Email: contact@souliology.com
BEYOND SURVIVAL
A PARTS WORK APPROACH TO HEALING
COMPLEX PTSD AND RELATIONAL TRAUMA
A 6-Day Residential Retreat with Dr Frank Anderson
Portugal, May 9-14, 2027.
ABOUT FRANK....
Frank Anderson, MD, is a world-renowned trauma expert, Harvard-trained psychiatrist, bestselling author, and internationally sought-after speaker known for his warmth, wisdom, and deeply compassionate approach to healing trauma. He is the acclaimed author of the bestselling book Transcending Trauma and the deeply personal memoir To Be Loved: A Story of Truth, Trauma and Transformation, as well as co-author of the IFS Skills Training Manual.
Dr. Anderson has worked closely with leading trauma pioneers, including a long-standing affiliation with Bessel van der Kolk, and currently serves on the board of the Trauma Research Foundation. A former Lead Trainer with the IFS Institute and current Clinical Advisory Board member with Unyte Health, he is passionate about integrating cutting-edge neuroscience with transformative, brain-based psychotherapy approaches.
Drawing from both professional expertise and profound personal experience, Dr. Anderson believes that healing trauma opens the door to deeper connection, self-compassion, and lasting transformation. Through his teaching, writing, and clinical work, he helps people understand how unresolved trauma impacts the mind, body, and relationships—and, most importantly, how healing is truly possible.
He is the co-founder and director of The Trauma Institute and Trauma-Informed Media, organisations dedicated to trauma education, awareness, and accessible healing resources. Based in Los Angeles with his husband and two sons, Dr. Anderson continues to inspire clinicians and communities around the world with his heartfelt, practical, and hopeful approach to trauma recovery.
What to expect from this retreat style workshop with Frank…..
Working with clients experiencing complex PTSD and relational trauma can often feel like navigating intense and unpredictable terrain. Extreme emotional reactions, multiple comorbidities, challenges with boundaries, nervous system dysregulation, and relational volatility can leave even highly experienced therapists and clinicians feeling overwhelmed.
A parts work approach offers a compassionate and deeply effective framework for working with the complexities of trauma. It helps clinicians understand adaptive survival strategies and the protective roles different parts of the psyche take on in response to overwhelming experiences. This approach supports healing on multiple levels—addressing distorted beliefs and inner narratives, incorporating the body and nervous system through awareness of physical sensations, and facilitating the healing of painful emotional wounds such as shame, loneliness, abandonment, unworthiness, and disconnection.
Participants will explore how relational trauma impacts the whole system and learn practical ways to help clients safely access and heal the vulnerable parts carrying burdens from the past.
Please note that this workshop is intended for parts work–informed practitioners or clinicians with a strong foundational understanding of working with multiplicity and protective systems, as prior familiarity with these concepts will help participants gain the most from the experience.
Learning objectives
Participants will:
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Explore different types of trauma and examine how a parts work approach differs from traditional phase-oriented trauma treatment.
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Learn how to integrate parts work with other therapeutic modalities to support trauma healing in a safe, effective, and trauma-informed way.
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Develop skills for working with protective strategies and survival adaptations so clients can gradually access underlying vulnerability.
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Explore the difference between empathy and compassion and how embodied presence supports healing.
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Discover how parts work uniquely addresses early attachment wounds and developmental trauma.
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Explore common adaptations to relational trauma, including shame, neglect, hypervigilance, dissociation, vulnerability, and substance use.
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Review the spectrum of traumatic responses associated with complex PTSD and dissociation, along with pathways toward healing and integration.
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Deepen understanding of neuroscience and the neurobiology of trauma, attachment, PTSD, and dissociation, and how this knowledge can support clinical decision-making.
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Identify common roadblocks to healing and learn practical ways to work through therapeutic impasses so clients can safely release the burdens they carry.
This retreat-style workshop will include clinical teaching, case examples, experiential exercises, and opportunities for personal reflection to deepen learning and integration.
The Retreat Location
The Retreat will take place in the gorgeous Oceanfront Hotel in Sesimbra, Portugal.
Sesimbra, a hidden gem just a stone's throw from Lisbon! This charming town, beloved by locals, offers an authentic slice of Portuguese life, far from the hustle of mass tourism.
Sesimbra is beautifully situated next to Arrábida National Park, where you'll find stunning hills covered in Mediterranean vegetation, dramatic cliffs, and untouched beaches. From here, you can easily reach Capo Espichel, known for its famous sanctuary where dinosaur footprints were discovered.
