معرفی
Nazila Isgandarova serves as Associate Professor in the Teaching Stream and Director of the Supervised Psycho-Spiritual Education (SPE) Practicum at Emmanuel College, Victoria University within the University of Toronto. Her interdisciplinary work bridges theological education, clinical psychotherapy, and social work practice with a focus on Muslim communities.
Her educational foundation includes:
- BA/MA from Baku State University
- MA from Carleton University
- MSW from University of Windsor
- DMin in Pastoral Counselling from Wilfrid Laurier University
- PhD from St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto
Professor Isgandarova’s research centers on culturally and spiritually integrated care, specializing in Islamic spiritual care models, psychotherapy adaptations for Muslim populations, and gender-based violence interventions. She pioneers the integration of Muraqaba (Islamic mindfulness) into clinical practice while addressing contemporary ethical challenges including medical assistance in dying and pandemic-related spiritual crises through interfaith theological reflection.
Her publication trajectory (2015-2024) reveals consistent focus on Islamic spiritual care methodology, with increasing emphasis on pandemic responses, intercultural communication in pastoral settings, and trauma resilience. Recent works demonstrate sophisticated integration of clinical psychology with Islamic theological frameworks across mental health, end-of-life care, and addiction treatment contexts.
Honors include:
- Champion of Diversity Award
- Ontario Volunteer Service Award
- Order of Vaughan
- Forum for Theological Exploration Research Award (domestic violence focus)
- Canadian Association for Spiritual Care Senior Research Award
- Society for Pastoral Counselling Research Award
As SPE Program Director, she oversees clinical training for pastoral care practitioners with emphasis on performance anxiety management and intercultural competence. Her research program has secured competitive awards including the Forum for Theological Exploration grant for domestic violence research, demonstrating significant scholarly impact in spiritual care innovation.
She leads the Supervised Psycho-Spiritual Education program which trains clinicians in integrating Islamic spiritual practices with evidence-based psychotherapy, establishing a distinctive model for faith-based mental health interventions within academic medical settings.
