Student From the USA
was suffering from frequent panic attacks after my graduation from College. My sense of dread was connected to religious obsessions and doubts and an anxiety about the future. Working with Sister Haleh, I was able to address my negative beliefs and work towards some practical steps to live a better more constructive life. Alhamdullilah I am feeling much better know and although I do still have some lingering anxiety I am able to manage it very effectively. JazakAllah Khair for your help Sister Haleh, please keep me in your Duaas.
Sister in Saudi
my husband and I had many problems since the honeymoon and it was constant arguing about small and big things. neither my family or his helped even when they genuinely tried too. I started talking to sister Haleh in private sessions, she helped me understand myself better and understand the things that I have been contributing in my marriage problems. it seemed that it was small things but turns out even small change can have a huge impact, from the way of responding to my husbands anger, from the tone, from the way I talked and so on...
yes my husband has many things to work on and I felt alone in marriage especially that he didn't want to participate in the sessions with sister Haleh. but then the big change happened (the light at the end of a dark tunnel) when me and my husband started the 5 pillars of marriage program.
what helped is that he felt relaxed and not being judged. it's a simple video like how you watch a lesson or a khutba on youtube (especially that each video is not long) so we would be sitting comfortably on our couch watch a video every other day without any pressure. and mashallah sister Haleh talks in such a neutral way without attacking or blaming or judging. my husband who is very skeptical and judgmental felt comfortable watching the videos without resisting me. change in our marriage didn't happen overnight but at least our hearts became more softer to each other and it motivated us to work on our marriage and strive to make each other happy. we still fight but our arguments don't last for too long, no one yells and call bad names, we try to make up faster than we used. but this tiny change that it might sound not remarkable; lifted soo much weight of my shoulder and my life became easier, I started to love my husband again and see the good in him.
so I highly recommend this program. and May Allah give Ajor to sister Haleh and her husband for creating this.
Private Sister - A.A. - U.K.
I went from hating myself severely to thanking Allah for how He created me
Private Sister
Salam my dear Haleh,
I m so grateful to you, with your help and guidance I m a stronger and smarter person. Everytime I face a hardship now, every wise step that I take I m conscious of your advices and make dua for you along the way. You came in my life at a time when I really needed you. You were Allah's way of helping me,He loves me too much.
Thank you and love you for the sake of Allah ❤️
Private Sister - A.A. - U.K.
Asalamu Alykum Sister Haleh,
I wanted to say Jazakillah Alf Khair for all your hard work in helping me achieve my goals. I contacted you after I saw a clip of yourself on Celebrate Mercy trailer, and you were talking about how the Prophet Muhammad ( Peace be upon him) transformed himself after all the hardships he faced, and I thought to myself “I want to transform myself too” but I had no clue how. You truly are a gift from Allah to me. You helped me deal with a very huge hardship (Divorce) from how to break it down to my children to finding new goals in my new path. The best thing that came from this whole journey of discovering myself again is finding Allah. That is something I would never have found with any other therapist. Honestly, I can never thank Allah enough for making me come across that clip. Sometimes the problems are too huge for us to deal with on our own, and we need someone like you to give us that spiritual and psychological help that we so desperately need. I went from hating myself severely to thanking Allah for how perfect He created me to be. Jazakillah Khair for being in my life when I needed it most.
Parenting Student - Sister From Allen Texas
I have been attending sister Haleh banani's peaceful parenting class for couple of months now Alhamdulillah. This class is super helpful. The methods she teaches are very effective Alhamdulillah. In between she also talked about marriage and how peaceful marriage helps with peaceful parenting. It's only an hour class but full of very helpful information. I used her techniques with my family and saw immediate results Alhamdulillah ❤️ Also going to this class made me realize how I am not alone dealing with some situations as you can see many other parents and hear about their problems. I look forward going back to her class after summer in shaAllah ❤️ I pray to Allah SWT that he blesses Sr Haleh and her family. Ameen!
