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Dr. Wardah Ishfaq

PhD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology
Email: [email protected]

Profile Summary

I, Dr. Wardah Ishfaq, a qualified Clinical Psychologist deeply committed to the field of mental health. My journey in psychology began with a rigorous academic foundation that includes a Bachelor‟s degree in Applied Psychology, where I developed a keen interest in understanding human behavior and mental processes. I advanced my studies by pursuing a postgraduate specialization in Clinical Psychology, equipping myself with in-depth knowledge and skills essential for clinical practice and mental health interventions. Recently, I completed my Ph.D. in Psychology at the prestigious International Islamic University Islamabad, where I honed my expertise further, and combining theoretical insights with practical applications in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and therapy. Currently, I hold a role of Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Psychology, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University in Islamabad. In my academic capacity, I am dedicated to shaping future psychologists, imparting both foundational and advanced knowledge in Clinical Psychology. Through my teaching, I aim to instill not only clinical competence but also an ethical and compassionate approach in students, preparing them to address the complexities of mental health with sensitivity and skill. I also worked as Sr. Clinical Psychologist at Shifa Psychological Services Clinic which had allowed me to provide therapeutic interventions and psychological support to individuals dealing with a wide range of mental health concerns. My approach to therapy is multifaceted, integrating various evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Islamic Psychotherapy, to cater to the diverse needs of my clients. Beyond individual therapy, I engage in group counseling and workshops aimed at enhancing mental resilience and coping strategies. My clinical experience is complemented by a strong research portfolio, with particular expertise in intervention-based studies, quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, and advanced skills in psychometric adaptation, validation, and scale development. These research skills have not only bolstered my clinical practice but also allowed me to contribute to the field of psychology by developing culturally relevant tools and interventions tailored to the specific needs of diverse populations. As an advocate for integrating faith-based approaches within mental health care, I have conducted extensive work in Islamic Psychotherapy, bridging spiritual elements with psychological well-being. My dedication to this approach has facilitated a unique therapeutic model that resonates with individuals seeking mental health support within an Islamic framework, fostering an environment where religious and cultural values are respected and embraced as part of the healing process. My role extends to providing clinical and research supervision, guiding trainees and early-career professionals in both practical and academic domains. I am passionate about mentoring, aiming to build the next generation of psychologists who are proficient, ethical, and capable of advancing the field of mental health. In this capacity, I offer training in essential therapeutic skills, research methodologies, and professional development, ensuring that supervisees are well prepared to tackle real-world challenges in psychology. In addition to my clinical and academic roles, I am actively involved in a variety of administrative and departmental responsibilities. I serve as a member of the exam committee and the clinic executive committee at Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, contributing to the quality and efficacy of clinical and academic standards within the department. As the social media manager for the Department of Clinical Psychology, I oversee our online presence, ensuring that our initiatives, achievements, and events are effectively communicated to a broader audience, thereby enhancing the department’s visibility and outreach. Furthermore, I am honored to be part of the sponsorship committee and Pre-conference Workshop Committee for IPCON 2025, where I collaborate with a team to secure resources and partnerships that will support the conference’s success and impact. These administrative roles complement my clinical and academic duties, allowing me to contribute holistically to the development of our department. My extensive involvement in these areas has fostered a strong sense of resilience, adaptability, and dedication to promoting mental health awareness and advancing psychological services. My journey in Clinical Psychology has been driven by a genuine desire to support individuals through mental health challenges, and I am committed to continuous learning, development, and contribution to the broader field of psychology.

Education Details

Degree / Program Specialization Institution Year
PhD Psychology International Islamic University Islamabad 2024
MS Clinical Psychology International Islamic University Islamabad 2018
BS Applied Psychology International Islamic University Islamabad 2015
HSSC Pre-Medical FBISE 2011
SSC Science Group FBISE 2009

Teaching Experience

Position Institution / Department Duration
Assistant Professor DCP, STMU, PRC Since 2025
Adjunct Faculty Member Department of Computing, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad 2025-present
Lecturer Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University 2022-2025
Visiting Lecturer Department of English, International Islamic University, Islamabad 2018-2019
Visiting Lecturer Department of Anthropology, International Islamic University, Islamabad 2018-2019
Adjunct Lecturer Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences 2023

