Practitioners in Helping Professions

    Coaches, caregivers, educators, and community workers who accompany others in processes of change and want a more embodied, spiritually anchored method.

  • Students and Trainees

    Those in training or transition who intend to work therapeutically in the future and are seeking a clear, ethically grounded pathway of formation in this modality.

What You Will Gain?

Level 1 is not yet about full implementation—it is about orientation, alignment, and internalization. It introduces a new paradigm of healing that integrates Islamic principles, somatic presence, and heart-centered reflection.



Through this training, you will begin to develop.

Foundational Theoretical Knowledge

Understand the Islamic model of the soul, Islamic epistemology and ontology, and how these differ from secular paradigms in therapy.

Conceptual Tools

Begin to assess cases and formulate treatment plans using the Islamic model of the soul as a scaffolding for understanding client experience.

Reflective Capacity

Cultivate critical thinking and self-reflection as a core component of therapeutic presence and ethical alignment.

Contemplative Practice

Experience Islamic contemplative practices as tools for regulation, grounding, and inner clarity—first for yourself, then eventually with clients.

Learning Outcomes

  1. 01

    Understand

    Core Islamic epistemology and ontology of the self (nafs, qalb, ‘aql, rūḥ, fitrah) and compare these with dominant Western paradigms, noting implications for practice.

  2. 02

    Apply

    An Islamic model of the soul to basic case conceptualization, assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

  3. 03

    Differentiate

    Issues that warrant consultation or referral (e.g., to religious scholars or community resources) and maintain scope of practice, safeguarding, and informed consent within an Islamic ethical frame.

Learning Outcomes

  1. 01

    Understand

    Core Islamic epistemology and ontology of the self (nafs, qalb, ‘aql, rūḥ, fitrah) and compare these with dominant Western paradigms, noting implications for practice.

  2. 02

    Apply

    An Islamic model of the soul to basic case conceptualization, assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

  3. 03

    Differentiate

    Issues that warrant consultation or referral (e.g., to religious scholars or community resources) and maintain scope of practice, safeguarding, and informed consent within an Islamic ethical frame.

Structure & Curriculum

This training offers a gentle but deep immersion into the conceptual and spiritual foundations of the method. Participants will engage with:

Live, together

Live Lectures and Group Sessions

The heart of the program—these interactive sessions are where key concepts are taught, discussed, and explored in real time with instructors and peers.

Breakout Group Discussions

Held during live sessions, these small group reflections offer space to process and integrate the material through shared dialogue.

At your own pace

Pre-recorded Lectures

Preparatory lessons that introduce key foundational concepts before each live session, allowing participants to arrive with a shared understanding and make the most of the time spent learning and engaging together.

Guided Practices

Guided practices, designed to support deeper self-awareness, embodied learning, and a more personal engagement with the work.

Readings and Assignments

Carefully curated readings, reflective journal prompts, and introductory case conceptualization exercises to ground the learning.

Key Themes and Topics

Explore the essential themes, principles, and knowledge that form the foundation for the journey ahead.

Click here to learn more about the key themes and topics Hide the key themes and topics
  • Islamic Theoretical Foundations

    Core principles of Islamic psychology, ontology, and spiritual understanding of the human being.

  • Comparative Look at Secular Models

    Exploring the differences between Western psychological paradigms and Islamic conceptions of the self.

  • Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment

    Introducing how to understand and approach healing through the Islamic model of the soul.

  • Introduction to the Shifaa Method (Principles, Arc)

    A first look at the structure, flow, and foundational principles of the Shifaa therapeutic process.

  • Contemplative Practice

    Engaging the heart through Islamic contemplative and somatic exercises for inner awareness and presence.

Your Trainers

Dr. Rothman and Saman Hussain co-designed the Shifaa Method training to help practitioners embody its principles in their lives and clinical practice through experiential learning and reflective practice.

 
Saman Hussain

Saman Hussain

Lead Trainer

A seasoned practitioner, coach, and facilitator. Saman brings 15+ years of experience facilitating group process and leading trainings.