Physician - Private Sister - Canada
Dear Sr. Haleh,
I have been a victim of domestic violence for the past 15 years. It’s been a very difficult decision for me to get out of the marriage.
Your clarity of thoughts and Islamic perspective together helped me to sort it out. You gave me the confidence to save myself and
my kids from this perpetual cycle of abuse. Thank you for being there for me at a time I needed it most.
Sister in Canada
Private Brother - M.N. - U.S.A.
The relationship that I had with my father broke down almost the very next day after my wedding and after almost two and a half years of living with resentment, anger, hatred and regret I was able to reach a level of peace with myself and with the events that took place in my past thanks to the wonderful services provided. All praise is due firstly to Allah of course for giving me the ability to seek help and for creating a means for Sr. Haleh to be able to reach out and help us rebuild our lives.
Just our first session alone was eye-opening to me and by the end of my last session I felt that I had the confidence to deal with the relationship problems that I had with my father. She taught me how to let go of the past and to build relationships while protecting myself from hurt and knowing my limits. I didn’t feel like I was being judged during the session and although I was apprehensive at first Alhamdulillah all my negative thoughts were dispelled once the sessions started by Sr Haleh’s calm demeanor and welcoming attitude – jazakallah khair.
My only regret remains that I did not contact Sr Haleh earlier in my life, when the problems first arose, but waited for a little more than two and a half years before my wife and I decided that I needed some professional assistance. Some of the thoughts that were going through my mind was “My dad & his family do all the crazy things and I’m the one who needs therapy ?”, “What will people think”,”Does this mean that something is wrong with me?” and a few others. Unfortunately, most people (like my former self) tend to seek help for physical ailments more readily than psychological help – what I have realized is that they are both equally important.
But I’m glad that I fought all the negative stereotype that most of our communities have with seeking psychological help and powered through that first session because I have now learned more about myself than I could have ever imagined. I can now deal with situations that used to anger me far better than before and I understand my state of mind better too which has helped me improve both my relationship with my father and my marriage alhamdulillah.
Jazakallah khair again Sr Haleh for the services that you have made available.
I hope this helps convince anyone who is uncertain about whether or not they should seek assistance.
Barakallahu feek
Private Brother - Ireland
Therapy with sister Haleh was a very positive experience for me, she helped me deal with a few problems in a very logical and simple way, and she showed me the power of positive thinking. Sister Haleh was gentle and made me feel like I was talking to a friend or an older sister, all the while keeping it professional and proper. Talking really helped me understand myself more and see a different side to the problems. Alhamdulilah she taught me really useful tools that I know I will continue to use in my life. She helped me achieve my goals and paid really close attention to what I was saying, she was very skilled at making sure that all issues were addressed and resolved. I felt very empowered after the sessions as well. I would really recommend therapy with this sister, talking and really addressing my problems worked wonders for me, and showed me that it didn't have to be too complicated to be happy and positive. Alhamdulilah :)
- Private Sister - USA
I am a daily caregiver of my 82-year-old mother. I have severe anger issues with my mother. We don't get along at all as long as I can remember. I don't know what to do for a long time. I was lost and devastated.
I attended some seminars of Sister Haleh Banani in different issues. Then I decided to talk with Sister about this matter in private sessions. Alhamdulillah, I am so glad I made that decision. She gave me some solid techniques and showed me the road how to interact with my mother without getting into a confrontation. My life changed a lot after that, Alhamdulillah. Now slowly I try to follow sister's techniques every day as much as possible to make my life better for myself and others close to me.
Thank you sister for your help in understanding me without judging me and providing the tools to improve my situation.
Private Brother - F.N. - U.K.
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
الحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله و بعد
قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم
من لم يشكر الناس لم يشكر الله
رواه الترمذي
In a Prophetic tradition,
“He who does not thank the people does not thank Allah”
Dear Sister Haleh,
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
I would like to extend my gratitude towards you for helping me with my personal and spiritual development through therapy.
Through doing therapy with you, your approach reminds me of the best of creation - the Messenger of Allah (upon whom be peace) in terms of giving undivided focussed attention, showing exceptional compassion, making me feel valued and important and helping build a sense of self-worth within myself.