Clinical Experience

Position Organization / Description Duration
Clinical Supervisor Clinical Case Supervision of BS, MS and PhD Students 2022-2025
Senior Clinical Psychologist Shifa Psychological Services Clinic Oct 2024-Feb 2025
Clinical Psychologist Shifa Psychological Services Clinic 2022-2024
Clinical Psychologist I am Empowered organization 2020-2022
Clinical Psychologist Rawal General and Dental Hospital 2016-2017
Clinical Psychologist PIMS 2014

Management Experience

Position Organization / Description Duration
Focal Person (DCP) of 12th Convocation, STMU Shifa Tameer e Millat University Islamabad 2026
Member of Board of Studies Department of Clinical Psychology, STMU Since 2025
In charge Admission Committee Department of Clinical Psychology, STMU Present
Departmental Board of Graduate Studies (DBGS) Department of Psychology, Muslim Youth University 2025
QEC Assessment Team Member Department of Management Sciences, Shifa Tameer e Millat University Islamabad 2025
Research Supervisory Committee for Ph.D Department of Clinical Psychology, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University Islamabad 2025-2025
Research Facilitator (Facilitate the MS students, Supervise of Dean FSSH, Prof.Dr. Muhammad Tahir Khalily) (N=15)-Commendation letter given by Dean, FSSH Department of Clinical Psychology, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University Islamabad 2022-2025
Psychologist in Interview Panel Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences 2023 & 2024
Sign the MOU with Cheezious and Islamabad Tea IPCON 2025, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University 2025
Collaborated with BOL News Channel and Associated Press of Pakistan IPCON 2025, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University 2025
Published Press release in renown news-papers of Pakistan about first Islamic Psychology Conference First International Conference of Islamic Psychology (IPCON2025) 2025
Head of Media Coverage Team IPCON 2025, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad 2025-2025
Head of Sponsorship Committee IPCON 2025, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University 2024-2025
Member of Executive Committee Shifa Psychological Services Clinic 2023-2025
Member of Food committee for the 11th Convocation of STMU 2025
Departmental Focal person of DCP Website development Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad Since 2022
Member Organizing Committee IPCON 2025, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University 2024-2025
Clinical Supervisor Clinical Supervision of BS, MS and PMDCP students Since 2022
Member Exam committee Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University 2022-2025
Focal Person (DCP) for the Social media Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University Since 2022
Member Organizing Committee Training programs from the forum of Shifa Psychological Services Clinic Since 2022

Membership of Professional Bodies / Awards

Award / Abbreviation Organization / Committee Description / Membership Details
Amber Hauque Scholarship Dr. Amber Haque Scholarship I was awarded the Dr. Amber Haque Scholarship in recognition of my innovative contributions and commitment to advancing new research directions in the field of Islamic Psychology.
PPA Pakistan Psychological Association Life Time Membership
PCOS-AA Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Association Member
ISIP International Student of Islamic Psychology Member
GEC member Guidance and Exam Committee at NUST University Islamabad Member
Reviewer Peer J (Impact Factor is 2.7) Reviewer
Reviewer Pakistan Journal of Physiology Reviewer

Research Areas / Interests

No. Research Area / Interest
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2. Islamic Integrated Psychotherapy
3. Research Methods
4. Mental Health
5. Resilience
6. Health Psychology
7. Randomized Control Trials
8. Health Application development
9. Scale Development
10. Scale Translation and adaptation
11. Reproductive Psychology

