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