I had struggled with self-confidence and self-worth for many years. Over the course of just over a year, our therapy sessions went through some challenges but getting over the social stigma of seeking professional counselling was one of the best decisions I have ever made :) I went from a place of hating myself to a place where I’m far more secure and grateful to Allah for who I am and I cannot thank you enough for helping me with this.
Therapy has helped me in a number of ways:
• Spiritually – drawing and feeling closer to Allah
• Overcoming frequent suicidal thoughts
• Offering a safe non-threatening place to confide, share my thoughts and feelings, being heard, listened to and understood to an exceptional level
• Building positive self talk which has helped in navigating through life better and with more ease
• Giving me a better, deeper and clearer understanding of my behaviour, myself, my thought processes and giving me practical tools to implement and follow through on
• Building self-compassion towards myself
• Taking responsibility for my own life, emotions and state of mind thus feeling empowered to continuously grow and improve
• Encouraged me to pursue learning about myself and psychology further
• Having a safe place to role play assertiveness scenarios which I would typically have found awkward and difficult
• Overcoming learned helplessness
To perspective clients considering therapy
I have seen a few councillors/therapists and by far I have found Sister Haleh to be the most intuitive to my issues, accommodating, empathetic and compassionate. I have found her to show a genuine concern and care for the issues I presented. She has also given me invaluable gems of advice based on her own experiences.
If you feel depressed, sad, lost or would just like some direction within your life - I would highly recommend working with Sister Haleh.
I sincerely make D’ua for your success in both this life and the Akhira.
Ma’Salam – I place you in the trust of Allah, whose trust is never misplaced.
Private Brother - A.L.
Assalamu Alaikum Sr. Haleh,
All I know is that we need someone like you - trust me, I am very thankful to have found you - and I am sure there are so many others who feel the same!! Jazak'Allah khair for everything you have done for me and do for our muslim youth, muslim women - for our community!! Your knowledge and all your hard work - I'm sure you know it helps out A LOT OF PEOPLE!!! InshaAllah I get the opportunity to meet you in person one day :)
Private Sister - A.H. - Egypt
Thank you Haleh, YOU CHANGED MY LIFE!
Private Brother - U.S.A.
As a young 22 year old male I was struggling with several issues which also plagues many of my peers, like a pornography addiction and other issues. I contacted Haleh in order to receive the correct Islamic(!) and psychological advice/guidance and Haleh is the right person for that!
Haleh is a wonderful person who can give the correct professional advice, who is very helpful and trustworthy. With Haleh you can speak about anything and she will be judgemental. She is very understanding and it gives great comfort and relief to be able to communicate with someone like her.
Her advice has helped me tremendously and after each session it felt like a huge burden has been lifted off from me.
The results of the therapy sessions I had were that I had a positive outlook on life again, I began to think rationally again and was motivated to go happily through life in the best way that I can.
May Allah bless Haleh and her family/loves ones and grant her Jannah-al Firdaous.
Truly a wonderful person who can be a blessing for others!
P
Private Brother - AN
Bismillah
The relationship that I had with my father broke down almost the very next day after my wedding and after almost two and a half years of living with resentment, anger, hatred and regret I was able to reach a level of peace with myself and with the events that took place in my past thanks to the wonderful services provided. All praise is due firstly to Allah of course for giving me the ability to seek help and for creating a means for Sr. Haleh to be able to reach out and help us rebuild our lives.
Just our first session alone was eye-opening to me and by the end of my last session I felt that I had the confidence to deal with the relationship problems that I had with my father. She taught me how to let go of the past and to build relationships while protecting myself from hurt and knowing my limits. I didn’t feel like I was being judged during the session and although I was apprehensive at first Alhamdulillah all my negative thoughts were dispelled once the sessions started by Sr Haleh’s calm demeanor and welcoming attitude – jazakallah khair.
