"Inside Out 2" and the Multiplicity of the Psyche

The first "Inside Out" film, released in 2015, captivated audiences with its imaginative portrayal of the emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—as individual characters within a young girl’s mind. This creative representation of the human psyche made abstract psychological concepts accessible and relatable, particularly the idea that our emotions are not monolithic but rather multifaceted and interactive. Inside Out 2 delves even further into the complexities of the mind, introducing new emotions and deepening our understanding of the original ones.

This portrayal aligns with the concept of the multiplicity of the psyche, which posits that our minds are not a singular entity but a collection of various “parts” that interact with each other. These parts can represent different emotions, memories, or aspects of our personality. By personifying these parts, Inside Out 2 offers a narrative that mirrors the experiences many people have when exploring their inner world, whether through therapy, meditation, or the use of psychedelics.

Psilocybin and the Experience of Multiplicity

Psilocybin, the active compound found in certain mushrooms and truffles, has been used for centuries in various cultures for spiritual and therapeutic purposes. In recent years, scientific research has renewed interest in psilocybin, particularly for its potential to facilitate profound psychological growth. One of the most intriguing aspects of a psilocybin experience is its ability to amplify and make tangible the multiplicity of the psyche.

During a psilocybin experience, individuals often report encountering different aspects of themselves—sometimes referred to as "parts"—that they may not have been consciously aware of before. These parts can manifest as distinct voices, personalities, or even visual representations. For example, one might experience a part of themselves that embodies fear or trauma, while another part represents a more nurturing, protective aspect of their personality. These experiences can be deeply insightful, offering a unique opportunity to engage with and understand the different facets of one’s psyche in a more intimate way.

This multiplicity is not unlike what is portrayed in "Inside Out," where different emotions take on distinct roles and interact with each other. In both psilocybin experiences and the film, there is a recognition that our internal world is rich and varied, with different parts vying for attention, influence, and expression.

The Internal Family Systems Model and "Parts" Work

The Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, developed by Dr. Richard C. Schwartz, is a therapeutic approach that directly engages with the idea of the psyche as composed of multiple parts. According to IFS, each of us has a core Self that is calm, curious, and compassionate. Surrounding this Self are various parts, which can be categorised into three main types: Managers, Exiles, and Firefighters.

• Managers: These parts try to maintain control over our internal and external environment to protect us from pain or discomfort.

• Exiles: These are often younger, wounded parts that carry the pain, fear, or trauma we’ve experienced.

• Firefighters: These parts act impulsively to distract us from or numb out emotional pain, often through behaviours like substance use or self-sabotage.

The goal of IFS therapy is to help individuals become aware of these parts, understand their roles, and develop a harmonious relationship between them and the Self. By doing so, one can achieve greater psychological balance and well-being.

In the context of a psilocybin experience, the multiplicity of the psyche that is often encountered can be viewed through the lens of IFS. The various parts that emerge during a journey—whether they are sources of fear, joy, or insight—can be understood as the same kinds of parts identified in IFS. The heightened state of consciousness brought on by psilocybin can allow individuals to interact with these parts more directly, offering an opportunity for profound healing and integration.

The Convergence: Healing Through Understanding

The intersection of Inside Out 2, a psilocybin experience, and the IFS model points to a powerful truth: understanding and engaging with the multiplicity of our psyche can lead to significant emotional and psychological wellbeing. Whether through the narrative device of a film, the altered state of a psychedelic journey, or the structured approach of IFS therapy, recognising that our mind is composed of various parts allows us to approach our inner world with more compassion and curiosity.

The film series Inside Out offers viewers a chance to see their own emotions and parts reflected on screen. Meanwhile, psilocybin experiences offer a more direct encounter with the multiplicity of the psyche, often leading to profound personal insights. And with the guidance of IFS, these insights can be integrated into our everyday lives, helping us to navigate the complexities of our emotions and experiences with greater ease and understanding.

In a world that often encourages us to see ourselves as singular and consistent, these perspectives remind us that we are, in fact, beautifully complex. By embracing this complexity—whether in the confines of a cinema, the safe space of a therapeutic session, or the introspective journey of a psilocybin experience—we open ourselves up to deeper healing, growth, and self-discovery.