Philosophers in the Therapy Room

Dr Hora Zabarjadi Sar and Dr Sameema Zahra
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Philosophers in the Therapy Room

"Philosophers in the Therapy Room" explores the intersection of philosophy and Psychotherapy/Counselling, through insightful discussions led by philosopher-practitioners Dr Hora Zabarjadi Sar and Dr Sameema Zahra. Delving into existential questions, ethical dilemmas, and the human psyche, each episode offers a unique blend of theoretical depth and practical wisdom. Join them on a journey of self-discovery, where philosophical insights illuminate the path to healing and personal growth. To know more about us, please visit our website: www.iasocare.de or contact us: counselling4u@iasocare.de

Episodes

  1. Episode 12- Memories without Witness: Intergenerational Trauma and the Generational Exiled

    3D AGO

    Episode 12- Memories without Witness: Intergenerational Trauma and the Generational Exiled

    How do we remember what we never lived? How does trauma reverberate across generations, shaping identities and ways of being in the world? In this episode, we explore intergenerational trauma as a lived phenomenon, one that transcends individual experience and persists in the silence, gaps, and embodied traces of history. Building on generative phenomenology, we consider trauma not merely as an individual affliction but as something embedded in intersubjective and historical structures. The “generational exiled”, carry histories that remain unspoken yet deeply felt. Trauma, in this sense, is not just passed down biologically or psychologically but through the very structures of experience, shaping how descendants of trauma survivors relate to time, self, and others. Yet, if trauma extends beyond the individual, so too must healing. Generative phenomenology suggests that reconnecting with the past does not mean merely remembering but transforming our relationship with it. Uncovering the implicit narratives, gestures, and silences through which trauma endures opens possibilities for re-living history differently, not by erasing suffering but through reorienting it toward meaning, recognition, and ethical responsibility. How can we think about healing when what needs to be healed is not entirely our own? What does it mean to bear witness to a past that still insists on being acknowledged? Join us as we navigate these questions, tracing the invisible threads that bind past and present, self and other, rupture and restoration.

    1h 7m
  2. Episode 11: ... and the time's rhythm now lies motionless, piling into an ever lasting present: A phenomenology of Trauma

    FEB 7

    Episode 11: ... and the time's rhythm now lies motionless, piling into an ever lasting present: A phenomenology of Trauma

    What happens when time itself breaks? When trauma strikes, it is not merely an event but a rupture in self-temporalization—a fracture in the very way we experience time. In this episode, we turn to phenomenology and Bergsonian philosophy to explore how trauma shatters the flow of lived time, leaving the past piled into an everlasting present. Drawing on Husserl’s internal time-consciousness, we examine how trauma fixates the past on a moment that refuses to recede, freezing the subject in an unassimilable past. Meanwhile, Bergson’s notion of pure memory and habitual memory helps us understand why traumatic experience resists integration: instead of passing into the virtual reservoir of memory, it remains actualized, replayed, and embodied as raw sensations. Through this lens, we ask: How does trauma distort the horizon of possibilities, severing one’s ability to anticipate the future? What does it mean to live trapped within the broken hourglass of time, where experience no longer flows but solidifies into an eternal now? And can phenomenology offer a way to restore movement to time, allowing the self to re-engage with the world beyond the moment of rupture?

    1h 16m
  3. Episode 10- Navigating Passions : Spinoza on Affects, Intellect & a Balanced Life

    JAN 1

    Episode 10- Navigating Passions : Spinoza on Affects, Intellect & a Balanced Life

    What drives our action: the intellect or the passions? For Spinoza, this question lies at the heart of understanding human flourishing. In this episode, we explore Spinoza's profound insight that intellect, while essential for understanding, lacks the intrinsic power to provoke action. Instead, it is the passions that move us. But not all passions are equal. Passive affects, which are those we endure rather than direct, can leave us vulnerable and disempowered. Spinoza argues that transformation does not arise from suppressing or intellectualizing these passive affects but from deeply engaging with them. Through this engagement, we internalize the affect, journeying through it rather than avoiding it. This process involves uncovering the possibilities each affect holds, allowing a passive affect to give way to an active one. Active affects emerge when we align our emotions with an understanding of what enhances our power to act and our connection to the world. This is not a simple matter of rationality overriding emotion; rather, it is about reshaping our emotional landscape from within, creating a harmony that leads us closer to the good life. Join us as we unpack Spinoza's radical vision of emotion regulation, where the interplay of passion and intellect reveals new ways to navigate our inner worlds and move toward empowerment and freedom.