My only regret remains that I did not contact Sr Haleh earlier in my life, when the problems first arose, but waited for a little more than two and a half years before my wife and I decided that I needed some professional assistance. Some of the thoughts that were going through my mind was "My dad & his family do all the crazy things and I'm the one who needs therapy ?", "What will people think","Does this mean that something is wrong with me?" and a few others. Unfortunately, most people (like my former self) tend to seek help for physical ailments more readily than psychological help - what I have realized is that they are both equally important.
But I''m glad that I fought all the negative stereotype that most of our communities have with seeking psychological help and powered through that first session because I have now learned more about myself than I could have ever imagined. I can now deal with situations that used to anger me far better than before and I understand my state of mind better too which has helped me improve both my relationship with my father and my marriage alhamdulillah.
Jazakallah khair again Sr Haleh for the services that you have made available.
Private Sister - K.F. - from Dubai
Haleh , therapy sessions with you have been very useful. I like the element of Islam in the sessions and the religious view. I was able to achieve stability, acceptance and more contentment. My thought process has changed to being more positive and now I am a more grateful person with more trust in
Allah.
Private Sister - M.A. - Saudi Arabi
I have always been introspective, and as an adult had the freedom to search for the help I needed to fulfill this inner need of reaching my potential that called for me all my life; to be a better person. I have been to different therapists and psychiatrists and even tried medication. But Allah had great mercy on me because once I hit rock bottom a friend referred me to Haleh. She was a great help; her patience and her flexibility to my needs, whether it was changing the format of therapy sessions to giving tough love when needed to helping me see what I needed to see to giving of herself when I was in crisis were crucial and were the driving force- after Allah’s blessing- for my quick development.
I have found my spirituality and am most thankful for that. From that point it was an easier, smoother path to transformation and to working on my other issues. I will always keep her in my prayers for being an instrument in my finding the path again.
My emotional mood swings have became manageable and few and far in between; as a bipolar doing that without medication, as I was vehemently against it, was a miracle onto itself. Not only that, I found that I have become resilient faster in any set back I now encounter which has been instrumental in my quest to adulthood.
My issues with my spouse have been resolved on my side; his needs were shown to me in a logic that I understood and has given me the inspiration to be a better wife, granted at the limited opportunities that are given to me, but she is also tirelessly working on the other aspects of this issue and we pray to reach a breakthrough soon.
My issues of being a better mother, or my image of being a better mother, was addressed and I slowly but surely feel like I have progressed in this, and I believe that once my issues with my own parents are resolved it will inshallah mend my heart to become the mother I want to be and that my children need me to be.
It has not been a year since I started and looking back to where I was and what I have become today there is but a skeletal resemblance. But being human I am greedy for more, and I am optimistic that- God willing – by the end of this year in therapy I will have achieved what I set out to be. Two steps forward and one steps back is still progress and I have been blessed that I have been going four steps forward and one step back.
Private Sister - M.S. - U.K.
You truly are a gift from Allah to me.
Private Sister R. - Egypt
For the first time I have found someone who has strong knowledge of psychology and Islam. The therapist I had before were not Muslim and could not address my spiritual aspect of my issues that were intertwined. Spiritual healers didn’t have the psychological background. I finally felt there was someone who understood me fully. I was addressed holistically.
I’ve had identity issues. Therapy with Haleh strengthened my identity. For the first time I was able to get to the root of my problems. None of the therapists were able to dig deep enough. I was able to overcome the fear and trauma of rape. Haleh is attentive and sensitive. She was able to help me overcome my trauma. She is also very reflective – reading between the lines and being able to investigate cause and effect.
Haleh knows her stuff! She is well trained and experienced. She has a specific tool to address each emotional problem.
I have become more aware of Islam with regards to psychology. The highlight of therapy was investigating the repressed feelings and ideas for all my life. I couldn’t deal with the issues because I was unaware of the limiting beliefs. Now I am more aware.
Thank you for today, you saved my life! I don't know how long I would have gone on thinking I deserved the bullying.
