Barakah Breakthrough—An Art Therapy Workshop for Muslim Sisters

SAVE THE DATE!

Please be sure to confirm what time the program is running in your time zone. You can do so here.

INVESTMENT

$ 37 USD for a 3-hour interactive experience with beautiful sisters led by a Registered Psychotherapist & Expressive Arts Therapist

NATURE OF SESSIONS

With the new year upon us and many circles offering vision board workshops, I thought it only fitting to create something that aligns with our faith as Muslim women; a program that would inspire us to reflect on the many blessings Allah has so generously bestowed upon us and allow us to explore some of the reasons we may feel distant from those blessings.

This Barakah Breakthrough Art Therapy workshop is designed to provide a space for Muslim women to come together to support new pathways to healing. The program invites participants to explore mindfulness and expressive arts practices in a safe and supportive community setting that is rooted in the beautiful values of our deen.

In shaa Allah, the sessions will include exploring verses from the Quran, poetry, mindfulness practices, body awareness exercises, expressive arts activities, journaling, and sharing reflections.

This is an opportunity for us to come together to:

💕 Rediscover our hopes and dreams for a blessed life

💕 Design dua-inspired Barakah Boards for 2024

💕 Identify and brave the barriers blocking us from our blessings

💕 Build bridges between ourselves and the barakah-filled lives we desire

💕 Relax, have fun and reignite our creative spark with like-hearted sisters

POTENTIAL BENEFITS AND RISKS

Attending the group sessions may bring the following benefits:

♡ getting to know yourself better

♡ understanding the challenges you experience with greater clarity

♡ rediscovering your strengths, gifts and passions

♡ connecting to qualities of your core Self such as calm, compassion, confidence, patience, perspective, and presence

♡ accessing tools and resources you can use for continued growth

♡ healing through mindfulness, body awareness and creative practices

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That being said, possible discomforts or risks may arise including:

♡ uncovering difficult emotions, memories or struggles

♡ feeling disconnected from yourself in certain moments

♡ experiencing the urge to numb or dissociate

♡ feeling physical fatigue or restlessness

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I encourage you to keep checking in with yourself throughout the program and notice what is coming up for you. Working within a pace and approach that feels right for you will help ensure your comfort and safety. Anything that is presented in the group is only an invitation; if it doesn’t work for you, consider adapting the activity or choosing something else that feels right.

ANSWERS TO SOME COMMON QUESTIONS

Who will be facilitating this support group?

My name is Zaynab and I’m a Canadian Registered Psychotherapist.

I am committed to the healing, growth and well-being of my Muslim sisters. I specialize in compassionate trauma care and help my clients find relief through the use of Expressive Arts as well as other evidence-based modalities.

The programs I offer are deeply rooted in the values of Islam including honesty, sincerity, kindness, compassion, purpose, and trust. The work we do together is faith-focused, which means your deen and connection with Allah are held and supported with the utmost care. Not only do we work together to ensure your faith isn’t shaken during the therapeutic process, but we strive to strengthen your relationship with Allah along the way.

I have over 15 years of therapeutic experience in both private and institutional settings and I have been running my private practice, Muslimah Therapy, since January 2021. I am an active Member in good standing with the Ontario Expressive Arts Therapy Association (OEATA). For more information about me and the work I do, please visit my “Meet the Therapist” page on my website.

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Is this workshop actual therapy?

No. You will be introduced to some activities similar to what you might experience in an actual Expressive Arts Therapy session, either 1-on-1 or group, however, the Barakah Breakthrough Workshop Series is not therapy. As such, we won’t be going into anyone’s issues; our focus will be on staying present with and processing emotions that do come up through art-making.

It’s worth noting that because this group is therapeutic in nature, it’s very likely that big emotions will come up for many of us. You are encouraged to support yourselves by having items nearby that can provide grounding and comfort and perhaps arrange to have a family member or friend to connect with after each session if needed. If you find you need additional support please reach out to your care provider.

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What kind of art supplies do I need for this program?

You will need a pen, loose paper (preferably blank), and a journal to take notes and write your reflections in and images for your Barakah Board. You may find these images in magazines, books, catalogues or even print them off the internet. Second-hand shops and libraries often sell old magazines for a great price. Just be sure to choose materials that have the kind of images you feel you will resonate with.

As for other art materials, you may want to bring, sometimes sisters get a little nervous about the art part of these groups. Rest assured, whatever you have on hand is more than enough, so please don’t stress about art supplies.

Here are a few suggestions for you to consider:

🖍️ mark-making items such as crayons, coloured pencils, chalk or oil pastels, watercolour paints etc.

🖍️ adhesives such as tape, glue, a stapler, paperclips, pins, a needle & thread

🖍️ craft supplies such as pipe cleaners, ribbon, popsicle sticks etc

🖍️ stuff you have around your home such as toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, buttons, twist ties, sandwich wrap, wax paper, foil etc.

🖍️ items with words on them such as junk mail, newspapers, empty food boxes, an old book

It’s worth noting that I’ve worked with sisters who didn’t have any art supplies at all. Some of them used a piece of fruit or makeup to make their art and it was awesome!

Other than art supplies, you’re encouraged to dress comfortably, consider having a blanket or something cozy nearby, and take a few minutes to set up your space in a way that feels good for you. Noticing and tending to your needs is an important part of compassionate self-care as a part of the self-discovery process that we hope to nurture in our group.

