BEYOND SURVIVAL
A PARTS WORK APPROACH TO HEALING
COMPLEX PTSD AND RELATIONAL TRAUMA
A 6-Day Residential Retreat with Dr Frank Anderson
Portugal, May 23 -28, 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. He also created a trauma curriculum for IFSI and has now created a new clinical program entitled, “The Integrated Path to Healing Trauma.”
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.
This retreat style workshop is currently pending approval for APA CEU credits.
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.
This retreat style workshop is currently pending approval for APA CEU credits.
The Retreat Location - Sesimbra, Portugal
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.
This retreat style workshop is currently pending approval for APA CEU credits.
What the participants from our previous retreat style workshops 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 retreat style workshop with Dr. Frank Anderson in Sesimbra, Portugal, from May 23–28, 2027.
You can join us in one of two ways: attend the workshop only, or enjoy the full residential retreat style workshop experience at the Sesimbra Oceanfront Hotel.
We will gather for an opening circle on Sunday evening, May 23rd, and conclude the workshop at 12pm on Friday, May 28th, 2027. Dinner on arrival and lunch following the closing session are included for full residential participants only.
Option 1: Workshop only — €2,200 per person
This option includes attendance at all scheduled workshop sessions with Dr. Frank Anderson. It allows you to arrange your own accommodation and meals elsewhere while joining us at the hotel during workshop hours.
Accommodation, meals, refreshments, and all other extras are not included in the workshop-only fee.
Option 2: Full residential retreat — €3,700 per person, single occupancy
Enjoy the complete retreat experience, with your workshop, accommodation, and meals conveniently provided at the workshop venue.
Your residential retreat investment includes:
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All scheduled workshop sessions with Dr. Frank Anderson.
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Five nights of private ensuite oceanfront accommodation at the Sesimbra Oceanfront Hotel.
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An oceanfront room with a private balcony and views of the Atlantic Ocean.
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Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, from dinner on Sunday, May 23rd, through lunch on Friday, May 28th, excluding dinner on Wednesday, May 26th.
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Morning and afternoon refreshment breaks with tea, coffee, and snacks during scheduled workshop hours.
Meals are thoughtfully prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with vegetarian options available.
Wednesday, May 26th, is our scheduled half-day of free time, and dinner that evening is at your own expense. This is an opportunity to explore Sesimbra, relax by the sea, or enjoy one of the town’s many restaurants and cafés.
Applications and booking
Once you register your interest, you will receive an application form where you can indicate whether you wish to attend on a workshop-only or full residential basis.
The workshop is limited to 45 participants in total across both options.
Only applicants who submit a completed application form will be considered. Once your application is approved, we will notify you formally and provide payment instructions to secure your place. All participants will be asked to pay a €1,000 non-refundable and non-transferable deposit to secure your place.
We require a minimum of 30 participants for the workshop to proceed. Please do not book travel or non-refundable independently arranged accommodation until Souliology has confirmed in writing that the workshop is proceeding.
If the workshop cannot proceed because minimum numbers are not reached, all fees paid to Souliology for your selected option will be refunded. Travel, independently booked accommodation, meals, and any other costs incurred outside your booking with Souliology remain your responsibility.
For travel information, please see the “How to get there and more” section below.
IMPORTANT: Please read our FAQs page before booking. It includes further guidelines, general information to help you plan your visit, and our arrangements in the event of cancellation due to a global illness or the retreat leader being unable to attend.
If you have any further questions after reading the FAQs, please email 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 23rd – Friday, 28th, 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
Dinner (Full Residential Applicants only)
Opening Circle
Breakfast (Full Residential Applicants only)
Morning Session
Lunch (Full Residential Applicants only)
Afternoon Session
Dinner (Full Residential Applicants only)
Breakfast (Full Residential Applicants only)
Morning Session
Lunch (Full Residential Applicants only)
Afternoon off to rest, relax, explore
Friday
8am – 9am
9am – 12pm
12.30pm
Breakfast (Full Residential Applicants only)
Morning Session - Goodbyes
Lunch (Full Residential Applicants only)
Please note that for residential applicants only, we will not be offering dinner on Wednesday night May 26th 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:
Attendance Options and Payment Schedules
You can choose between the full residential retreat package and the workshop-only package.
Full Residential Retreat Package: €3,700 per solo participant
This package includes the 6-day workshop with Dr. Frank Anderson and five nights of private ensuite accommodation at the Sesimbra Oceanfront Hotel, with your own balcony and oceanfront views.
Meals include full breakfast, lunch, and dinner, from dinner on Sunday, May 23rd, through lunch on Friday, May 28th, excluding dinner on Wednesday, May 26th, when you are free to dine outside the hotel. Morning and afternoon refreshments are also included during scheduled workshop hours.
The hotel can cater for a variety of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets. Please indicate your requirements on the registration form.
Residential Payment Schedule
You may pay the full €3,700 on acceptance or spread the cost across three payments:
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Payment 1: €1,000 deposit, due on acceptance.
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Payment 2: €1,500, due by November 27th, 2026.
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Payment 3: €1,200, due by February 26th, 2027.
All payments are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable unless the retreat is cancelled by Souliology.
Workshop-Only Package: €2,200 per participant
This package includes attendance at all scheduled workshop sessions with Dr. Frank Anderson. Accommodation, meals, refreshments, and all other extras are not included. You are responsible for arranging and paying for your own accommodation and meals.
Workshop-Only Payment Schedule
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Payment 1: €1,000 (EUR), due on acceptance. This deposit is strictly non-refundable and non-transferable.
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Payment 2: €1,200, due by February 26th, 2027. This payment is strictly non-refundable and non-transferable.
Late Registrations
If you register after a published payment deadline, payments already due will become payable on acceptance. Your payment schedule will be confirmed with your acceptance email.
Partners and Companions — Residential Bookings Only
Two participating attendees sharing a room: The total cost for two people attending the full retreat and sharing accommodation is €7,000. Please indicate this preference on your registration form. Your payment amounts will be confirmed on acceptance.
Non-participating companion: You may bring a companion to share your room and enjoy the scheduled retreat meals for an additional €1,200. This fee does not include attendance at workshop sessions.
Any accompanying companion must be over 18 years of age. Children may only stay in shared accommodation if accompanied by another adult who will not be attending the workshop.
Additional Charges
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A €100 late-payment fee per person applies to payments received after their applicable November 27th, 2026, or February 26th, 2027, deadline.
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A €50 administrative fee applies to room or occupancy category changes.
Cancellation and Travel Insurance
All fees paid are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable unless the retreat is cancelled by Souliology. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance and considering Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, where available. Please check the policy’s terms, exclusions, and coverage before purchasing.
IMPORTANT: A minimum of 30 workshop participants is required for the retreat to proceed. Please do not book travel or independently arranged accommodation until Souliology has formally confirmed in writing that the retreat is proceeding.
If minimum numbers are not reached and Souliology cancels the retreat, all fees paid to Souliology for your selected package will be refunded. Travel, independently booked accommodation, and other costs paid to third parties remain your responsibility.
