KONSELOR
Vol. 15 No. 1 (2026): KONSELOR

A Reflexive Thematic Analysis of Sufi-Informed Islamic Family Counseling for Conflict Resolution

Ishlakhatus Sa'idah (Institut Agama Islam Negeri Madura, East Java)
Bambang Dibyo Wiyono (Universitas Negeri Surabaya, East Java)
Budi Purwoko (Universitas Negeri Surabaya, East Java)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Mar 2026

Abstract

Recent research in Islamic counselling and psychology has explored spiritual strategies for family conflicts, but the experiential meaning of Sufi-based practices within counselling remains underexplored. Most existing studies describe Sufi ideas theoretically but rarely examine how counsellors and families experience these principles in tension, reconciliation, and relational adjustments. This study fills that gap by examining how specific Sufi values are embodied, interpreted, and applied in Islamic family counselling sessions. Using a hermeneutic-phenomenological approach inspired by van Manen, the research involved five Muslim counsellors and eight families, selected through purposive sampling from a community counselling network. Data collection included detailed interviews and ethically approved observations of counselling sessions during non-private moments. Analyses combined meaning-unit condensation with reflexive thematic analysis. Three experiential themes emerged: (1) inner readiness as an ethical foundation, where both counsellors and parents describe quieting the heart as essential for dialogue; (2) embodied spiritual regulation, with practices like dhikr helping to recalibrate emotional intensity and foster empathetic listening; and (3) relational deliberation, where Qur’an-guided reflection promotes more collaborative and less adversarial decision-making. These results offer a contextual understanding of how Sufi-inspired spirituality influences conflict resolution in Indonesian Muslim families. Further studies should explore these patterns in various settings and larger samples.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

konselor

Publisher

Subject

Education Health Professions Social Sciences Other

Description

The aim of this journal is to publish articles dedicated to the latest outstanding developments in the field of counseling. This journal encompasses the applications of religious counseling, schools counseling, mental health, assessment, supervision in counseling, sexual abuse, violence addition ...