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

Dr. John Vervaeke

In this episode of ”Voices with Vervaeke,” John Vervaeke continues his ongoing exploration of Internal Family Systems (IFS) theory with psychotherapist, clinician, and researcher Kasra Mirzaie. Kasra shares his insights into the cognitive, existential, and spiritual aspects of IFS, highlighting its potential to help individuals make sense of their inner conflicts, regulate emotions, and resolve developmental psychopathology. With a focus on dialectic, mythos, and serious play, Kasra explains how IFS can help individuals forge and come into contact with different aspects of their being and identity, promoting healing and transformation. Throughout the conversation, John and Kasra explore the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of IFS and how it can be integrated with other therapeutic approaches to promote participatory knowing, self-transcendence, and a deeper understanding of the self. Delving into poignant examples and transformative insights, the conversation illuminates the profound impact of embracing our multiplicity through IFS, offering listeners a pathway to understanding and healing that transcends traditional therapeutic boundaries.

Guest Bio and Links:

Kasra Mirzaie is a psychotherapist, researcher, and educator with a focus on emotion regulation and developmental psychopathology. Kasra brings a unique perspective to the discussion, combining clinical experience with a deep interest in philosophical psychology and meaning-making processes.

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Quotes:

“My take on IFS is that it's actually a model of the living, in self-organizing psyche that is composed of living things. Those interact with each other in a certain qualitative space and relationship that we would call the self.” - Kasra Mirzaie [00:05:09]

“The body is really fundamental to keeping us anchored to the world... if we train the mind to properly listen, it can act as a significant counterbalance to spiritual bypassing and hubristic self-deception." - John Vervaeke, paraphrasing Merleau-Ponty [01:13:45]

Glossary of Terms:

Internal Family Systems (IFS): A therapeutic approach that recognizes and addresses multiple sub-personalities or parts within each individual.

The Imaginal: A concept referring to a creative and transformative space that goes beyond mere imagination, facilitating deep healing and self-discovery.

Chapters:

[00:00:00] - Introduction to Kasra Mirzaie: Insights into Psychotherapy, Research, and IFS

[00:08:18] - Enhancing Self-Awareness: Salience, Perspective-Taking, and the Journey Within

[00:17:38] - Bridging Kant and Vervaeke: Participatory Knowing and the Self in IFS

[00:30:29] - Mythos and Identity: Cultural Echoes and the Role of the Imaginal in Healing

[00:42:43] - IFS and Modern Psychotherapy: Addressing Mental Health and Meaning

[00:53:29] - Socratic Integration in IFS: Bridging Reflection and Healing Within a Pedagogical Framework

[01:07:13] - Addressing Self-Deception in IFS: Integrating Embodiment and Community Feedback

[01:14:42] - Conclusion: Reflecting on IFS, Philosophy, and the Journey Ahead

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