Our Faculty

Elzahraa Hassane

Faith-based Mental Wellbeing Educator

Elzahraa Hassane is the Founder and Executive Director of "Sakeena Institute", an international educational platform dedicated to integrating authentic Islamic knowledge with contemporary psychology, neuroscience, and education to promote emotional well-being, resilience, and personal growth. She is a Doctoral Researcher in Education, with research focusing on the integration of faith-based education, emotional resilience, and psychological well-being. She has also completed the taught component of the MSc in Neuroscience and Psychology of Mental Health at the University of Warwick. She holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.), the University of Exeter (UK), a "Master's degree in Islamic Studies" from Middlesex University, UK., and a "Master's degree in Applied Linguistics, a linguistic comparison between English and Arabic", University of Tanta, Egypt. As a Certified Mental Health Consultant, Elzahraa combines academic research with practical application, bridging Islamic psychology, neuroscience, education, and emotional healing to develop evidence-informed programmes that help individuals strengthen their faith, build emotional resilience, and improve psychological well-being. Through Sakeena Institute, she has designed and delivered educational programmes for a global audience, making complex concepts in psychology, neuroscience, and Islamic scholarship accessible, practical, and transformative. Alongside her academic work, she is an international educator, speaker, author, and content creator whose educational content has reached more than 500,000 people across digital platforms. Her mission is to reconnect individuals with faith as the foundation for emotional healing, personal growth, and lasting inner peace.

Dr. Shahid Ijaz

Islamic psychology specialist- background in Clinical Psychology

Clinical Psychologist Dr. Shahid Ijaz has spent over ten years working in clinical psychology and education. He heads the Psychological Services Center and teaches at Islamabad Model College for Boys H9. His PhD in Islamic Psychology from International Islamic University Islamabad reflects his focus on integrating faith with clinical practice—an approach that resonates with Muslim communities seeking therapy that aligns with their values. His background combines academic research with hands-on clinical work. He's treated individuals and families dealing with mental health challenges, always working to make therapy both effective and culturally meaningful.

Rabia Ashraf

Islamic psychology specialist- background in Clinical Psychology

Rabia Ashraf earned her Master's from the Centre for Clinical Psychology at the University of the Punjab and completed clinical training at major hospitals in Lahore. She's published over 15 papers in national and international journals, contributing research on mental health and therapeutic approaches. She's also taught at Fazaia College of Education for Women, University of Lahore, and University of Health Sciences. Her work spans clinical practice, research, and education—bringing both scientific rigor and practical insight to each area.

Karim Elbarbary

Psychologist

Karim Elbarbary holds an MSc in Mental Health and Well-being from the University of Wolverhampton and a BSc in Psychology from the University of Toronto. His interest centers on how spirituality intersects with mental health, particularly through Islamic Psychology. He's studied how faith-based frameworks can inform modern therapy, making his work relevant for clients who view spirituality as central to healing.

Muhammad Abdullah

Relationship Wellbeing Specialist

Muhammad Abdullah has eight years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. He helps people navigate relationship conflicts, anxiety, depression, and major life changes. His approach is practical and grounded he works with clients to develop real strategies they can use beyond the therapy room. He's particularly focused on helping couples and families build healthier relationships and better communication.

Bushra Zafar

Faith-Based Coach · background in Clinical Psychology

Bushra Zafar graduated with a Gold Medal in Clinical Psychology from the University of the Punjab. She works with a range of evidence-based therapies including CBT, DBT, REBT, and Applied Behavior Analysis. Her practice covers psychological assessment, neurodevelopmental concerns, mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, and relationship issues. She also teaches, conducts research, and supervises students.

Aniqa Malik

Faith-Based Coach |Trainer-background in Clinical Psychology

Aniqa Malik is a clinical psychologist and CBT specialist at Meeting Matters Clinic in Islamabad. She holds a Master's in Applied Psychology and has years of experience providing assessments, counselling, and evidence-based therapy. She's known for her client-centered approach and her work as a CBT trainer, where she's delivered workshops and clinical supervision to other mental health professionals. As Operations Manager at Meeting Matters Clinic, she helped grow the clinic significantly while maintaining high client retention outcomes that reflect both quality care and client trust.

Ebrar Demir

Education Director | Influencer | Multilingual Professional

Ebrar Demir holds a Master's in Education from Ruhr Universität Bochum in Germany and has over ten years of experience in education and counselling. She's currently Education Director at Basme International Primary School, where she oversees curriculum development and academic operations. Before this, she worked as a Psychological Counselling Coordinator in Turkey, supporting students through academic and personal challenges. She's also worked as a content creator, producing educational material that connects culture and personal development. Fluent in German, Turkish, and English, she brings a multicultural perspective to everything she does.

Dr. Zaheer Ahmad

Assistant Professor, Department of Linguistics, International Islamic University

Dr. Zaheer Ahmad teaches linguistics at the International Islamic University in Islamabad, where he serves as Assistant Professor and In-Charge of the Department of Linguistics. His PhD dissertation explored the semantic connections between Arabic words used in Urdu research that shows how language carries meaning across cultures. Since 2009, he's coordinated Short Arabic Courses for the General Public, making Arabic accessible beyond academic settings. He's taught Arabic to non-native speakers from various countries and backgrounds, always focused on helping students gain real proficiency. His teaching blends linguistic theory with practical application.

