Ihya Child-Centred Counselling Model: A Multiple-Case Study on Abused Children in Brunei

This paper presents the empirical application of the Ihya Child-Centred Counselling Model (ICCCM), an Islamic-based counselling framework developed for Muslim children who have experienced abuse in Brunei. Grounded in Al-Ghazali’s original Arabic version of Ihya Ulumuddin Volume Three, the model integrates the Islamic principles of tarbiyaa (educating) and tazkiyaa (cleansing) into a structured six-session therapy. The ICCCM aims to support the holistic recovery of abused children by promoting spiritual, emotional, psychological and behavioural healing through guided prayers (salaat), reading parables of the Al-Quran, reciting dhkr, instilling patience and learning forgiveness. This study employed three samples of abused children in Brunei and used a multiple-case study methodology. Data were gathered through pre- and post-therapy interviews and observations to examine changes in emotional, psychological, spiritual and behavioural aspects. Findings indicated positive shifts in six key areas: reason to live, positive emotional experiences, ability to control emotions, getting closer to Allah, positive psychological experiences and positive behavioural consequences. While the ICCCM is specifically developed for Brunei, where Islamic values are deeply embedded in national identity and social institutions, its adaptable structure offers potential application in other Muslim-majority countries and minority Muslim communities seeking culturally and religiously grounded therapeutic approaches. The ICCCM contributes to addressing the scarcity of empirically tested Islamic counselling models for abused children. Although preliminary, the findings indicate the model’s potential for broader implementation. Ongoing research is needed to confirm these results and explore its adaptability across diverse cultural settings.