History:
The Muslim Consultation Group was created and facilitated by Sabeen Shaiq, LCSW, in 2012 and has been facilitated by Shereen Khan-Amrikani, LMFT, since 2018.

Purpose:
The Consultation Group is a space for Muslim mental health professionals to:

• consult on current cases/issues that arise in our fieldwork while working with Muslim and non-Muslim clients/patients,
• explore how our identities may influence our therapeutic work and/or our experiences (e.g. transference/countertransference issues, microaggressions in professional settings, power dynamics, implicit biases, etc.) while working in settings with clients/patients and colleagues,
• debrief with other professionals following stressful/traumatic experiences that are experienced either directly or vicariously,
• provide linkage/referrals for clients/patients,
• network and explore professional opportunities (e.g. share information about upcoming trainings, employment opportunities, etc.),
• facilitate informal mentorship,
• and provide periodic social gatherings to build a sense of community.

Who Can Participate:
The Consultation Group includes post-graduate level Muslim professionals who currently directly serve clients/patients, or are seeking employment opportunities to do so. We welcome a multi-disciplinary, respectful, and collaborative approach. This Group includes post-graduate interns and licensed professionals (LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, etc.). This is also an inclusive and safe space, and we do not discriminate based on sexual orientation, religiosity, ethnic/racial/sectarian background, etc.

Attendance:
The Consultation Group meets monthly, on every 2nd Sunday. This is an "open" group, meaning attendance is not required monthly to maintain your place in the group. We understand that attendees are coming from afar and have obligations that may not allow them to participate every single month, but we do hope that attendees will participate consistently in order to foster rapport and trust among individuals within the group to make it a safe and supportive space.

Logistics:
The Consultation Group is held in Oakland every 2nd Sunday of the month, from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. Monthly reminder emails are sent out prior to each meeting.
To join the Consultation Group, please contact Shereen Khan-Amrikani, LMFT at [email protected]. We welcome your involvement and expertise!