About Sufi Psychology

What would it be like to live your life from your authentic, God given light rather than the problems and beliefs that cause your world to be small and painful?   My shaykh (spiritual teacher) says, “You think you are a small star, but the whole of the universe lives inside you.” Sufi psychology, unlike other psychological systems, recognizes the unique, inherent light that is within the heart of each and every person. When that light radiates from your core, veils dissolve, making all things possible.

“We all carry it within us: supreme strength, the fullness of wisdom, unquenchable joy. It is never thwarted, never, and cannot be destroyed. But it is hidden deep, which is what makes life a problem.” – Huston Smith  

But what makes it so difficult? As children, we develop beliefs about ourselves, the world, or God that make our lives difficult. They cause illness, depression, anxiety, or work difficulties.   “I am not good enough,” “The world is a difficult place,” “There is no one there for me”. These beliefs are veils over the inherent light in your heart. You are living while wearing dark glasses, limiting your ability to experience all possibilities.

You try affirmations, “If I just think positive thoughts, my illness will go away.” You try self help books, “the 7 steps to happier life”. You try traditional therapy but get stuck focusing on the problem. . You try Mindfulness meditation. While all these things can be helpful, in the long run they do not produce long term, sustained change because they work with your thinking mind rather than the unlimited wisdom of your heart.

Did you know that the heart sends more messages to the brain than the brain sends to the heart? Did you know that the mind only thinks in duality while the heart, because it is the gateway to God, comes up with solutions that embrace unity? Did you know that your heart is the gateway to the soul? And real change happens when the soul realigns to live in the light of God.

As a Sufi psychologist, I do not stop with your “diagnosis” or problems. I start with the recognition of your inherent beauty and wisdom and help you to bring that forward, producing lasting change to your life. My work with you will include prayer, invocation of the qualities of God, and heart based imagery and meditation which will open the light of your soul to change your life for the better.

I invite you to call me and explore if this is right for you. You can get the help you need to bring out your light and heal.

Contact Dr. Schmall today to discuss how she might best support you.

• phone: (707) 318-4470
• e-mail: RahimaSchmall@yahoo.com