Research Priorities: Enhancing IFS Credibility and Visibility

The best way to foster wider use of IFS is to enhance the credibility of the model through empirical evidence, so the Foundation for Self Leadership funds rigorous, independent research into IFS, across various disciplines, for various conditions, and in various settings.

Study on the Efficacy of IFS in Treating PTSD and Opioid Addiction

A Phase-II, randomized control trial with individuals suffering from PTSD is currently being conducted at Cambridge Health Alliance, by a team from the Harvard Medical School, to examine IFS-treatment outcomes. Following a cutting-edge pilot using group, online therapy that showed promising results, the full study will not only open doors for further IFS research; just as importantly, it will establish an IFS-treatment approach for community agencies, which support diverse groups commonly underserved by IFS. Learn more.

TOTAL NEEDED: $375,000 ($270,000 raised to-date)

Post-Doctoral IFS-based Research Fellowships

Establish a fellowship for advanced behavioral scientists interested in conducting publishable IFS research studies. Working with faculty colleagues for two-year terms (over a period of ten years), research fellows help expand the pool of IFS empirical data and the publication of IFS-oriented studies in peer-reviewed journals.

TOTAL NEEDED: $600,000

Study on Pilot IFS Intervention for Military Veterans or Servicemembers

This study is designed to take place in conjunction with a program to conduct IFS clinical interventions for military veteran clients, led by a group of independent practitioners or at a Veterans Administration medical center. A longitudinal study of outcomes would expand empirical data regarding cohorts of military participants and would, to the extent that science warrants it, advocate further for consideration of IFS as an evidence-based modality across the VA.

TOTAL NEEDED: $125,000

IFS in Graduate Training Programs

Outreach and advocacy efforts in higher education, present and promote IFS as a model of the human mind, and a protocol for personal and relational development. The intent is to expand the acceptance of IFS as a theoretical framework and practice in graduate curricula within psychology, counselor education and social work, human development, education, and management.

TOTAL NEEDED: $25,000 ($2,500 for advocacy efforts per university)

Support

You can make an outright gift to the IFS Research Fund through the Foundation for Self Leadership online portal. Click here.

To learn about making a multi-year pledge designated to any of these projects, please contact Barbara Perkins, Senior Associate Director-Development & Communications at Barbara@FoundationIFS.org.