Email: contact@souliology.com
Transcending Trauma - A 6 Day Residential Retreat with Dr Frank Anderson in Costa Rica
January 4 - 9, 2026
A little about Frank……
Frank Anderson, MD, completed his residency and was a clinical instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He is both a psychiatrist and psychotherapist. He specializes in the treatment of trauma and dissociation and is passionate about teaching brain-based psychotherapy and integrating current neuroscience knowledge with the IFS model of therapy.
Dr. Anderson is a Lead Trainer at the IFS Institute with Richard Schwartz and maintains a long affiliation with, and trains for, Bessel van der Kolk’s Trauma Center. He serves as an advisor to the International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP) and was the former chair and director of the Foundation for Self Leadership.
Dr. Anderson has lectured extensively on the Neurobiology of PTSD and Dissociation and wrote the chapter “Who’s Taking What” Connecting Neuroscience, Psychopharmacology and Internal Family Systems for Trauma in Internal Family Systems Therapy-New Dimensions. He co-authored a chapter on “What IFS Brings to Trauma Treatment in Innovations and Elaborations in Internal Family Systems Therapy” and recently co-authored Internal Family Systems Skills Training Manual.
Dr. Anderson maintains a private practice in Concord, MA. For more information about Frank, please visit his website at www.FrankAndersonMD.com.
What to expect from this retreat style workshop with Frank…..
Working with clients who suffer from complex PTSD can often feel like being on a roller coaster. The extreme reactions, multiple comorbidities, difficulty with boundary issues and volatility in relationships make these clients challenging even for the most skilled therapists. Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy has a unique way of addressing and overcoming the complexities of relational trauma. It deals with the cognitive by addressing and unloading distorted thoughts and beliefs, it incorporates the body as it supports the movement and discharge of physical sensations, and it facilitates the release of painful feelings (such as unworthiness, loneliness, and unlovability) by healing the wounds that parts of us carry.
Learning Objectives:
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Explore the different types of trauma and examine the ways IFS is different from traditional phase-oriented treatment.
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Demonstrate how to incorporate IFS with other models of treatment and address protective parts in a trauma-specific manner so your clients can unlock access to the wounds they protect.
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Discover the differences between empathy and compassion as it relates to Self-energy.
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Learn essential strategies to effectively gain permission from protective parts to access hidden vulnerability.
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Discover the unique way IFS approaches early attachment wounding.
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Delve into common adaptations of relational trauma such as neglect, vulnerability, shame and substance-use.
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Review the range of traumatic wounds and discover the various forms of healing associated with complex PTSD and dissociation.
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Incorporate neuroscience knowledge as it relates to the IFS model and review the neurobiology of PTSD and dissociation.
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Investigate how neuroscience can inform therapeutic decisions with extreme symptoms and will discover the unique ways in which IFS addresses attachment trauma.
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Review common roadblocks to healing and discuss ways to successfully overcome them so your clients can effectively release the pain they carry.
This retreat style workshop will include case examples, personal experiences, and clinical exercises to enhance your learning as well. 26 IFS-CE credits are available for this IFS Retreat which can be used towards IFS certification or recertification.
The Retreat Location
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and allow yourself to embark on a journey of self-discovery at Pura Vida Retreat & Spa.
Nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, the retreat resort offers a peaceful sanctuary for those seeking solace and a chance to reconnect with their inner selves. Pura Vida Retreat & Spa spans over 8 acres at 4,900 feet above sea level, surrounded by tranquil coffee plantations and offering stunning views of Costa Rica’s Central Valley.
There’s plenty to do on and around the grounds of the retreat centre. The spa is a haven of relaxation, set against a beautiful backdrop. Guests can unwind at the Pura Vida Jacuzzis and pools after a soothing massage, or enjoy a meal at the dining hall.
Weather: Pura Vida Retreat & Spa is tucked serenely in the clouds, nearly a mile above the city of San Jose. Pura Vida’s climate is spring-like year-round with warm days (70s-80s F) and mild nights (60s F). The sun rises at 5:30 and sets around 6 all year long. Costa Rica’s Green Season is full of splendor for those seeking peace and tranquility. Refreshing mountain temperatures, purifying and cleansing rains are an opportunity to enliven the senses as you enter the season of turning within.
