Panel Discussion on Faith-Based Healing and Coping Practices Among Afghan Muslims

Switchboard is hosting this panel. Connecting to faith, spirituality, and sacred spaces may be an important factor for Afghan newcomers settling into communities across the country. Faith-based supports can decrease social isolation, create a sense of belonging, and help newcomers heal from trauma. This panel discussion will explore how faith-based practices can help Afghan Muslims cope with the impacts of trauma and resettlement stressors, as well as support their transitions into their new communities. Examples of specific community-based programs and faith-based interventions will be provided.

Conceptualizations of mental health and distress among Afghans will also be discussed. Switchboard’s recently published information guide Faith-based Healing among Afghan Muslims will be highlighted as a tool service providers can utilize when working with clients.

Is this panel discussion for me?
This discussion is intended for service providers interested in learning basic guiding principles of Islam and how Afghan Muslims can lean into their faith to cope with challenges and trauma they
have sustained from the refugee journey. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions from a panel of qualified experts.

Why should I participate?
After this panel discussion, participants will be able to:
• Recognize how spirituality and faith-based practices can help Afghan Muslims cope with traumatic and challenging experiences
• Describe faith-based community programs and interventions for Muslim newcomers

Thursday, March 30, 2023 11am PST
Register for online panel here.