Islamic counseling books are also widely available to heal the mind. (Right) “Secrets” by Rhonda Byrne is one of the most popular counseling books available today, with a translation in Arabic also on offer. Gone is the time when counseling was meant exclusively for those suffering from mentally illnesses. Psychiatric consultation is proving to be a viable option taken by an increasing number of people thanks to a booming literacy rate, enabling them to turn to counseling or therapeutic books when in need. Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Jarir Bookstore's representative stated that counseling and therapeutic books sell like hot cakes and the demand is soaring day by day. “People come to us asking for counseling books in almost every category, particularly marital issues, communication skills especially enhancing business dealings, self therapies like combating depression and others. Bestsellers like Dr. Phil's counseling books, ‘Secrets' by Rhonda Byrne, ‘Who moved my Cheese' by Dr. Spenser Johnson, ‘Men are from Mars and Women are from Venu's by John Gray and ‘Living in the Seven Habits' are among the most popular. The Arabic translation of ‘Secrets' is one of bestseller of all times,” he said. So are these books really effective and do psychologists recommend them? Dr. Khalid Bahaziq, a psychologist and Director of the Rapport Center explained that patients mostly go to psychologists for “capsule counseling.” “They simply want an easy way out of their problems. I usually don't recommend books as human nature absorbs only that thing which pleases their nature. So books in such cases become less effective as readers might not be taking everything from them,” he said. On the contrary, Dr. Abdul Azim Khan, a psychologist in Jeddah told Saudi Gazette that counseling books can be recommended as an alternative method. “However, there is no suitable counseling book for everyone. So before recommending any literature, the patient has to be assessed for his/her personality, emotional faculty and cognitive level. The consulting psychologist may tailor some instructions for the patients,” he said. “Carefully selected counseling books do help intelligent readers to expand their discernment but care has to be taken before advocating such books otherwise it may affect the patient adversely.” Mirroring Dr. Khan's opinion, Aleem Khan Falki – the author of two counseling books – added that such books help only when the reader has a “willingness to change” otherwise they are nothing more than sleeping pills. “ (Having an) absorbing and flexible nature is a prerequisite for the reader. They (the books) can be immensely effective if read with honest introspection,” he said. Falki opined that counseling books should be made part of our daily lives right from a young age and not only when one feels that he/she is gripped by severe psychological problems as then the books may not have the desired effect. Counseling books expand mental horizons, develop a winning attitude personality and enhance one's capability to understand and deal with daily challenges. At the same time, however, Dr. Khan and Falki unanimously advise people to be careful while picking up books to make the most out of that book. “It is important to purchase a book that meets your requirement. Reading a few pages from the front and conclusive chapters will enlighten the reader as to whether he should buy it or continue his search for a better book. Questions can be posted on a search engine or a forum to get guidelines and reviews for useful reading materials,” advised Dr. Khan. Falki complained that people become frugal while spending on books “but they don't realize that money spent on books is invested not wasted.” He mourned the declining standards of such books. “Most of the books these days are ‘cloned' or copy paste work. Most of the bestsellers are the duplication of the author's previous work. Particularly in the west, the authors just change the case studies and repeat the same ideas in different words with catchy covers and titles become too tempting for readers to resist buying. They (counseling books) are becoming stereotypes. They write what sells, not what is actually needed by the readers. Over-usage of illustrating examples to fill the pages has affected the standards as has the frequent explanation of various problems along one single theme which may not match the need of readers living in different parts of the world. ” he complained. Do the cultural difference of the writer and the reader affect the effectiveness of the book? Dr. Khan said, “We human beings are alike in many aspects but at the same time, each individual is distinct. In our physical needs and reactions to weather changes, we are very similar, but at an emotional level, we react differently according to our traits, upbringing and beliefs...the cultural differences between writers and readers does affect the perception and effectiveness of the book as it carries a motivational factor which may swing the perception of the reader either way. For example, the causes of depression and its treatment will vary according to the person's convictions and cultural background. Upbringing of children also depends upon beliefs, values and social as well as the cultural background of the parents.” Falki strongly supports this idea: “Every writer is a product of his culture and certain societal conditions. You can't expect a communist mindset to satisfy capitalist mindsets. What is right for one can be wrong for other. The values of culture, economy and religion play a vital role in effectiveness. For example, relationship issues are quite different in the East and West. In the West, it might be acceptable for men and women to indulge in pre-marital relationships, but in the East it is both a crime and a sin, so how can you expect the reader to swallow such a major cultural difference in a book which supports such ideas?” Spiritual guidance For some readers spiritual and religious counseling books are also a priority. Jarir bookstore's representative told Saudi Gazette that Islamic counseling books are in great demand and branches of the bookstore offer a wide range of Islamic counseling books including “Enjoy your Life” by Muhammad Abd Al-Rahaman and “Don't be sad” by Dr. Ayedh Al-Qarni, that top the list in popularity according to Jarir. Dr. Khan considers the Holy Qur'an to be the best counseling book ever. “Since the time the Holy Qur'an has been revealed, it has been the ultimate source of our Creator; the way to acquire His Pleasure and live peacefully in society. His Knowledge and practices (instructed to us) provide tranquility to our heart and clarifies many of our doubts. To my belief and knowledge, the Holy Qur'an is the highest source of counseling as it elevates our self-esteem and gives us the patience to face every situation we are confronted with. It has wonderful melody and penetration to please our heart and mind. My advice for every Muslim is to first turn to the Holy Qur'an and Sunnah to solve any mental or social problem. You will not be disappointed, God Willing.”
