Popular IFS Therapy Draws Scrutiny Over Weak Scientific Evidence

Internal Family Systems therapy has surged in popularity with many users reporting positive experiences, but the scientific evidence supporting it remains thin. IFS, which treats the mind as composed of multiple 'parts,' has no randomized controlled trials for psychiatric disorders. Critics warn the approach can be problematic for patients with eating disorders or trauma, potentially implanting false memories or causing psychological harm. While IFS may help some people develop self-compassion, experts caution that leading IFS figures promote questionable metaphysical beliefs, including literal demons, raising concerns about therapeutic practices lacking rigorous scientific validation.