English abstract
Islam has accorded special importance to the family on the grounds that a family leads to a felicitous society and vice-versa. Because the felicitous family is the cornerstone of society, it has been built on solid religious and moral grounds based on close ties so as to perform its role in the establishment of strong nations and closely-knit communities. The fact that the fate of any nation depends on the status of its constituting families has, in the second half of the twentieth century, highlighted the increasing need throughout the world to provide societies with the requisite family counseling.
This study aimed at highlighting the concept of family counseling and its importance for the stability and cohesion of the Omani family. It also surveyed the relevant services provided by the government and identified the potential obstacles. The researcher used in-depth interview and observation to collect data. The study found encouraging results testifying
to the development of family counsel in Oman and the vast knowledge base of the counselors, which has placed the Omani family high on the agenda of the Ministry of Social Development. As for the obstacles, the
researcher identified the customs and traditions prevalent in the Omani
conservative society as hindering family counsel. The study offered a
number of recommendations and suggestions which the researcher hopes
will improve the status of family counseling in Oman.