Sakeena Institute

Sakeena Press

Diveena Nair

Clinical Psychologist

Diveena Nair is a registered clinical psychologist with an MClinPsych from Taylor's University and a Bachelor's from HELP University, Malaysia. She's registered with the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council (MAHPC) and the Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology (CPI-0567). Her work focuses on helping people discover their inner strengths and build resilience in ways that align with their values. She takes a collaborative, client-centered approach whether in therapy, workshops, or courses—creating spaces where people feel supported in their growth.

Zainab Farrukh

Therapist

Zainab Farrukh brings seven years of experience in trauma-informed care and mental wellness. Her approach blends evidence-based techniques with cultural sensitivity, recognizing that effective therapy requires understanding each person's background and context. She works with individuals and families facing trauma, relationship difficulties, and emotional challenges

ASMA NAZ

Islamic psychology specialist- background in Clinical Psychology

A dedicated Clinical Psychologist, she holds an MS in Clinical Psychology from the University of the Punjab, along with a Gold Medal in BS Psychology; an academic distinction that reflects her deep commitment to the discipline and a strong scholarly foundation. Her clinical practice is grounded in evidence-based modalities, with specialized proficiency in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Behavior Therapy (BT), and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Her core competencies encompass comprehensive psychological assessment and individualized psychotherapy, addressing a broad spectrum of concerns including anxiety, depression, behavioral disorders, and adjustment difficulties. Her professional experience includes delivering psychological services at two of Pakistan's leading public healthcare institutions i.e. Children's Hospital and Mayo Hospital, Lahore; where she built substantial expertise within high-volume, multidisciplinary clinical environments. This foundation is further strengthened by several professional certifications, demonstrating her sustained commitment to clinical excellence and contemporary standards of care. Driven by a passion for evidence-based practice, she remains dedicated to delivering compassionate, ethical, and results-oriented psychological care empowering clients to achieve meaningful and lasting improvements in their mental health and overall well-being.

DANYAH ALI

Islamic psychology specialist- background in Clinical Psychology

Danyah Ali is an M.Phil-qualified Clinical Psychologist and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with experience working with children, adolescents, and adults across clinical settings in Pakistan and Canada. She specialises in psychological assessments, behavioral interventions, and evidence-based psychotherapy tailored to individual needs. Her therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), behavior therapy, Art therapy, and schema-focused interventions. Danyah has worked extensively with individuals experiencing emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges, with a strong focus on compassionate and client-centered care. She also has experience in psychological testing, report writing, clinic management, research, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Danyah is passionate about supporting individuals and families in achieving emotional well-being, resilience, and meaningful personal growth.

ORSOLYA ILHAM

Relationship Wellbeing Specialist

Orsolya Ilham is a Relational and Psychological Consultant specializing in CBT- and trauma-informed approaches. She holds a BA in Communication, a BSc in Psychology, and an MA in CBT, along with certifications in Counseling, Marriage Counseling, and Trauma-Informed Care. Her work focuses on personal psychological challenges, marital and relational problems, emotional dynamics, communication, conflict resolution and mediation, with particular experience in intercultural relationships and the Muslim community. She leads and coordinates the counseling department at AboutIslam, a global platform for Muslims, which has provided her with in-depth, practical insight into the most common relational, emotional, and psychological challenges within the community. She has experience with a wide range of individuals and couples across diverse cultural and relational contexts and a strong understanding of and experience in integrating faith and spirituality into her work. Her work is centered on clarity, emotional awareness, and actionable change. She integrates psychological frameworks, communication tools, and practical, solution-focused strategies to help clients navigate emotional and relational complexity.

M. HASHIM ABBAS

Islamic psychology specialist- background in Clinical Psychology

Muhammad Hashim Abbas is a top-rated Clinical Child Psychologist in Pakistan, holding a BS in Psychology and an MS in Clinical Psychology. Providing specialized therapeutic and assessment services for children and adolescents, he serves as Director and Child Psychologist at Speech Lingua Spot and Student Wellbeing Counsellor at Beaconhouse School System. He uses supportive and child-friendly therapeutic approaches including CBT-based techniques, emotional regulation strategies, play-based interaction, and strength-focused counselling, DBT, and behavior therapy, integrated with Islamic principles for culturally aligned care.I integrate evidence-based psychological support with Islamic values to create a compassionate healing process. Through emotional understanding, reflective practices, and faith-centered coping, I support individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, low confidence, and emotional distress in finding inner strength, hope, and balance. His clinical work focuses extensively on: Neurodevelopmental & Behavioral Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Global Developmental Delay (GDD), Intellectual Disability, Learning Disorders, ODD, Conduct Disorder, Motor Disorders, Communication Disorders. Emotional & Psychological Concerns: Comprehensive care for Depression, Anxiety (including separation and social anxiety), Specific Phobias,Panic Attacks, Guilt, aggression, anger, and social withdrawal. Core Growth & Well-being: Dedicated support for building Self-Esteem, restoring Confidence, mastering Emotional Regulation, and implementing sustainable Lifestyle modifications. Through a compassionate, child-focused approach, he builds resilience, conflict resolution, and coping skills and gives safe space for the child to be seen and heard.. He offers online consultations to ensure accessible, highly specialized mental health support. His research focused on the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in enhancing emotional regulation and mental health in adolescents with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder.

