S A M I A Q U D D U S
(PGDip Counselling and Psychotherapy, MBACP, Accred)
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I am a fully qualified and accredited psychotherapist, registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). My interest in psychology dates back to my work in primary education and my role as a Specialist Practitioner in the Special Educational Needs sector, focusing on Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH). Since qualifying as a psychotherapist, I teach and lecture trainee counsellors as Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) Tutor for one of the UK's leading children's mental health charity. I have been published in the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Children & Young People magazine.
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Taqdeer was conceived during a stage in my life when I sought to integrate my understanding of journaling and gratitude from both an Islamic and scientific perspective. As a mental health practitioner, I have drawn upon my psychotherapy training to bridge Western psychological theories with Islamic principles, fostering positive well-being, mental health, and spiritual growth.
"I really like the concept of combining Islam and psychology into
one journal."
- ADNAAN PATEL
Coinciding with the creation of Taqdeer in 2017 and the early stages of my therapist training, I experienced a difficult life event - one that led me to practice mindfulness exercises. Using a mock-up version of Taqdeer, I discovered that solely focusing on Shukr (gratitude/appreciation) helped me cultivate a greater sense of presence - a self-development skill that enhances self-awareness.
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By consistently listing my Alhamdulillah (praise be to God) moments in a structured, repetitive, and consistent manner, I noticed a shift in my perspective. I began actively seeking out the positives in my daily life. Using Taqdeer alongside my therapist training has deepened my understanding of a trust-in mindset. My work requires me to trust in my clients’ processes as we navigate their experiences together, exercising patience as they work through challenges - no matter how long it takes.
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I applied this same mindset to my own difficult experiences, trusting my personal process and, importantly, validating uncomfortable emotions by allowing them space to be felt. Recognising and accepting emotional states is a key reflective feature within Taqdeer, helping users further nurture psychological mindfulness.
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I am a passionate advocate for mental health and regularly write blogs for Taqdeer. I understand the complexities that many ethnic communities face regarding mental health interventions and aim to promote positive well-being practices within ethnic communities.
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Find out more about my work here.