    1h 11m
  4. Episode 9- The Currents of the Soul: Spinoza on Affects and Transformation

    12/09/2024

    Episode 9- The Currents of the Soul: Spinoza on Affects and Transformation

    In this episode, Dr. Sameema Zahra and I bring the 17th-century philosopher Baruch Spinoza into the session to explore his fascinating ideas on affect and the distinction between passive and active states of being. By 'affect', Spinoza refers to the body's capacity to act, be acted upon, and experience changes in its power to exist and persevere. Affects are not just fleeting emotions; they encompass the entire spectrum of how we respond to the world. They shape our moods, motivations, and overall ability to engage with life. Spinoza helps us see how these responses are not neutral—they either enhance or diminish our power to act. We also delve into Spinoza’s distinction between passive affects—those that happen to us and diminish our autonomy—and active affects, which arise when we fully understand and align ourselves with the causes of our emotions. This distinction offers a profound lens for understanding how clients might feel stuck in cycles of passivity or, alternatively, how they might find empowerment and freedom through greater awareness and agency. Join us as we unpack these ideas and consider their implications for therapy. How can understanding Spinoza’s theory of affect help us guide clients toward active engagement with their lives? And how might this philosophical framework illuminate our own practices as therapists? Stay with us as we journey through Spinoza’s thought and its relevance in the therapy room.

    1h 11m
  5. Episode 8- Existential Carelessness and Moral Injury

    11/12/2024

    Episode 8- Existential Carelessness and Moral Injury

    In this episode of Philosophers in the Therapy Room, Dr Sameema Zahra and I engage with the Heideggerian concept of Sörge (care) and explore its profound implications for understanding our relationship with the world. We suggest that care is not only a fundamental condition of being but also an existential imperative that binds us to the political realities around us. This connection underscores why we cannot afford indifference to global events. We also discuss anger as a moral emotion—a vital signal alerting us to threats against our values. If we fail to heed these signals, we risk allowing harm to our "house of being," potentially leading to moral injury. This episode invites listeners to consider care not just as an individual experience but as an ethical call to remain engaged with the world

    1h 10m
  6. Episode 7- The Experience of Loss and the Unbearable Presence of Absence

    10/08/2024

    Episode 7- The Experience of Loss and the Unbearable Presence of Absence

    In this episode, Sameema Zahra and I explore the deeply transformative experience of loss through the lens of phenomenology, drawing particularly on Jean-Paul Sartre’s notion of “present absence.” Sartre describes how, even when someone or something is no longer physically present, their absence is still profoundly felt, shaping our lived experience as if they continue to exist in a different way. This idea of a "present absence" captures how loss lingers in our consciousness, constantly influencing how we relate to the world and to ourselves. We discuss how, in the wake of loss, our perception of the world changes—everyday objects, places, and routines take on new significance or emptiness. The presence of the absent person or thing becomes a haunting force, reshaping the emotional and existential landscape we inhabit. This phenomenon impacts not only our external world but also our inner world, forcing us to confront the ways in which our sense of self is intertwined with those we lose. In the therapeutic context, we explore how acknowledging and working through this experience of present absence can help clients process grief. By recognizing the ways in which the absent person still "exists" within their life, clients can begin to make sense of the changes to their emotional world, find meaning in their ongoing relationship with the loss, and navigate the reconstruction of their identity after such a profound shift.

    1h 12m
  7. Episode 6- Pain and the Phenomenal Body

    09/03/2024

    Episode 6- Pain and the Phenomenal Body

    In this episode of Philosophers in the Therapy Room, we explore Maurice Merleau-Ponty's notion of the phenomenological body emphasizes that our bodily experience is not merely a physical or objective event but is deeply intertwined with our perception and interaction with the world. In the context of pain, this idea highlights that pain is not just a sensation located within the body but a lived, embodied experience that shapes and is shaped by our engagement with the world. In this framework, pain is understood as a co-constructive experience, where the "phenomenal body"—the body as it is experienced and perceived—does not merely react to the world but participates in a dynamic, reciprocal relationship with it. When in pain, the body's interaction with the world changes: our movements may be restricted, our attention might be drawn to specific aspects of our environment (like avoiding certain movements or stimuli), and the pain can alter our overall perception of the world.