HUMAMA SAJJAD

Islamic psychology specialist- background in Clinical Psychology

Humama Sajjad (MS Clinical Psych.) is a clinical psychologist specialising in CBT with professional training from PACT. Her extensive experience as a therapist in both hospital and education settings has enabled her to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of psychological concerns. She takes a holistic approach to psychotherapy understanding the importance of exploring variety of factors that can contribute to mental health challenges. Her clinical practice is guided by compassion, collaboration, and evidence-based practice, with a strong focus on empowering clients to deal with challenges confidently. Humama currently works at NUML University Islamabad, where she teaches clinical psychology to post graduate diploma students. She also provides therapeutic services at the university's student counselling centre. Through her combined roles as an educator and therapist, she remains committed to promoting psychological wellbeing and accessible mental health support.

Malik Elhindi

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Therapist

Malik Elhindi is a Muslim Palestinian Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing as a therapist at Salience Health and The Impact Counselors in Allen, TX. His path to therapy wasn't a straight line he spent years in business management across telecom, manufacturing, and auto repair before making a deliberate shift toward mental health work. That transition was rooted in both personal experience and spiritual conviction. During university, he went through a period of emotional difficulty that a skilled therapist helped him navigate. That experience stayed with him and ultimately shaped his career. He holds a BA in Economics from UC Davis and an MA in Social Work from UT Arlington. He also studied at Qalam Institute, where he developed a grounded understanding of Islamic principles that now inform his clinical work. He integrates CBT and DBT with Islamic frameworks drawing on practices like muhasabah (self-accountability) and systems theory to support clients in a way that honors both their psychological needs and their faith. His approach is solution-focused and spiritually grounded. He works with individuals to strengthen their iman, work through present challenges, and address the weight of past trauma. He also served as a Student Counselor at Qalam Seminary, bringing mental health support into an Islamic learning environment.

Hina Khatak

Faith-Based Coach · background in Clinical Psychology

Hina Khatak is a clinical psychologist certified in ACCTS, CCTS-I, and EMDR. She specializes in trauma, mood disorders, and developmental challenges, using evidence-based methods alongside faith-based healing. She's also a Training of Trainers facilitator, conducting workshops on mental health and personal development. Her work helps clients build resilience and navigate difficult experiences with practical tools and compassionate support. Awards & Recognition • Certified ACCTS, CCTS-I, and EMDR Practitioner • Training of Trainers (TOT) facilitator • Expert in trauma therapy and mood disorders

Tehmeena Hanif

Sarah Mustafa

Clinical Psychologist

Sarah Mustafa is a clinical psychologist with an MS in Clinical Psychology and DBT certification from the Behavioral Tech Institute (USA). She has been practicing since 2023, working with clients across hospitals and private practice settings. Sarah has a particular focus on supporting South Asian clients, helping people navigate identity, family, and mental health across different cultures and life transitions. She draws on evidence-based approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Client Centered Therapy, and brings genuine religious and cultural understanding to every session, so clients feel truly seen and supported.

Amen Abbasi

Clinical Psychologist

Amen Abbasi is a clinical psychology professional with experience in counseling, psychotherapy, and teaching. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from COMSATS University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from SZABIST University. She has professional experience as a counselor with a trust, as a therapist in various hospitals, and in providing one-to-one online therapy consultations. She continues to offer individual online therapy sessions and works as an online tutor. Her professional interests include Islamic psychology, emotional well-being, self-concept, and interpersonal relationships. She is passionate about integrating psychological principles with Islamic teachings and creating empathetic, engaging, and student-centered learning experiences that promote self-awareness and personal growth.

Amal Farha

LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST · LEBANON

Amal Farha is a licensed clinical psychologist in Lebanon with over six years of experience across clinical, educational, humanitarian, and community-based settings. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Balamand and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Alberta, Canada, complemented by specialized training in neuropsychology, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and family and couples counseling. She has worked with UNICEF for 3+ years to provide students in public schools with psychological counselling, guidance, support, and psychoeducation through awareness and psychosocial support activities. She is also the owner of Al Amal Psychological Clinic, where she provides child, adolescent, adult, marriage, and family counselling. Amal is dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment in which individuals and families can better understand their experiences, develop effective coping strategies, and build on their strengths.

Faiza Aziz

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Faiza Aziz holds an MS in Clinical Psychology from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). She has experience in clinical assessment and psychological interventions. Her clinical practice includes working with adolescents and adults presenting with anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, OCD, relationship difficulties, interpersonal issues, anger management, and stress-related concerns. Her clinical practice is primarily informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), with a focus on ethical practice and evidence-based psychological care.