Dr. Abdallah Rothman

Dr. Abdallah Rothman

Founder & Lead Trainer

Dr. Rothman is a PhD psychologist and academic who developed the Shifaa Method over 20 years of practice and research. He bridges classical Islamic psychology with contemporary therapeutic practice.

Your Trainers

Dr. Rothman and Saman Hussain co-designed the Shifaa Method training to help practitioners embody its principles in their lives and clinical practice through experiential learning and reflective practice.

Saman Hussain

Lead trainer

A seasoned practitioner, coach, and facilitator. Saman brings 15+ years of experience facilitating group process and leading trainings

Areas of Focus:

Group Facilitation
Somatic Therapy
Clinical Supervision

Dr. Abdallah Rothman

founder & lead trainer

Dr. Rothman is a PhD psychologist and academic who developed the Shifaa Method over 20 years of practice and research. He bridges classical Islamic psychology with contemporary therapeutic practice

Areas of Focus:

Applied Practice
clinical supervision
Islamic Psychology
Shifaa Method

Certification & Evaluation

Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a

Certificate of CompletionLevel 1: Foundations of the Shifaa Method

To complete Level 1 and progress to the next stage of the training, participants must:

  1. Step 1 Complete 100% of the Online Learning Platform
  2. Step 2 Attend the live sessions, with a maximum of three absences
    Up to 3 of 12 sessions may be missed
  3. Step 3 Submit the required case study
  • This level does not offer certification in the method.
  • Participants are expected to attend live sessions and complete all assignments. There are no recorded client sessions submitted for feedback and supervision or competency assessments at this stage.
  • This certificate does not authorize you to teach, supervise, or practice the method as a certified Shifaa practitioner. Full certification requires completion of Levels 2 & 3.

Program Details

Level 1: Foundations of the Shifaa Method

Program Duration

April 4 – June 21, 2027
12 weeks

Format

A blended learning experience combining live sessions, self-paced study, and peer-based learning.

Live Online Sessions

Sundays

2:00–4:00 PM UK time 9:00–11:00 AM US Eastern

Led by instructors in an interactive, reflective format.

Class Dates

Apr5121926
May310172431
Jun71421

12 live sessions, all on Sundays, 2027.

Additional Components

Weekly assignments and guided reflections to deepen understanding and integration.

Tuition & Payment Options

We’ve structured the tuition to reflect the depth of live instruction, practice, and guided learning offered in this first stage of the training.

Standard Price: $2500 

Options available to bundle multiple training levels for further discount

Tuition & Payment Options

We’ve structured the tuition to reflect the depth of live instruction, practice, and guided learning offered in this first stage of the training.

Standard Price: $2500 

Options available to bundle multiple training levels for further discount

Questions You
Might Have

If you don’t find your answer here, we’re happy to talk. Email us at info@dar-al-shifaa.com, and our team will be happy to help. 

No, Level 1 offers a Certificate of Completion, but full certification as a Shifaa Method Practitioner requires completing Levels 2 and 3. This level focuses on shifting your paradigm, not yet on full implementation.
Level 1 is open to qualified professionals in helping fields—such as psychotherapists, counselors, psychologists, coaches, naturopaths, lifestyle medicine practitioners, and pastoral care workers—who are licensed or regulated to practice in their local region.
No, you don’t need to be a practicing therapist or currently have clients to join Level 1. The training is open to therapists, coaches, healers, nurses, and other service providers in helping professions. You’ll only need to be actively seeing clients once you move on to Level 2 of the Shifaa Method.
Level 1 is 100% online and runs over 12 weeks. It includes live lectures, pre-recorded content, and guided assignments—all designed to support deep integration, inner reflection, and spiritual grounding.
Registration opens on October 25 and will remain open until capacity is reached or April 21, whichever comes first.
All live sessions are recorded, so if you miss a session, you'll receive the recording. However, we ask that you attend as many live sessions as possible and miss no more than three live sessions.
Yes. Level 1 is designed to be valuable on its own. It serves as professional development for those who wish to be oriented to an Islamic approach to counseling and psycho-spiritual support. For those who wish to continue, it also forms the essential foundation for progressing toward full certification in the Shifaa Method.
Partial refunds are available until January 15. No refunds will be issued once the program begins.

