Is IFS a Path to Self-Knowledge or Self-Deception? Insights from Kasra Mirzaie

Dr. John Vervaeke

Kasra Mirzaie is a clinical researcher, psychotherapist, and university teacher. His work focuses on adolescents, exploring the interplay between psychotherapy, spirituality, and self-deception.

Can understanding all parts of ourselves sometimes lead us away from the truth?

In this episode of "Voices with Vervaeke," John Vervaeke continues to explore Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with guest Kasra Mirzaie. They discuss the paradox of IFS as both a path to self-discovery and a potential source of self-deception. Their conversation covers the intersection of spirituality and science within IFS, offering listeners insights into this therapeutic approach. Mirzaie shares personal experiences, emphasizing the transformative roles of love and forgiveness in therapy. Vervaeke and Mirzaie also examine the philosophical and cognitive scientific foundations of IFS, setting the stage for future discussions on self-organizing criticality and the relationship between cognitive science and spirituality. This episode aims to broaden listeners' understanding of the self and provide new perspectives on human psychology.

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00:00 Introduction and Mirzaie's Background and Work

03:00 Exploring Self-Deception

17:00 The Role of Love and Forgiveness

22:50 The Spiritual Dimension of IFS

34:40 Self-Deception and Spiritual Bypassing

38:45 Spirit of Self-Deception: The Paradox of Adaptation and Growth

43:00 The Paradox of the Fall and Self-Consciousness

45:40 Relational Reality and the Self

59:50 The Therapeutic Approach to Trauma

01:06:25 Conclusion: Gratitude, Growth, and Ongoing Exploration

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Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode

Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy

Neoplatonism

Mark Lewis

Paul Vander Klay

Seth Allison

Marc Lewis

Milton's Lucifer

William Desmond

Heidegger

William Blake

Filler

Jung

Nietzsche

Vygotsky

Nishita

Kirkegaard

Tom Holmes, Parts Work: a Path of the Heart: Healing Journeys Integrating IFS and Spirituality

Christopher Ben Simpson, The William Desmond Reader

Robert B. Brandom, A Spirit of Trust: A Reading of Hegel’s Phenomenology

Relevant Episodes

Transforming Identity: The Power of IFS Therapy and Ancient Wisdom | Paul Vander Klay

Inside the Mind: Marc Lewis on Transformative Healing with Internal Family Systems Therapy

Attachment Theory Beyond Therapy: Seth Allison on Wisdom and Connection

Exploring the Depths of Internal Family Systems with Seth Allison

Wisdom Through the Imaginal: IFS Insights with Seth Allison Part 3

Engaging the Imaginal: Kasra Mirzaie on IFS and the Meaning Crisis

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Thank you for Listening!

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Keywords

John Vervaeke, Kasra Mirzaie, Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, self-deception, spirituality and science, cognitive science foundations, love and forgiveness, personal transformation, self-organizing criticality, cognitive science and spirituality, relationality in therapy, self-identity and agency, therapeutic practices, modern spirituality, Voices with Vervaeke podcast