Ph.D. Candidate in Counseling Psychology, at Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.
Nafiseh Khoshniat is a dedicated PhD candidate in Counseling Psychology at the Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran. With a strong academic foundation and a deep commitment to mental health, her work centers on culturally-informed therapeutic interventions, especially for adolescents and families. Nafiseh has engaged extensively with the local community through workshops, school programs, and counseling centers, where she integrates Islamic-Iranian cultural values into psychological practice. Her contributions also extend to authorship, having written books and peer-reviewed journal articles on family therapy and adolescent dignity. As a student member of the APA and a member of the Iranian Psychological Association, she embodies a global-local outlook. Nafiseh continues to advocate for family-centered well-being and youth empowerment through spiritual and psychological resilience.
Professional Profile
ORCID
🎓 Education
Nafiseh Khoshniat’s educational journey is marked by a strong academic commitment to psychology and cultural insight. Currently pursuing her PhD in Counseling Psychology at Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, she has successfully cleared her comprehensive exams and is now engaged in dissertation research addressing adolescent mental health in Iran. Her Master’s thesis explored the use of spiritual therapies to enhance marital satisfaction, aligning with Islamic-Iranian values. She has participated in several training programs and workshops focused on psychotherapy, emotional regulation, and family counseling. Nafiseh’s educational philosophy reflects a balance between evidence-based practice and culturally sensitive approaches, which she continuously applies in both academic and practical settings. Her scholarship is supported by deep theoretical understanding and field-based research, preparing her to make significant contributions to counseling psychology, both in Iran and on international platforms.
💼 Experience
With a blend of academic rigor and community service, Nafiseh Khoshniat brings practical depth to her scholarly pursuits. She has designed and implemented a psychoeducational training program for family counseling centers across Mashhad. Nafiseh also volunteered in an emotional well-being program at local schools, supporting adolescents through group sessions and behavioral assessments. Her experience in clinical observation and intervention has sharpened her skills in client-centered therapy and family systems counseling. She frequently collaborates with the Mashhad Education Department on mental health initiatives and consults with local therapists on culturally adapted intervention strategies. Through her involvement in conferences and community projects, she has demonstrated her ability to bridge academic theory and real-world practice, becoming a trusted resource in the field of adolescent and family psychology. Nafiseh’s multidimensional experience makes her a strong advocate for mental health reform and culturally inclusive practices in therapy.
🔬 Research Interest
Nafiseh Khoshniat’s research interests revolve around family therapy, adolescent mental health, resilience, parent-child communication, and psychological assessment. Her scholarly work is grounded in integrating spiritual and culturally sensitive therapeutic frameworks tailored to Iranian society. Currently, her PhD dissertation explores psychological issues affecting adolescents in Iran and the creation of culturally responsive intervention models to improve emotional resilience. Her previous research on enhancing marital satisfaction through Islamic spiritual therapy highlights her commitment to faith-based psychological models. She is also involved in developing tools for assessing family-based resilience and early intervention strategies for at-risk youth. Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, she aims to transform therapeutic practices and support systems for Iranian families. Her long-term vision is to influence national policy on adolescent mental health and to institutionalize culturally informed approaches within both educational and clinical domains.
🏅 Awards
Nafiseh Khoshniat is an emerging scholar recognized for her innovative approach to culturally integrated therapy. Although early in her academic career, she is already gaining visibility for her contributions to family counseling and adolescent well-being. Her work has been acknowledged in academic circles, earning positive feedback at national conferences, particularly the 5th National Conference on Psychology, where she presented on structural reforms in family policy. She is a Young Researcher Award nominee for her publication record and community impact. Nafiseh’s dedication to public mental health has also been recognized by local education authorities through collaborations aimed at student support. As a published author of three books within a year, she demonstrates leadership in knowledge dissemination. Her future in research promises many more accolades as she continues to blend scientific rigor with culturally meaningful practice.
📚 Top Noted Publications
Nafiseh Khoshniat has authored several impactful works on counseling psychology and spiritual therapy. Her peer-reviewed journal publications reflect her commitment to evidence-based, culturally sensitive research:
📘 1. The Effectiveness of Integrated Transcendental Group Therapy on Marital Satisfaction
Journal: The American Journal of Family Therapy
Year: 2025
This peer-reviewed study examines the impact of an integrated transcendental group therapy model on improving marital satisfaction among couples. It blends cognitive-behavioral techniques with spiritual and mindfulness-based practices. The results indicate a statistically significant increase in marital harmony and communication quality post-intervention.
📑 Cited by 1 article.
📗 2. The Effectiveness of Islamic Spiritual Dignity Therapy on Self-Compassion and Self-Esteem
Journal: Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health
Year: 2023
This article investigates a culturally tailored intervention based on Islamic principles of dignity and self-worth. The therapy program successfully enhanced both self-compassion and self-esteem among participants, suggesting potential for broader application in spiritual mental health settings.
📑 Cited by 1 article.
📙 3. Necessity of Establishing the Ministry of Family in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Journal: Islamic Teachings and Education Journal
Year: 2022
This conceptual and policy-driven paper highlights socio-cultural and legal arguments for creating a Ministry of Family in Iran. It analyzes gaps in current governmental frameworks and promotes a holistic approach to managing family-related policies.
📑 Cited by 1 article.
📕 4. Investigating the Necessity of Establishing the Ministry of Family
Conference: 5th National Conference on Psychology
Year: 2021
This conference paper laid the foundation for the subsequent journal publication. It presents arguments based on psychological, sociological, and religious evidence for institutionalizing a dedicated family ministry. It was presented at a nationally recognized event for Iranian psychologists and researchers.
📄 National conference proceedings.
Conclusion
Nafiseh Khoshniat is an excellent candidate for the Young Researcher Award. Her research integrates cultural specificity with psychological innovation, a crucial attribute in today’s global psychological discourse. Her proactive engagement with academic writing, field-based application, and community counseling projects demonstrate a holistic research ethic. With strategic academic mentoring and greater scholarly exposure, she is poised to become a leading voice in culturally informed adolescent and family counseling.