Professional Certification and Training

No. Title Date
1. Honored with “Commendation letter” in recognition of my research by Prof.Dr.Muhammad Tahir Khalily, Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, STMU 2025
2. CPD Course from Oxford University in “Artificial Intelligence in Health Care” In process
3. Step-by-step Guide on How to Prepare a Successful Paper for Publishing in a peer review journal by SPRINGER NATURE 2025
4. Evidence-Based Interventions for Substance Use and Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders 2025
5. Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) for Substance Abuse Disorders 2024
6. Training workshop on Grant Writing 2024
7. One day training workshop on Narrative Exposure Therapy by Prof. Dr. Tahir Khalily 2024
8. Two-day’s workshop on Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy 2024
9. Organized three days’ workshop on “Managing the challenging behavior of children with autism using ABA” 2024
10. Organized one day workshop on Personality theories at a glance 2024
11. Organized one day workshop on Integrative Systemic Couples Therapy 2024
12. Organized one day workshop on De-escalation and breakaway techniques for aggressive behavior in psychiatric patients 2024
13. Organized one day workshop on Communicating DSM diagnoses 2024
14. Organized one day workshop on Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) – an effective evidence based treatment modality in a traditional addiction treatment unit 2024
15. Organized one day workshop on Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV) 2024
16. Organized one day workshop on Selected art therapy techniques 2024
17. Attend two days’ workshop on “Uplifting mental health of women” at National institute of Psychology, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad 2024
18. One week National Training Workshop on “Preliminary Screening for Intellectual Disabilities” From 11th to 15th December, 2023 2023
19. Faculty Training Workshop on Paper setting, Construction of MCQ’s, SAQ’s SEQ’s, Blueprinting and Development of TOS 2023
20. Attend the workshop on “Navigating Relationships: Understanding the Dynamics of Intra/Interpersonal Connections and the causes of Breakups 2023
21. Training workshop on Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-R) 2023
22. Training workshop on Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2023
23. Training workshop on Management of Pain attacks through CBT Techniques 2023
24. Training workshop on The Bridge Drawing: An art based Assessment 2023
25. Training workshop on Human Figure Drawing 2023
26. Training workshop on Managing Academic Stress 2023
27. Training workshop on N-vivo qualitative Data Analysis 2022
28. Certified Traditional Islamic Integrated Psychotherapy Training. 2021
29. Certification of participation in work shop on “Engaging University Faculty for Mental Health Wellbeing of Youth” World Mental Health Day-2021. 2021
30. Participated in COMSATS Telehealth (CTH) Workshop on Digital Health Strategy Organized by WHO. 2020
31. Training workshop on Menopause and its treatment 2018
32. Training workshop on Cognitive Behavior Therapy 2016

Research Supervision

No. Level Title / Description
1. BS The relationship between Narcissism, Social media addiction and empathy among adolescents.
2. BS The relationship between spiritual identity, moral injury and mental health among University students.
3. BS The Relationship between Perceived Loneliness, Academic Performance and Career Aspiration among students with Absent Fathers.
4. BS The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence, Coping Strategies and Interpersonal Relationship among Single Parented Young Adults in Pakistan.
5. BS Relationship between Parental pubbing, Child-parent Relationship and Revenge Bedtime Procrastination among Young Adults.
6. MS Co-supervise the researches with Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir Khalily (Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, STMU) – The Relationship between cognitive fatigue, Coping Mechanism and treatment perception among drug addicts undergoing treatment.
7. MS The Relationship between Perceived Parental Favoritism and Sense of Entitlement among Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Psychological Resilience.
8. MS The Relationship between Anthropomorphism in AI Chatbots and Interpersonal Relationship among University Students: Mediating Role of Attachment Style.

Journal Publications

No. Publication Details Status/Link
1. Wardah Ishfaq, & Mushtaq, R. (2024). MENTAL HEALTH AND RESILIENCE AMONG PAKISTANI WOMEN SUFFERING FROM POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME. Pakistan Journal of Physiology, 20(1), 45–47. Link
2. Ishfaq, W. and Mushtaq, R. (2019). RELATIONSHIP OF DEATH ANXIETY AND SUBJECTIVE HAPPINESS AMONG YOUNG AND ELDER PREGNANT WOMEN. Pak J Physiol, 15(4).
3. Syeda Ayat-e-Zainab Ali, Wardah Ishfaq, Bushra Hassan and Nazia Iqbal (2021). Development and validation of perceived sexual resentment scale for women (PSRS-W). Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 1(1), pp.1–16.
4. Ali, S.A.-Z., Ishfaq, W., Hassan, B., Iqbal, N., Ansari, D.S., Alvi, S.M. and Arafat, S.M.Y. (2021). The invisible pain of women: sexual coercion, psychological distress and somatic symptoms. Rivista di Psichiatria, 56(5), pp.254–260. Link
5. Khalily, N., Ishfaq, W., & Saleem, T. (2017). The Unrelenting Media Exposure in Pakistan and its Link with Vicarious Trauma. Bahria Journal of Professional Psychology, 16(1), 67–79. Link
6. Saleem, T., Ishfaq, W., & Saleem, S. (2017). Menopause symptoms and climacteric depression in women with and without hormone replacement therapy. Pakistan Journal of Physiology, 13(1), 43–45. Link
7. Ishfaq, W., Mushtaq, R., & Saleem, T. (2024). SUBJECTIVE HAPPINESS SCALE; TRANSLATION AND VALIDATION IN A SAMPLE OF PREGNANT WOMEN. Xi’an Shiyou Daxue Xuebao (Ziran Kexue Ban)/Journal of Xi’an Shiyou University, Natural Sciences Edition, 20(9), 615–627.
8. Ishfaq, W., & Mushtaq, R. (2024). RELATIONSHIP OF RESILIENCE, PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME. Xi’an Shiyou Daxue Xuebao (Ziran Kexue Ban)/Journal of Xi’an Shiyou University, Natural Sciences Edition, 20(9), 628–649.
9. Scale Development and validation of Multidimensional Distress Inventory for Polycystic Ovary syndrome for Muslim women in Pakistan In revision (JPMA)
10. Translation and validation of Perth Empathy Scale in the sample of students Submitted (PJP)
11. Navigating Spiritual Distress: Insights into the Causes, Impacts, and Healing Processes within Pakistan’s Muslim Population Review Process
12. Effectiveness of Islamic Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on psycho-socio-spiritual distress among Muslim women suffering from PCOS Review Process
13. Translation and validation of Automatic Negative Thought questionnaire in the sample of pregnant women Accepted