    1h 13m
  8. Episode 5- The Unscripted Life and Existential Lucidity

    08/04/2024

    Episode 5- The Unscripted Life and Existential Lucidity

    In this compelling episode of "Philosophers in the Therapy Room," we continue our exploration of societal expectations and individual fulfillment by delving into Albert Camus' "Myth of Sisyphus" and the concept of lucidity. We examine how moments of crisis, particularly those involving a loss of meaning, prompt different responses from individuals. Drawing from Camus' philosophy, we discuss how people react to the absurdity of life: some may give up, feeling overwhelmed by the lack of inherent meaning; others might take excessive risks, attempting to impose their own meaning through radical actions; while some revert to the original life script, seeking solace in familiar structures. However, Camus suggests a different approach—embracing lucidity. We explore how lucidity, or the clear and honest recognition of life's absurdity, can be a powerful tool for navigating these crises. By accepting the unpredictability and lack of predetermined meaning in life, individuals can stay grounded, making deliberate and mindful choices within the framework of their unplanned existence.

    1h 5m
  9. Episode 4- Life Original Script and the Crisis of Meaning

    08/04/2024

    Episode 4- Life Original Script and the Crisis of Meaning

    In this thought-provoking episode of "Philosophers in the Therapy Room," we delve into the concept of the "life script" and its profound impact on human behaviour and mental well-being. We explore how these societal expectations create a framework within which individuals are expected to operate, leading many to measure their self-worth and success against these arbitrary benchmarks. Throughout the episode, we engage with various philosophical perspectives to unpack the origins and implications of the life script. We also consider how therapy can provide a space for individuals to challenge these societal norms, redefine success on their terms, and embrace the unique trajectories of their lives. Join us as we navigate the complexities of the life script, offering insights and strategies to help listeners cultivate a more authentic and fulfilling existence free from the constraints of societal expectations.

    1h 2m
  10. Episode 3- Mind-Body Dualism-Part 2- The Question of Experience

    07/01/2024

    Episode 3- Mind-Body Dualism-Part 2- The Question of Experience

    In this episode, we explore the manner in which we understand our experiences, which are intricately crafted by our senses. Imagine the symphony of sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches that paint our perception of reality. But how do we make sense of this sensory information? And if the mind and body are two distinct entities, as Descartes suggests, how do they work together to shape our understanding of our experiences? At the heart of this inquiry lies a profound question: How do we bridge the gap between our bodies' physical sensations and the intangible realm of our thoughts and consciousness?

    42 min
  11. Episode 2- Mind-Body Dualism- Part 1

    06/02/2024

    Episode 2- Mind-Body Dualism- Part 1

    In this episode, we discuss René Descartes' mind-body dualism, a foundational idea that has profoundly influenced early psychological theories and practices. We explore how Cartesian dualism has shaped our understanding of mind and body as two separate entities: Mind as a 'thinking substance' and Body as an 'extended substance', operating like a machine. Join us as we unravel these complex ideas and their lasting impact on contemporary psychological practices.

    41 min
  12. Philosophers in the Therapy Room - Prologue

    05/06/2024

    Philosophers in the Therapy Room - Prologue

    Join Dr Hora Zabarjadi Sar and Dr Sameema Zahra in this thought-provoking prologue episode of "Philosophers in the Therapy Room," where they explore the intersection of philosophy and counselling. As philosophers and practitioners, they delve into the depths of existential questions and ethical dilemmas, offering unique insights and perspectives on the unknown terrain of the human psyche. In this introductory episode, they set the stage for engaging discussions ahead, inviting listeners to ponder the profound connections between philosophy and therapy. Whether you're a seasoned philosopher, a curious counsellor, or simply someone interested in the complexities of the human experience, tune in and join the conversation.

    26 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

"Philosophers in the Therapy Room" explores the intersection of philosophy and Psychotherapy/Counselling, through insightful discussions led by philosopher-practitioners Dr Hora Zabarjadi Sar and Dr Sameema Zahra. Delving into existential questions, ethical dilemmas, and the human psyche, each episode offers a unique blend of theoretical depth and practical wisdom. Join them on a journey of self-discovery, where philosophical insights illuminate the path to healing and personal growth. To know more about us, please visit our website: www.iasocare.de or contact us: counselling4u@iasocare.de

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Hora Zabarjadi Sar and Dr Sameema Zahra
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr Hora Zabarjadi Sar and Dr Sameema Zahra
  • Show Website
    Philosophers in the Therapy Room

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