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.