The town offers a variety of activities, including excursions, scenic walks, and water sports. The sandy bay is flanked by high cliffs to the west and a fishing port to the east, with the municipal beach charmingly split in two by a historic fort. Nearby, the pristine beaches of Arrábida Natural Park, such as the famous Praia do Figueirinha, entice visitors with their calm, crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery.
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to "The Castle," perched on a 200-meter cliff. Built by the Moors and later contested in the 12th century by Alfonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, and Dom Sancho I, this historic site offers a glimpse into the region's rich past. The castle's main attraction is the Igreja Santa Maria do Castelo, a small white church beautifully decorated with traditional blue and white azulejos.
If you love the great outdoors, Arrábida National Park is a must-visit. This protected mountain area, stretching behind the town, is one of Portugal's most picturesque green spaces. With numerous hiking paths suitable for both trekking and mountain biking, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
There is plenty to do on your day off, whether you're exploring historic sites, enjoying outdoor adventures, indulging in the Hotel's wonderful spa treatments or simply relaxing by the sea, Sesimbra offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness in an enchanting corner of Portugal!
Here is a link to help you explore more about the locality:
Recommended Reading:
Dr. Anderson’s bestselling book, Transcending Trauma, offers a powerful and compassionate exploration of healing complex PTSD, relational trauma, and the protective survival strategies we develop in response to overwhelming experiences.
While reading the book before the retreat is not essential, many participants find it enriches their experience and deepens their understanding of the themes we will explore together.
You can learn more about or purchase the book via Frank Anderson Books.
We are also delighted to share that Dr. Anderson’s deeply personal memoir, To Be Loved: A Story of Truth, Trauma and Transformation, is now available. Beautifully written, honest, and deeply moving, it offers an intimate glimpse into Dr. Anderson’s personal healing journey and the experiences that shaped his life and work. It can be purchased through his website, Amazon, and many independent bookstores.
If you’d like, feel free to bring a copy of one—or both—of Dr. Anderson’s books to the retreat, as he will generously set aside time for book signings and photographs during the event.
For more information about Dr. Anderson and his work, please visit
FrankAndersonMD.com
Please note: This retreat-style workshop is designed for parts work–informed practitioners or those with a strong foundational understanding of working with protective systems and multiplicity. Familiarity with these concepts will help participants gain the greatest depth and benefit from the retreat experience.
What the participants from our previous retreats had to say
This was my second retreat with Souliology and Frank Anderson. I would do it again and again!
This retreat with Frank Anderson was amazing. I appreciated the thoroughness of his presentation, and his ability to demonstrate the information during live demo's - Brenda USA
The training with Dr Frank Anderson was transformative on its own, but the Souliology staff elevated the entire experience with their warmth and attentiveness. Their care turned an amazing professional development opportunity into something truly unforgettable.
I am always pleased and grateful when I attend a Souliology Retreat experience. I am able to get training that is excellent, and have wonderful food and nourish myself as a practicing mental health provider. It is so important to do self care in our community.
Souliology hosts superior retreats full of rich experientials, learning, and connection.
Frank Anderson is a superb teacher. The retreat was useful both personally and professionally for me. Sharon Stein McNamara EdD, LP Minnesota United States of America
Retreat particulars
Applications are now open for this 6-day residential retreat in Portugal from May 9-14, 2027.
We will gather for dinner and an opening circle on Sunday night, May 9th and we will conclude at 12pm followed by lunch on Friday, May 14th, 2027.
RETREAT COST: €3,700 per solo attendee.
Your retreat investment includes the full retreat experience with Dr. Frank Anderson, along with five nights of private ensuite accommodation in a beautiful oceanfront boutique hotel in Sesimbra. Each room features its own private balcony and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, creating the perfect setting for rest, reflection, and renewal.
Throughout the retreat, you will enjoy three delicious meals each day (excluding dinner on Wednesday evening), thoughtfully prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and with vegetarian options available. Full retreat days include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as morning and afternoon refreshment breaks with tea, coffee, and snacks during scheduled retreat hours.
Please note that dinner will not be provided on Wednesday, May 12th, as this is our scheduled half-day free time. We encourage you to take this opportunity to explore Sesimbra at your own pace, relax by the sea, or enjoy one of the many excellent local restaurants and cafés the town has to offer.
