Confronting Uncertainty: Philosophical Inquiry in Mental Health
with Cristiano Bacchi and Giacomo Piselli Fioroni
We use frameworks and concepts to protect ourselves from the discomfort of not knowing, but these very concepts, when taken for granted, can prevent us from asking the kinds of questions that will set us free. In this episode, I’m joined by philosophy of mental health scholars, Cristiano Bacchi and Giacomo Piselli Fioroni, co-hosts of the podcast “In Front of the Mirror.” Together, we dive into the critical intersection of philosophy and psychiatry, exploring why slowing down to question our fundamental assumptions about mental health is not just academic exercise, but is essential for creating more humane and effective approaches. Cristiano, whose research examines authenticity and agency in mental health experiences, and Giacomo, who investigates the complex interplay between mind, world, and intersubjectivity, bring their interdisciplinary backgrounds to a conversation that challenges the dominant paradigms while remaining unafraid to tackle the big questions.
In this episode we also discuss:
Problems with biological reductionism in psychiatry and diagnostic frameworks
How philosophical tools can transform mental health education and practice
The questions that keep us up at night
The role of agency (e.g. Is this experience something that I have or something that I am and to what extent am I in control?)
Visions for a future where lived experience and multiple perspectives are centered in mental health care
Bios
Cristiano Bacchi is a Master’s student in Clinical Psychology at the School of Psychology, University of Padua, Italy.He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Psychological Sciences and Techniques from the University of Perugia, Italy, and a Master of Arts in Philosophy and Cognitive Sciences from the Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.This background allowed him to become familiar with interdisciplinary approaches to the study of the mind and the person. To put this perspective into practice, during his undergraduate studies he trained as an intern in Amniotic Therapy, a body-based group therapy for persons experiencing psychosis.His current research addresses key questions in the philosophy of mental health, including issues of authenticity and ambiguity in psychiatry, the impact of mental health narratives on the person’s sense of agency, and the role of language and metaphors in representing mental health conditions.
Giacomo Piselli Fioroni is finishing his masters at the “Berlin School of Mind and Brain”, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin. In his bachelor, he studied “Philosophy and Psychological sciences and techniques” at the University of Perugia, Italy. Currently, he is looking for a doctorate program, striving for realising his dream of becoming a researcher. His current work aims at putting into communication philosophy and mental health-related disciplines. Particularly, his current work focuses on the role of folk psychology both in the theories and practice of clinical sciences, and on the relationship of first-person, second-person and third-person perspectives employed to describe and understand mental health phenomena.
Together, in 2024 they organized and taught the Projekttutorium Philosophy of Mental Health at Humboldt University.Since May 2025, they have hosted the podcast In Front of the Mirror, where they continue to explore the dialogue between philosophy and mental health.In Front of the Mirror - the podcast that bridges philosophy and mental health.
Links:
In Front of the Mirror - the English Podcast
In Front of the Mirror - Il Podcast in Italiano
Follow us on IG: @mirror_podcast_
In Front of the Mirror Substack:
Cristiano’s paper: Bacchi, C. (2024). Is it me or my delusion? Harnessing authenticity for an agential view of delusionality. Philosophy and the Mind Sciences, 5. https://doi.org/10.33735/phimisci.2024.11474
Come Celebrate with Us: Kindling Community!
Join me and IDHA on Sunday, December 7, 2025 for a virtual gathering to honor the practices and relationships that help us show up for one another through cycles of struggle, grief, and transformation.
Mutual aid – people sharing resources to meet immediate needs while building lasting change – reminds us that connection and shared commitment are what enable communities and movements to thrive. This is the heart of transformative mental health: healing ourselves and caring for each other as we work to transform the world around us.
This dynamic event will feature a keynote by organizer and writer Dean Spade, an interactive workshop, artistic performances, and more. It will be a space to slow down, replenish, and root into the foundations of sustainable change – to tend the spark of collective care and celebrate the wisdom and everyday practices that sustain liberation.
Resources:
Get the book: Mad Studies Reader: Interdisciplinary Innovations in Mental Health
Become a member: The Institute for the Development of Human Arts
Train with us: Transformative Mental Health Core Curriculum
Sessions & Information about the host: JazmineRussell.com
Disclaimer: The DEPTH Work Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Any information on this podcast in no way to be construed or substituted as psychological counseling, psychotherapy, mental health counseling, or any other type of therapy or medical advice.
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