Father, Son, and Holy Therapist: Exploring Internal Family Systems and More with Joshua Pritikin PhD
Aug 3
Music:
"Dirty Gertie" by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Summary:
In this episode, we delve into the intersections of internal family systems therapy, trinitarian theology, and identity. We explore the main premise of Dr. Pritikin’s book Religion Unburdened by Belief, that religious practices can function scientifically – engaging what we know without beliefs that rely on degrees of certainty unsupported by evidence. We Also talk about a different approach to psychedelics as sacrament and how the experience of ego dissolution and connection to “consensus reality” are both necessary and helpful parts of practicing presence with the aid of plant medicine.
Main Topics:
· The distinction between beliefs and process beliefs, and how belief conviction can be minimized without losing meaning
- The concept of unblending vs blending in internal family systems and its relevance to meditation and emotional regulation
- How religious frameworks can be reinterpreted as relational systems, similar to the internal parts theory in IFS
- The role of curiosity and openness in engaging with spiritual experiences, including the importance of holding beliefs loosely
- The practice of "integrative meditation" and its application for neurodivergent individuals and those with mental health challenges
- The purpose and different approaches to psychedelics, emphasizing intentionality, effortfulness, and relationality
- An exploration of how psychedelics like ayahuasca open pathways to ego dissolution and interconnectedness
- The cultural and practical considerations when working with natural versus manufactured psychedelics in therapeutic settings
- The theological reflection on the concept of God as relational and panentheistic, and its internal system analogies
- The ongoing process of deconstruction, reconstruction, and embracing uncertainty to foster personal growth and spiritual health
Resources & Links:
· Religion Unburdened by Belief
· Information about the Santo Daime
o https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santo_Daime
o https://chacruna.net/music-and-santo-daime/
o https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24477460/
Connect with Dr. Joshua Pritikin:
· https://ifs-institute.com/practitioners/all/110287
