About
Assalamu alaikum, and welcome.
I'm Sarah Yousuf (MSW, RSW), the therapist behind Bil-Iman Counselling.
My story
Bil-Iman Counselling was a seed that was planted in my heart well before I knew what career path I wanted to take.
It all started while attending a weekly tafsīr class during my teenage years, a time when I was struggling with my Muslim identity.
The Qur'an gave me a blueprint for remaining grounded and hopeful while navigating a life filled with tests. It spoke to my nafs, showing me how it can find solace and healing through the words of Allah during times of hardship.
And so that seed continued to grow, with a desire to integrate faith into therapy. I came to recognize the powerful role that an Islamically grounded, evidence-based approach could play in transforming the therapeutic experience for Muslims. That vision became the foundation of Bil-Iman Counselling.
Our mission is simple: to provide evidence-based therapy that is rooted in professional excellence while honouring the principles of our dīn, so that you never feel you have to choose between your mental health and your faith.
My approach
My work is built on one idea: your faith and your mental health aren't two separate conversations. They belong in the same room.
Rooted in Qur'an and Sunnah
Islamic understanding isn't an add-on to the work, it's part of how the work happens, drawing on concepts like sabr and tawakkul where they help.
Grounded in clinical training
My faith-centered approach sits alongside real clinical practice, not instead of it.
One relationship, not a referral
You won't be sent to a sheikh for the spiritual side and a separate therapist for the clinical side. It's one person who understands both.
Education & experience
Master of Social Work (MSW)
University of Toronto, 2023
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers · Reg. #851133
Registered Social Worker, Provisional
Alberta College of Social Workers · Reg. #19387
Clinical Training
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for Individuals, Levels 1 & 2
Working through underlying emotions to create lasting change.
Gottman Method, Levels 1 & 2
Evidence-based approach to strengthening relationships and connection.
Trauma-Focused ACT Certificate
Trauma work through mindfulness and values-based approaches.
Islamic Training
Ta'leem Al-Quran Certificate · Al Huda Institute
Qur'anic interpretation (tafseer) and its linguistic, thematic, and spiritual meanings.
Arabic & Islamic Studies · Egypt
Classical Arabic, Quran Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), theology, tafseer, and hadith for 3 years
Ibn Uthaymeen Academy · Egypt
Study in Islamic scholarship for 2 years
Therapy Modalities
