(Clinical Director, BA(Dunelm), MSc, FRAI, C Psychol, AFBPsS)
Professor Abdur Rasjid Skinner is a distinguished Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Jungian Psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience addressing a wide range of psychological problems. As a pioneer in the field of Islamic Psychology, Professor Skinner has dedicated much of his career to developing a clinical application of an Islamic understanding of the Self, blending traditional psychological approaches with Islamic teachings. His work has been instrumental in shaping how mental health can be understood and treated within an Islamic framework.
Professional Background and Expertise
A Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, Professor Skinner’s career spans over four decades of clinical practice, research, and teaching. His extensive experience in clinical psychology and psychotherapy allows him to engage deeply with patients dealing with a variety of mental health challenges. Throughout his career, Professor Skinner has been committed to integrating Islamic principles into psychological practice, offering a holistic approach that resonates with both faith and science.
One of the key areas of Professor Skinner’s expertise lies in his exploration of the Islamic understanding of the Self. His work in this area offers an alternative to Western psychological models by incorporating spiritual and religious dimensions into mental health treatment. By doing so, he has contributed significantly to the growing body of knowledge surrounding Islamic Psychology, providing new ways to approach mental health challenges faced by Muslim patients.
Teaching and Academic Roles
Professor Skinner is also actively involved in academia, where he shares his insights and research findings with the next generation of psychologists. He serves as a Visiting Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Karachi, where he plays a pivotal role in training students and advancing the understanding of Islamic clinical psychology.
In addition to his role at the University of Karachi, Professor Skinner teaches at the Cambridge Muslim College and is a visiting lecturer for the Clinical Psychology course at the University of Sheffield. His contributions to these institutions emphasize the importance of developing culturally and religiously sensitive approaches to psychology, particularly for Muslim patients.
Professor Skinner’s academic work extends beyond teaching; he has also presented his research at numerous national and international conferences. His presentations on Islamic Psychology have been delivered at prestigious events across the world, helping to advance the integration of Islamic mental health frameworks into mainstream psychology.
Key Publications and Contributions
Professor Abdur Rasjid Skinner has made several significant contributions to the literature on Islamic Psychology and mental health. His publications are highly regarded in both academic and clinical circles for their insights into how Islamic concepts can inform psychological practice. Some of his most notable works include:
- Skinner, R. (2010), “An Islamic Approach to Psychology & Mental Health,” published in Mental Health, Religion & Culture. This work offers an overview of how Islamic teachings can be applied to psychological treatment, contributing to a more holistic understanding of mental health in Muslim patients.
- Kaplick, P.M. & Skinner, R. (2017), “The Evolving Islam, Psychology Movement,” published in European Psychologist, which tracks the growing interest and developments in Islamic approaches to psychology.
- Skinner, R. (2017), “Cultural Shift in Mental Illness – a comparison of stress responses in World War 1 and the Vietnam War,” published in J.R.S.M. Open. This paper offers a comparative look at the changing cultural understandings of mental illness and trauma across historical contexts.
- Skinner, R. (1989, 2018), “Traditions paradigms and basic concepts in Islamic Psychology,” published in the Journal of Religion and Health, an important contribution that outlines the fundamental principles of Islamic Psychology, contrasting them with Western psychological paradigms.
Through these publications, Professor Skinner has contributed to the evolving discourse on mental health in the Islamic world, pushing for a shift in how psychological problems are understood and treated in the context of faith-based approaches.
Presentations and International Influence
Professor Skinner’s influence extends beyond academic publications; he is a highly sought-after speaker at conferences worldwide. His presentations on Islamic Psychology have garnered attention for their insightful analysis and practical applications in both clinical and academic settings. Some of his notable presentations include:
- Djinn Possession: Dispelling the Myth – presented at the 2017 Bradford Literature Festival, where Professor Skinner introduced Islamic Psychology to a wider audience by tackling misconceptions surrounding traditional Islamic beliefs and mental health.
- Keynote Address at the ICIPP Conference – delivered in New Delhi in 2017, this keynote explored the clinical applications of Islamic Psychology and its potential to address mental health challenges in Muslim communities.
- Paradigm Shift: From Western to Islamic Psychology – presented at the Islamic Theology Society, University of Bradford, this lecture discussed the need to shift from a solely Western psychological framework to one that integrates Islamic perspectives.
His active participation in these conferences has helped to promote Islamic Psychology on a global scale, offering new perspectives on mental health that are rooted in Islamic teachings.
Vision and Future Contributions
Professor Abdur Rasjid Skinner’s vision is to continue advancing the field of Islamic Psychology through teaching, research, and clinical practice. His work is aimed at not only offering solutions for Muslim patients but also expanding the broader field of psychology to be more inclusive of religious and spiritual dimensions. Through his ongoing research, publications, and lectures, Professor Skinner is playing a vital role in shaping the future of Islamic mental health practices.