Mobile Application Development

No. Application / Project Details / Status
1. Anger Pill App Management of anger through Islamic principles under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir Khalily

Paper Presentation in Conference

No. Presentation Title / Authors Conference Details
1. Ishfaq, W., & Ismail, M. Pre and post differences on premenstrual syndrome and disorder eating among female university Students. Presented at 13th International CBT conference May 20-28, 2023. Pakistan Association of Cognitive Therapy, Islamabad.
2. Bridging Perspectives: Integrating Contemporary and Islamic Psychology in University Curricula. Muhammad Tahir Khalily, Fatima Khuram, Syeda Ayat-e-Zainab Ali, Shahid Ijaz, Wardah Ishfaq, Museera Aiman, and Tamkeen Saleem. Presented in ISLAMIC PSYCHOLOGY SYMPOSIUM: “Advancing the Clinical Practice of Islamic Psychology Through Education and Research” in Doha, Qatar, during the period of February 7–8, 2024.
3. Conceptualization of spiritual distress among Muslim population (Oral presentation) Islamic Psychology Conference (IPCON 2025) conducted by Department of Clinical Psychology, STMU
4. Wardah Ishfaq and Rabia Mushtaq. Relationship of negative thoughts and subjective happiness among working and non-working pregnant women. Accepted for the presentation in 15th International Conference of Pakistan Psychological Association (PPA): Navigating Applied Fields of Psychology: Research, Practices, and Current Developments in Pakistan November 7th (Inaugural) and 22nd (Closing), 2024.
5. Ridah Batool and Wardah Ishfaq. Exploring Islamic Mindfulness: The Role of Islamic Cognitive Restructuring on Stress Reduction and Spiritual Well-Being (Oral presentation) Islamic Psychology Conference (IPCON 2025) conducted by Department of Clinical Psychology, STMU
6. Rahma Sohail and Wardah Ishfaq. Post Traumatic Growth: A Comparative Analysis of Islamic and Positive Psychology Perspectives (Poster presentation) Islamic Psychology Conference (IPCON 2025) conducted by Department of Clinical Psychology, STMU

Resource Person in the Conference / Workshop

No. Workshop / Session Title Event Details
1. Seeking Solace during Moment of the Pain: An Islamic Perspective Dr. Wardah Ishfaq and Prof. Dr. Ziasma Haneef Khan Pre-conference Workshop: 15th International Conference of Pakistan Psychological Association (PPA): Navigating Applied Fields of Psychology: Research, Practices, and Current Developments in Pakistan (26, November, 2024)
2. Three days’ workshop on Schema Focused Therapy Dr. Uzma Masroor, Dr. Wardah Ishfaq and Ms. Aneela Mushtaq Shifa Psychological Services Clinic, Department of Clinical Psychology, STMU 20, 21, 22, August, 2024
3. When the body Aches, the Soul Awakens: A Psycho-spiritual Approach to Illness in Islam Dr. Wardah Ishfaq and Prof. Dr. Ziasma Haneef Khan PPA-Pre Conference
4. Mental Health Café Guest Speaker Event on 17, July, 2025 at Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences
5. Webinar of Pre-Pregnancy and Pregnancy Burnout Futuwwah Academy Tarbiyah (5th July, 2025)
6. AI as a Tool, not a Crutch: Protecting human cognition and mental well-being through ethical and effective AI use Webinar (18-January-2026)
7. Digital Stress and Social Media Pressure Webinar (24-January-2026)
8. Self Esteem and Identity Building Workshop Out-door Seminar (29-January-2026)

