The International Family Therapy Association (IFTA) held its 2026 World Congress in Bergen, Norway, and Loma Linda University was well represented. A delegation of SBH students and alumni presented on new and emerging therapeutic topics, joining participants from more than 30 countries to share ideas and network as the field of Marriage and Family Therapy continues to advance well-being within families and communities worldwide.
LLU student presenters included Roseana Diaz-Costillo, Neeah Lofton, Reyna Kot, Kayce Shepard, and program director Dr. Zephon Lister, along with distinguished alumni Dr. Kelly Duggan Shearer, Dr. Carlene Fider, Dr. John Jacob, and Dr. Katheryn Whittaker. This year's congress also recognized Reyna Kot with a student scholarship for her dedication to the field of Marriage and Family Therapy.
The School of Behavioral Health emphasizes international opportunities as part of its commitment to preparing students to make a meaningful impact locally, nationally, and globally. Through collaboration with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, students and alumni develop a deeper appreciation for how their work extends across borders and reflects shared human experiences.
Personal Reflection by Kayce Shepard
As a student in the Systems, Families, and Couples PhD program, it was an honor to represent Loma Linda University at the IFTA World Congress in Bergen, Norway. As I prepared for the presentation, I reflected on how my mission and vision have evolved during my years in the program. The vision "to make man whole" brought me to LLU and now shapes my purpose in my work with families. Norway allowed me an opportunity to share from a holistic perspective the family therapy concepts and protocols that can help heal individuals and build stronger families. The proof that the work my peers and I presented was relevant was the number of people who wanted to follow up after our sessions, and I was immensely proud to be a part of LLU. A special thanks to Dr. Lister for his guidance and support in helping us grow as clinicians and program developers to help bring about meaningful change in the world.
Congratulations to everyone who represented SBH so beautifully in Bergen.
