By Radiance Special Correspondent
In the heart of Istanbul, where East meets West, a young Kashmiri psychologist has been quietly shaping the future of mental health. Yaqeen Sikander, a PhD candidate in Clinical Psychology at Ibn Haldun University, is not just a therapist; he is a bridge between cultures, faiths, and healing traditions.
The Journey of a Psychologist
Born in Kashmir and trained across continents, Sikander has dedicated his career to exploring the intersections of science, psychology, and spirituality. His work spans clinical therapy, psychometric testing, disaster psychology, and Islamic integrated psychotherapy.
“Healing is not just about the mind; it’s about restoring meaning, faith, and hope,” he often tells his students and clients.
Healing Amidst Disaster
When the devastating 2023 earthquakes struck Türkiye, Sikander rushed into the disaster zones of Adıyaman.
- He offered psychological first aid to survivors.
- Designed relaxation posters for children in refugee camps.
- Guided families through grief and trauma recovery.
His reflections were later published in TRT World, where he described meeting a young man who had lost 229 members of his extended family – a haunting reminder of the depth of human suffering, and the urgent need for psychological care in crises.
Teaching & Workshops
In September 2024, Bengaluru, India hosted a 5-day workshop led by Sikander on Traditional Islamically Integrated Psychotherapy (TIIP).
The event brought together psychiatrists, counsellors, and students from across India, eager to learn how faith and therapy can complement each other in healing.
A New Face of Global Psychology
- Certified TIIP practitioner
- Advocate for refugee mental health
- Trainer in self-care and stress management
- Speaker in international forums on trauma psychology
From Kashmir to Istanbul, from classrooms to crisis zones, Sikander has become a global voice for compassionate psychology.
Special Note
“It was a pleasure meeting Mr. Yaqeen Sikander, Research Scholar in Clinical Psychology at Ibn Haldun University, Istanbul. His insightful sessions on mental health were highly beneficial and inspiring. Wishing him continued success and barakah in his academic and professional journey. May Allah SWT bless his efforts, Ameen.”
The Special Edition of Spot News Vijayawada celebrated Yaqeen Sikander not only as a scholar but also as a humanitarian – an individual proving that psychology is not confined to textbooks but is lived, felt, and shared in the deepest struggles of human life.
“Minds can heal. Nations can rise again. But it begins with care,” says Sikander.