Research Projects

No. Project Title Description / Details
1. Development of Multidimensional Distress Inventory for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Development of indigenous scale for the assessment of psychosocial disturbance related to polycystic ovary syndrome among Pakistani Muslim women. Assessment through newly developed scale will help clinical psychologists develop indigenous therapeutic interventions to address psychosocial disturbance related to PCOS among Pakistani women.
2. Effectiveness of Islamic Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Psychosocial Distress and Resilience among Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Study using Integrated Islamic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to reduce psychosocial distress among PCOS patients. This study will also compare benefits of Islamic Integrated CBT over hormonal replacement therapy for PCOS women and analyze which is more effective.
3. Conceptualization of spiritual distress among Muslim Population Qualitative exploratory study conducted over 1 year using Focused Group Discussions. Purposive sampling with 5 exploratory FGDs involving experts from Islamic studies, Psychology, Chemistry, Mass communication and religious scholars. Thematic Analysis was used to compute themes exploring the concept of spiritual distress within the Muslim population.
4. Scale Development; Women perception on Marital Sexual Life Explores Pakistani women’s perceptions of marital sex as a social and familial obligation. Examines how husband’s behavior during sex (careful vs. harsh/aggressive) and communication affect marital satisfaction in female partners.
5. Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Premenstrual Syndrome and Eating Disorder among University Female Students Intervention-based study investigating the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy (pre and posttest) on premenstrual syndrome and eating disorder among female university students. Two techniques used: cognitive restructuring and guided imagery.
6. Organize a Seminar on “Menopause, its associated risk and effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)” Informative seminar covering cognitive behavioral strategies helpful for managing menopausal symptoms in women.
7. Translation and validation of Automatic Negative Thought questionnaire (Hollon & Kendall, 1989) Translation and validation of the Automatic Thought Questionnaire—Revised (Kendall, Howard & Hays, 1989) consisting of 40 items developed on Beck Cognitive Triad linked to negative thought. Translated into Urdu language for convenient data collection with Pakistani population.
8. Translation and validation of Subjective Happiness Scale (Lyubomirsky, & Lepper, 1999) Translation and validation of the Subjective Happiness Scale (Lyubomirsky & Lepper, 1999) consisting of 4 items. Translated into Urdu language for convenient data collection with Pakistani population.
9. Islamic Research Institute Attended and completed one-year research course at Islamic Research Institute, enhancing research skills.
10. Effect of subjective happiness and negative thoughts on death anxiety among pregnant women Research exploring the effect of subjective happiness and negative thoughts among pregnant women with respect to different variables like occupation, family system, trimesters, vaginal vs. cesarean delivery, and socioeconomic status.
11. Research on Depression and aggression are associated risk in Menopause Research exploring depression and aggression in Pakistani women regarding menopause stage and differentiating between symptoms occurring with and without Hormonal Replacement Therapy.
12. Research on Vicarious Trauma and Unrelenting Media Research covering the Peshawar’s Army Public School Attack to investigate the effect of unrelenting media exposure on vicarious trauma.
13. Commercial Stall Displayed stalls at Cultural week twice to gain experience in marketing and finance on self-help basis.
14. Management Project: Recruit process at Pakistan Television Explored the recruitment process at Pakistan Television by finding facts, figures, and its implementation.
15. Research Project on Birth order and Emotional Intelligence Study conducted to explore the relationship between Birth Order and Emotional Intelligence.

Skills and Tools

No. Skill / Tool
1. MS Word
2. MS Power Point
3. MS Excel
4. Adobe Photoshop
5. SPSS
6. AMOS
7. Canva
8. Prezi
9. N-vivo

References

References will be provided on Demand.

Profile Summary