Check out "My religion is not for self-harm: Faith as a source of healing in instances of spiritual abuse" a Lecture by Salima Versi on October 29 in Toronto

This public lecture explores the issue of spiritual abuse in Muslim communities.

Salima Versi holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology & Religion and a Master's degree in Religion & Modernity from Queen's University. Her thesis explored the impact of religion on the acculturation of Khoja Nizari Isma'ilis from East Africa in Canada; it can be read online here.

She is currently a PhD candidate in the University of Alberta’s Religious Studies Program. Her general focus is Islamic studies, but her research more specifically examines Nizari Isma'ilism, particularly in Canada.

In addition, Salima is a Canadian Certified Counsellor with a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University, where she specialized in spiritual care, cross-cultural counselling, and women’s issues. Added to these professional qualification is a commitment social justice and community service.

She is actively involved the community at the University of Alberta, her own Ismaili community, the Muslim ummah, and the broader Edmonton community. Within her own Ismaili Muslim community, she is an Alwaeza, which is a scholar, preacher, and spiritual caregiver.

Salima is a regular guest speaker on Islam and Ismailism at both community and academic institutions. She is also a board member for various interfaith, Muslim, and feminist organizations and speaks on and participates in a variety of projects and discussions related to Islam, religion, feminism, social justice, and mental health. 

You can view a lecture delivered by Salima Versi on Islam and Mental Health at the Edmonton Interfaith Centre. (It may take a few moments for the video to load from YouTube).

To learn more about Salima Versi's work visit her consulting and counselling services website here.