RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS REQUIRED
Are you a Convert/revert to Islam and a Counsellor, Psychotherapist or Psychologist?
You are invited to participate in this timely academic research regarding the liminal experiences of Convert Psychotherapists.
For more information regarding the study please read the attached information or contact the researcher Georgina Cardo at Georgina.cardo@metanoia.ac.uk to discuss.
Dear Colleague
My name is Georgina Cardo, I am a Doctoral candidate based at Metanoia Institute studying towards a PhD in Psychotherapy with Middlesex University. I am also a convert to Islam and a psychotherapist who employs an integrative use of Transactional Analysis and Islam for use with Muslim and Muslim convert clients. For my doctoral dissertation I am conducting a research study titled; A Heuristic Inquiry into the Lived Experience of Liminality Amongst Convert Muslim Psychotherapists
The purpose of the study is to capture, in one-time, face-to-face or web based interviews with converts to Islam who are Psychotherapists, Counsellors or Psychologists (I shall term as therapists in some paragraphs in the study for ease). I am seeking research partners who would allow me to interview them regarding their experiences of liminality and how integrating Islam with psychological theory and therapy has assisted you with your liminal experiences. I invite you to consider participating in this important and timely research study.
Liminality
The process of conversion to Islam has been summarised as a ‘complex phenomenon that can have a differing impact on individuals’ lives (Kose, 1996). Converts to Islam are often faced with ‘transitional, anxiety ridden states between detachment from the old and attachment to the new’ this has been described as ‘liminality’ (Hermansen in Haddad 1991, p191). The term liminality largely features in anthropologist research looking at identity transitions through youth to maturity, however following a literature review on conversion to Islam, it emerged that the term liminality is also used in relation to psychological and spiritual experiences. Psychological terms such as; Impasse (Intra-psychic conflict) and Islamic terms such as the Barzakh and Dehliz (transitional spiritual journey or threshold) related well with liminality.
Those who participate in this study on liminality will; (1) Discuss your experiences of liminality (transitional identity) since conversion (2) Discuss how Islam and psychotherapy has helped you with your liminal experiences.
The interview is expected to last for 60-90 minutes and will be digitally audio-recorded using technology that safeguards confidentiality, transcribe verbatim, and verified (and modified if needed) by the respondent. The content of the interview will constitute the raw data for the study. Co-researchers will also be invited to include relevant poetry, quotes, artwork, stories, music, journal entries, or other forms of creative expression that have contributed to the meaning making of their integrative experiences in clinical practice
Relevant themes and patterns will be identified from this information, accumulating in a creative synthesis of the essence of research partner’s collective experiences. To preserve confidentially and anonymity, co-researchers will indicate a pseudonym of their choice. Using pseudonyms will allow me to determine themes without identifying co-researchers and will be the only means of identifying co-researchers in the writing of the findings. There is minimal to no risk anticipated in participating in this study. Benefits of participation include contributing to the existing body of empirical research on Islamic psychotherapy and Psychology and an opportunity to assimilate and integrate lived experience. You will not be financially compensated for your participation.
The criteria for inclusion in this study are as follows;
- Co-Researchers self identify as a convert/revert to Islam or new Muslim or non-heritage born Muslim.
- Co-researchers self identify as Psychotherapists, Counsellors or Psychologists trained or training in a professional and accredited course by a UK governing body such as the UKCP, BACP and/or BPS (others considered).
- Co-researchers have at least 2 years of experience being a convert and at least 2 years experience as a psychotherapist/counsellor/psychologist.
- Co-researchers have had a personal experience of psychotherapy.
- Co researchers work/practice as a therapist and have clients.
- Co-researchers are willing to be able to describe their experiences
- Co-researchers speak English comfortably.
- Co-researchers are willing to have their interview with the researcher audio-recoded.
If you meet the above criteria or feel confident recommending a colleague who does, or if you have any questions about this research, please email me at georgina.cardo@metanoia.ac.uk. Once you have expressed an interest in participating in the study I shall email you the informed consent form, the demographic information form, the interview protocol and a few possible times for the interview, along with instructions on how to connect with me for the interview, You may ask questions about the study at any time.
The data collected from this inquiry will be used of reduction and publication purposes. Reported findings will not be identified with you personally. Your participation in this study is voluntary, and you may withdraw from the study at anytime without penalty. Likewise, I may withdraw you from the study at any time for reasons such as communication or language difficulties.
Any questions about the study or any related concerns may be directed to the principle researcher, Georgina Cardo, BSc, MBACP on 07513951531 or at georgina.cardo@metanoia.ac.uk
Any questions about your rights as a research partner or concerns about this research study may be directed to the chair of Metanoia’s Research Ethics Committee at the Metanoia institute (www.metanoia.ac.uk) .
Thank you for considering participation in this research. I value the unique contribution you can make to this study. I am excited about the possibility of your participation and look forward to hear from you.
Sincerely
Georgina Cardo BSc MBACP
Telephone: 07513951531
salaamsolutions.com 