Praise Allah that I met you
Private Sister - N.S. - Egypt
I’m a 24-year-old Egyptian female who went through a tragic break up, my fiancé left me 2 months before our wedding. My mom got cancer, I had issues believing in fairness in the world, the existence of God, understanding fate and destiny. I suffered from lack of self-esteem and destroyed body image that would have eventually led to eating disorders. So I was completely devastated. Therapy with Haleh, not only made everything fall into perspective, gave me a better understanding of life and myself, it made me a better person. Therapy had affected my life in every single aspect even in the things I never complained of. I don’t understand how did I go from a D to an A student, I didn’t even know that I CAN be “that” kind of person.
She helped me lose weight, get over my X fiancé after believing that God is the best planner, the wiser, who loves me most. I have completed therapy with Haleh and now after being a new person, a much better one, and seeing the change happening smoothly in front of my eyes. I am applying for studying clinical psychology to help others the way she helped and motivated me. I can’t thank you enough Haleh.
KEITH - NEW ZEALAND
I am now a patient of Haleh Banani after searching and trying many other therapists in my own country. I am not religious at all.
I liken the experience to that feeling you get, when you know you’ve finally found the right Doctor for your pain – The pills they prescribe work the same day you start taking them. I had an anger problem that was consuming my life and happiness..
I had just spent about $1000 USD fixing a hole in one half tooth in my mouth, so I decided to spend about the same getting Haleh to help me fix the rest of my mouth and actions.
Halehs videos on Youtube certainly demonstrated to me her grasp of the root issue’s. I contacted her when I was extremely unhappy with life and she got me back half of my happiness on the first day, very impressive.
Good luck with your issues too.
Keith from New Zealand, 3 Sessions so far. Year 2014……………….
Thanks a bunch !
Private Sister - H.J. - U.S.A.
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity with Haleh and highly recommend her!
Private Sister D.R. - Egypt
I am so pleased after having four sessions with Haleh. She really helped shed light on my situation and helped me find my own strength from within. I feel that her goal was to help with reconciliation especially as it comes to families. My natural inclination is to avoid difficult people or situations, but instead of avoidance or trying to move away from problems, she asked me to confront them in a confident but kind manner. I really appreciate all her help, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to others, or go to her again if I face any future issues. Thank you Haleh.
Private Sister - A.S. - CANADA
Haleh just wanted to thank you for being the most incredible therapist. I have visited many many therapists to help me and my daughter bridge our differences and none were successful till you came along. You are truly a very gifted and compassionate healer who can be fair and understanding to both me and my daughter. We are on very different life paths and life choices. You somehow understand us both and heal the situation. Words cannot express my gratitude to you, you are God sent.
Private Sister - S.F. U.S.A.
Having regular sessions with Haleh has changed my life. I have learned so much about the power of self-talk and how much our own perception of ourselves affects quality of life and self-image. My time with Haleh always feels like a safe refuge to openly discuss my deepest concerns, worries, and obstacles.
We come out of every session with a solid game plan to tackle problems and then follow-up week to week on how much I have progressed. I always struggled with self-confidence and being assertive. I also struggled with understanding challenges in life and how to frame my mindset when facing daily issues. I am so grateful to have the opportunity with Haleh and highly recommend her to anyone who is looking to improve the quality of their life and the quality of their relationships.
Private Sister - Egypt
It's been so amazing to talk to Haleh on a weekly basis. I feel really blessed to have found her. I went to see her because even though I felt pretty good in some areas of my life, I had a lot of self-esteem issues and many problems with my family that I just felt powerless to change. I just didn't know what to do anymore, and all I knew was that I wanted to be in a better place in my life. Haleh really helped me to gain perspective on the trials I am going through and she has been helping me to find practical solutions. The fact that she is a praticing Muslim as well as a qualified psychologist is so important to me, because it means we can talk about faith and look at the history of Islam for inspiration, and she encourages me to see every trial as a chance to improve my deen and come closer to Allah.
Private Sister - H.A. - U.S.A.
After 10 years of fighting, you have taught us to have a friendship in our marriage. You should write a book!