An application form for completion will be available to you for completion once you register your interest.
This retreat is limited to 45 participants. Only applicants who complete a full registration form will be considered for this retreat. Once your registration is approved we will advise you formally and it is only at this point that we will request a €1,000 non-refundable and non-transferable deposit to reserve your place on this retreat. Any travel costs to the retreat location at The Sesimbra Oceanfront Hotel in Sesimbra Portugal is your responsibility. Please find more details on how to get there in the "How to get there and more" section below.
IMPORTANT: Please read our FAQS page on this website for further guidelines and information, the arrangements we have in place in the unlikely event the retreat is cancelled due to a global illness or in the unlikely event the retreat leader is not in a position to attend. The FAQS page also provides further general information which you may find useful when planning your trip. If after reading the FAQS page you have any further information, please feel free to email us at contact@souliology.com.
Beyond Survival - Our 6-day residential retreat schedule
6-Day Retreat Schedule – This is a broad outline of what the schedule for the week will look like but please note it is subject to change at the retreat leaders discretion.
Sunday 9th – Friday 14th, 2027
Sunday
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
Wednesday
6.30pm
7.30pm - 9pm
8am – 9am
9am – 12pm
12.30pm
3pm – 6pm
7pm
8am – 9am
9am – 12.30pm
12.30pm
1pm onwards
7pm
Dinner
Opening Circle
Breakfast
Morning Session
Lunch
Afternoon Session
Dinner
Breakfast
Morning Session
Lunch
Afternoon off to rest, relax, explore
Dinner
Friday
8am – 9am
9am – 12pm
12.30pm
Breakfast
Morning Session
Lunch and Goodbyes
Please note that we will not be offering dinner on Wednesday night May 12th as that is our half day off and therefore, you are free to do as you please on this evening and enjoy some of the other wonderful restaurants in the charming town of Sesimbra.
Your Investment:
Total Retreat Cost: - €3,700 per solo participant.
The retreat cost includes the 6-day retreat itself with Dr Frank Anderson, 5-nights private accommodation and 3 delicious meals a day to include a full breakfast, lunch and a delicious evening meal throughout the retreat schedule with the exception of Wednesday night when you are free to dine outside the retreat hotel. Our retreat location can also cater for a variety of dietary requirements such as vegetarian, gluten free and lactose intolerance. You can indicate your dietary requirements and preferences on the registration form.
Retreat Payment Schedule:
We are delighted to offer flexibility with our payment options. You have two choices: you can make full payment now of €3,700 (EURO) or you can opt for our convenient payment plan. The payment plan breaks down the retreat cost into 3 convenient payments as follows:
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Payment 1: €1,000 (Euro) non-refundable and non-transferable deposit – (Due on acceptance onto the retreat).
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Payment 2: €1,500 (Euro) per person due by the 30th October, 2026. This amount, once paid, is strictly non-refundable and non-transferable.
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Payment 3: The remaining balance of €1,200 for solo occupancy or more depending on your room occupancy type must be paid by the 29th January 2027. This amount, once paid, is strictly non-refundable and non-transferable.
If you register after the published payment deadlines, the standard payment schedule may no longer apply and any remaining balance may be adjusted or become payable in full at the time of registration.
PLEASE NOTE: Please note that all fees paid towards this retreat are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable unless the retreat is cancelled by Souliology. To protect your financial investment, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, including CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) coverage, to safeguard against illness, emergencies, adverse weather, travel disruptions, flight delays or cancellations, or any other unforeseen circumstance that may prevent you from attending.
Partners/Companions: If you wish to attend the retreat with a companion and share accommodation, we offer a reduced fee for both attendees. The total cost for two people to attend the full retreat and share accommodation at the hotel is €7,000. Please ensure to indicate your preference by choosing Option 3 during the registration process.
Additionally, you are welcome to bring a companion who can stay at the hotel with you in shared accommodation, enjoy the set retreat meals but not attend the retreat itself. This option incurs a supplementary cost of €1,200. Please ensure to indicate your preference by choosing Option 2 during the registration process.
Please note:
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Any companion accompanying you must be an adult over 18 years of age.
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Children are not allowed to join you in shared accommodation during the retreat unless accompanied by another adult who will not be attending the retreat.
Possible additional charges -:
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An additional €100 (Euro) per person late fee for payments received after 30th October 2026 and 29th January 2027.
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An additional €50 (Euro) administrative fee for room or occupancy category changes.
