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

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.   Connect with a community dedicated to self-discovery and purpose, and gain deeper insights by joining our Patreon.   —   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     —   The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission.   Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships.    —   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   Follow John Vervaeke: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Patreon —   Thank you for Listening! --- 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