Evaluating the Evidence and State of the Science of Internal Family Systems in 2026
Join us for this special fundraising event in support of ongoing IFS research at the Center for Mindfulness and Compassion.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy has grown significantly in its use and visibility in recent years. As more therapists, clients, and organizations become interested in IFS, important questions are being asked about the research behind the model: What does the research actually tell us? How strong is the evidence for IFS? For which mental health conditions, does IFS lack evidence? What can we confidently say about its effectiveness and safety in conditions for which it is commonly offered like PTSD and Depression? What should we avoid saying about IFS so we don’t overstate the evidence? What questions still need to be studied?
This program will offer a clear and balanced review of the current state of IFS research as of 2026. Participants will look at what has been studied so far, what we can learn from that research, and where there are still limitations or gaps in the evidence. The program will also explore the difference between what clinicians may observe in their practice and what has been demonstrated through research, contributing to a deeper understanding of when it may be appropriate to use IFS when delivering mental health care.
The course will review topics including:
The current research and evidence supporting IFS therapy.
The populations, clinical concerns, and settings in which IFS has been studied.
The strengths and limitations of the existing IFS research.
What we can and cannot currently say about the effectiveness of IFS.
What it means to describe a therapy as “evidence based” and how that applies to IFS.
Important gaps in the research and areas for future study.
The relationship between clinical experience and research evidence.
How clinicians can accurately and responsibly talk about the evidence for IFS with clients, colleagues, organizations, and the broader community.
The program will include a 70-minute presentation by Zev Schuman-Olivier, followed by 30 minutes of responses to written questions submitted by participants and a 30-minute live question-and-answer period. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions, engage with the research, and consider what the current evidence means for their own clinical practice.
Date: Friday, October 2nd
Time: 10:30AM-1PM
Cost:
$25 — Student suggested donation
$50 — General suggested donation
Additional giving levels: $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $5,000, $10,000
Learning Objectives
1. Clinicians will learn how to evaluate the level of evidence available for Internal Family Systems using accepted frameworks for empirically supported treatment.
2. Clinicians will learn about how to interpret the prior and current clinical trial data available and understand findings from the PARTS group-based IFS initiative.
3. Clinicians will learn how to communicate the level of evidence available and conduct appropriate informed consent when offering Internal Family Systems as a part of care.
Speaker: Zev Schuman-Olivier, MD
10:30 AM — Welcome & Introductions
10:40 AM — Zev Schuman-Olivier, MD: Presentation on the Current Evidence Base and State of IFS Science
Approximately 60–70 minutes
11:40 AM — 5-minute break
11:45 AM — Zev responds to pre-submitted/written audience questions
12:15 PM — 5-minute break
12:20 PM — Live Audience Q&A
1:00 PM — Event concludes
This course will offer Continuing Education Credit- Stay tuned for more information about CEs specifically for Counselors, Social Workers