Learning Outcomes

Understand

Core Islamic epistemology and ontology of the self (nafs, qalb, ‘aql, rūḥ, fitrah) and compare these with dominant Western paradigms, noting implications for practice.

Apply

An Islamic model of the soul to basic case conceptualization, assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

Differentiate

Issues that warrant consultation or referral (e.g., to religious scholars or community resources) and maintain scope of practice, safeguarding, and informed consent within an Islamic ethical frame.

Key Themes & Topics

Explore the essential themes, principles, and knowledge that form the foundation for the journey ahead.

Islamic Theoretical Foundations

Core principles of Islamic psychology, ontology, and spiritual understanding of the human being.

Comparative Look at Secular Models

Exploring the differences between Western psychological paradigms and Islamic conceptions of the self

Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introducing how to understand and approach healing through the Islamic model of the soul.

Introduction to the Shifaa Method (Principles, Arc)

A first look at the structure, flow, and foundational principles of the Shifaa therapeutic process.

Contemplative Practice

Engaging the heart through Islamic contemplative and somatic exercises for inner awareness and presence.

Structure &

Curriculum

This training offers a gentle but deep immersion into the conceptual and spiritual foundations of the method. Participants will engage with:

Live Lectures and Group Sessions

The heart of the program—these interactive sessions are where key concepts are taught, discussed, and explored in real time with instructors and peers.

Breakout Group Discussions

Held during live sessions, these small group reflections offer space to process and integrate the material through shared dialogue.

Guided Practices

Guided practices, designed to support deeper self-awareness, embodied learning, and a more personal engagement with the work.

Pre-recorded Lectures

Preparatory lessons that introduce key foundational concepts before each live session, allowing participants to arrive with a shared understanding and make the most of the time spent learning and engaging together.

Readings and Assignments

Carefully curated readings, reflective journal prompts, and introductory case conceptualization exercises to ground the learning.

Certification &

Evaluation

This level does not offer certification in the method. Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a:
Certificate of Completion (Level 1: Foundations of the Shifaa Method)

Participants are expected to attend live sessions and complete all assignments. There are no recorded client sessions submitted for feedback and supervision or competency assessments at this stage.

This certificate does not authorize you to teach, supervise, or practice the method as a certified Shifaa practitioner. Full certification requires completion of Levels 2 & 3.

Program Details

Program Duration:

April 5 – June 21, 2027 (12 weeks)

Format:

A blended learning experience combining live sessions, self-paced study, and peer-based learning.

Live Online Sessions:

Sundays, 2:00-4:00 PM (UK time)/ 9:00–11:00 AM (US Eastern time)
Led by instructors in an interactive, reflective format.

Class Dates:

April 5, 12, 19, 26

May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
June 7, 14, 21

Additional Components:

Weekly assignments and guided reflections to deepen understanding and integration.

Choose How You’d Like to Learn

Some of us need flexibility. Others thrive with structure and community. Both are valid.

1

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Start when you're ready, progress at your pace. Perfect if you need flexibility while still wanting depth and structure.


✓ Start Anytime ✓ Lifetime Access ✓ Go At Your Rhythm
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2

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Guided Programs

Self-Paced

Join a cohort for weekly live sessions. Ideal if you thrive with accountability, community, and direct access to teachers.

✓ Weekly Live Sessions ✓ Community Cohort ✓ Direct Interaction

Live

Join a cohort for weekly live sessions. Ideal if you thrive with accountability, community, and direct access to teachers.

✓ Weekly Live Sessions ✓ Community Cohort ✓ Direct Interaction

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