Department of Psychology
Faculty
International Open University
>Psychology Faculty.
SHAYKAH SHAFALIA YOUNIS
Associate Professor
SHAYKAH SHAFALIA YOUNIS
Associate Professor
Psychology
DETAIL
Shaykaah Shafalia Younis began studying Islam more than 18 years ago. She travelled to study at Damascus University; graduating from their Linguistics Department with Arabic and Fiqh at Jamia Abu Noor. She travelled extensively to the Middle East perfecting her knowledge of Arabic & completed her hifz for juzz Amma and Tajweed in UAE, for which she received certification from the Ministry of UAE. Going on to attain her Diploma of Higher Education in Islamic Studies, a second Diploma in Tajweed Intensive, Masters in Islamic studies, Bachelors in English Literature and currently completing a second Bachelor with IOU; making it her forth degree, Allhamdulliah. She went on to complete a degree level in Psychology from the UK and completed her studies in Islamic counselling as well as Islamic Psychology. In addition to that the Shaykaah is a qualified academic lecturer & assessor, who has taught at many universities both in the UK and abroad. She has founded her own Islamic legally registered and accredited institute in the UK, where she offers bespoke courses, counselling services (CBT, marital counselling ect). As an academic lecturer she successfully developed an Islamic Academic Tutor Training programme that is being delivered to IOU staff members.
FRANCESCA UMM YAHYA
Associate Professor
FRANCESCA UMM YAHYA
Associate Professor
Psychology
DETAIL
Francesca was born in Italy. She has studied Psychology (BSc), Neuro-Cognitive Psychology (MSc) and Neuroscience (PhD). She has been teaching at IOU since 2014, where she now holds the post of Head of Department of Psychology. Her research interests include Islamic Psychology and the relationship between Islamic and Western thought, especially in modernity. She is the author of many books about Islam in Italian. In Italy, she works as a University professor of Islamic Studies.
BELA KHAN
Senior Lecturer
BELA KHAN
Senior Lecturer
Psychology
DETAIL
Bela Khan is a PhD candidate in psychology who is known for integrating Islamic principles with psychological approaches. Having extensively studied the Quran, Hadith, and Fiqh from various schools, she offers a unique approach to psychology through the divine lens of Islam, making it meaningful and relatable to Muslims worldwide.
In her role as a Senior Lecturer of Psychology at the International Open University (IOU) and as Clinical Director of Solace, Bela empowers individuals through counselling and educational initiatives.
She is recognized for her Islamically Integrated Life Coaching course, which empowers individuals to help others overcome daily life challenges and lead more purposeful lives. Graduates of this course are working across the globe, inspiring meaningful change in their communities.
Bela is also the author of two books and a dedicated homeschooling mother, trying to balance her professional work with nurturing her family.
Her areas of interest include Religion, Psychology, Philosophy, and Poetry, focusing on exploring their intersections. Through her teachings and writings, she strives to bridge the gap between faith and psychology, inspiring positive change in individuals and communities alike
She can be reached at bela.khan@iou.edu.gm
SANA MAJEED
Senior Lecturer
SANA MAJEED
Senior Lecturer
Psychology
DETAIL
Ms. Sana Majeed works as a Senior Lecturer at the International Open University. With approximately a decade of experience in counselling, teaching, research supervision, and management, Ms. Majeed has established herself as a seasoned professional in the field. She holds a MS degree in Clinical Psychology from Punjab university, Lahore, Pakistan. Furthermore, she is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Her research interests encompass a broad spectrum, including Parenting, Spirituality, Issues affecting Adolescents and Adults, Psychosocial and Emotional well-being, Women’s reproductive Health, Emotional Intelligence, Creativity, Healthy Family Dynamics, and Workplace Environments. Her dedication to scholarly inquiry is evident in her numerous research articles published in both national and international journals. Ms. Sana Majeed’s research competence also includes qualitative research analysis by using NVIVO software and scale development. She is driven by a passion to advance the field of Islamic Psychology and cultivate a research-oriented environment, both within academia and the healthcare sector.
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