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I’m not an artist and I’m not really creative, is this workshop for me?

Absolutely! I always tell new clients who are starting their healing journeys with me that the less they “know” about art, the better! Why? Because Expressive Arts Therapy isn’t about making pretty things or things that look like anything at all, it’s about letting go of the need to control and allowing ourselves to explore with curiosity and childlike wonder.

There is no skill or experience required. All I ask is that you come with an open heart and mind and be willing to try some new things. Creativity is a great way to express emotions that can be hard to put into words and there’s no better place to explore this than with a group of like-hearted sisters, in shaa Allah.

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Will this program be recorded?

No. Creating a sense of safety where sisters feel comfortable showing up and sharing vulnerably if they choose to do so is super important to me. To respect everyone’s privacy and ensure the confidentiality of the group, this program will not be recorded.

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Can I record parts of the program or take photos?

No. No part of any of the group sessions may be recorded or shared in any way. The very nature of a support group is to ensure the safety of everyone so that we all feel comfortable showing up and participating in whatever ways feel right for each of us. If there are resources on the screen that you would like copies of, please reach out and I’ll do my best to make them available.

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Do I have to be on camera the whole time?

Yes. As this program is taking place on Zoom, you will be required to stay on camera in gallery view to support the brave space we are creating together.

Please ensure that you have a private, confidential space for the entire duration of each session (i.e. your space has a door that can close, household members cannot enter the space during the workshop etc.).

No one should see your screen or hear anything being said in our workshop at any time. If there is a possibility of anyone else hearing the workshop, please wear headphones and test them along with your microphone before the start of each session so we don’t have to spend time troubleshooting tech issues.

Being able to see who’s present is important for sisters to feel safe to share and fully participate with the group.

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Can I bring my 12-year-old daughter to this group?

No, this program is for Muslim sisters who are 18 years and over.

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If I’m unable to attend, can I get a refund?

Refunds will not be issued for non-attendance.

If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to give your spot to another sister. They would need to be in contact with me at least 24 hours before the session starts. If you don’t have someone to give your spot to, you’re welcome to reach out to me to offer it to a sister in need.

I know a sister who would benefit from this program. Can I pay for her registration?

Yes! What a beautiful gesture, ma shaa Allah! Please go through the registration process and put the sister’s name and email address in so that she receives the email updates and Zoom link. Please note, that the sister will have to fill out the registration form that will be emailed out after payment is received. Allah bless you for your kindness and generosity.

I’m struggling financially. Do you have any discounted spots?

I firmly believe every sister should be able to access mental health services. I never want finances to be a barrier that keeps you from attending a program you could benefit from. Limited sliding scale spots are available for those who are in genuine need. A payment plan can also be arranged for those who would find splitting up the payment helpful. Please reach out to explore these options with me if you need financial aid.

What currency is the registration fee in?

The registration fee is in USD to simplify payment for participants from around the world. You can use this converter for the conversion to your currency.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS OF PAST PROGRAMS HAVE SHARED

” I really loved the easy, open and relaxed environment that you created for us in the group. Safety, meaning safety of my heart and nervous system, is really crucial for me and I felt safe in this space. Thank you.”

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” I really appreciated the fact that the group was for Muslim women and was lead by a female Muslim therapist. Being with sisters who are authentic and are willing to listen helps bring me closer to Allah. I appreciated having a group that felt like it was open to creativity, honesty and authenticity.”

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” I loved the way you connected everything back to Allah ﷻ and our faith. I also loved how safe and loving you made the environment feel right from the beginning. The “trust” exercise was awesome!

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“I felt safe sharing because I knew there wouldn’t be any judgment. This workshop has inspired me to work on feeling more confident and comfortable in being creative.”

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“After this workshop, I have increased in gratitude for the best of creation salAllahu alayhi wa alihi wa sahbihi wa salim, that Allah ta’Ala has placed love in my heart for him alayhi salaam and allowed me to be in the company of the lovers, those who know and embody his beautiful character and attributes, that He has allowed me to taste that love and then share what I have of it and that I need to keep asking for an increase in it, and appreciate it and spread it. In sha Allah Ya Rabb and use it as a means of my own healing and growth and to know my own self better.”

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“I really benefited from this experience. It is so encompassing, nurturing, enlightening and expanding. It allows you to get to know your true self, to accept every part of you, to tune into your emotions, your feelings, your body and any pain or ache that you may experience. I find it quite amazing actually and also humbling as we can really get to know who we are, to appreciate the qualities Allah has gifted us with, have the ability to shed tears, and to express our emotions in whichever form that may be.”

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” This workshop has reminded me to remember His mercy, His love, His generosity, and for me to apply those qualities to myself and to others around me.”

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“It was a wonderful light and gentle experience. I loved spending time focusing and exploring my relationship with the Prophet ﷺ. It was a blessing to be gathered with sisters who have such a love and connection and yearning to be closer to Him ﷺ. What I loved most about the workshop was the vulnerability, the emotional honesty, and the freedom to express ourselves in a safe nurturing environment was truly beautiful.”

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” This workshop reminded me that it’s okay that I have challenges. The self-worth piece very much resonated with me.”

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