Food: Delicious dishes are lovingly prepared from fresh local produce and regional purveyors. Served buffet-style in their inviting dining hall, all meals feature both North American and Costa Rican vegetarian, fish and chicken dishes to tempt your taste buds and nourish your body and soul. Complimentary coffee, tea, alkaline water and filtered water are available throughout the day. The wine and juice bar in the dining hall stocks sulfite-free, organic wines, Costa Rican and Central American beers, and bottled water for an additional fee. It is also the place for fresh smoothies, and custom-blended chai and turmeric elixirs.
What more can you ask for?
Recommended Reading:
His most recent book, entitled “Transcending Trauma: Healing Complex PTSD with Internal Family Systems” was released on May 19, 2021.
Reading the book prior to the retreat will support getting the most out of your experience but it is not essential and there is no obligation to do so.
You can purchase the book by clicking the attached link. https://www.frankandersonmd.com/books
We are also thrilled to share that Dr Anderson's Memoir titled,
"To Be Loved: A story of Truth,Trauma and Transformation" has been released and can also be purchased on his website, on Amazon US and UK and through many independent book stores. It is truly a captivating and enriching read. If you're interested, you can bring your copy of one of his books to the retreat with you and Dr Anderson will allocate some time for book signing and photographs.
For more information about Frank, please visit his website at www.FrankAndersonMD.com.
Please note that this retreat style workshop is only open to participants who are IFS informed as a strong understanding of IFS therapy is essential to get the most from this retreat.
Retreat particulars
Applications are now open for this retreat in Costa Rica from January 4 - 9, 2026.
The retreat will take place over 6 days starting with dinner on Sunday night the 4th of January and concluding with lunch on Friday, January 9th, 2026 at 12pm.
Retreat cost starts at: $3,300 (USD) PER PERSON
The retreat cost includes the retreat itself with Dr Anderson, 6 nights private accommodation and 3 delicious meals a day Monday - Thursday. An evening meal is included on Sunday night, the first night of the retreat and a full breakfast and lunch is included on Friday, the last day of the retreat.
There will be an afternoon off on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026, to allow participants time to process, rest, and relax at the spa, which features some exceptional bodyworkers - feel free to check out the spa menu - https://puravidaspa.com/wellness-center/. All spa treatments incur an additional cost and can be charged to your room.
This retreat is limited to 40 participants. If you are interested in participating, please register your interest. You will then be directed automatically to a registration form for completion. 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 payment to reserve your place on this retreat.
We require a minimum of 30 applicants for this retreat to proceed so please do not make travel arrangements until you have been formally advised that the retreat is proceeding. Thank you.
Any travel costs to the retreat location at Pura Vida Retreat and Spa is your sole responsibility, however, retreat venue offer a free shuttle bus service from and to San Jose International Airport to the retreat venue. Please find more details on how to book in the "How to get there and more" section below.
IMPORTANT: Please read our FAQS page on this website for further guidelines and information on Covid, the arrangements we have in place in the unlikely event the retreat is cancelled due to Covid 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 require any further information, please feel free to email us at contact@souliology.com.
Transcending Trauma - 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 – Friday, January 4-9, 2026
Sunday
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
Wednesday
6pm
7.30pm - 9pm
8am – 9am
9am – 12pm
12pm
3pm – 6pm
6.30pm
8am – 9am
9am – 12.30pm
12.30pm
1pm onwards
6.30 - 7.30pm
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
12pm
Breakfast
Morning Session
Lunch and Goodbyes
Complimentary coffee, tea, alkaline water and filtered water are available throughout the day in the dining hall.
Your Investment:
Total Retreat Cost: - Starts from $3,300 per participant (based on single room occupancy) depending on the room type you choose.
The retreat cost includes the 6-day retreat itself with Dr Frank Anderson, 6 nights private accommodation and 3 delicious meals a day to include a full breakfast, lunch and a delicious evening meal throughout the retreat schedule. 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 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 (USD) non-refundable and non-transferable deposit – (Due on acceptance onto the retreat).
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Payment 2: $1,000 (USD) per person due by Friday the 15th August, 2025. (This amount will be refundable until the 7th November 2025 should you decide to cancel.
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Payment 3: The remaining balance depending on your room and occupancy type must be paid by the 7th November 2025.
Please note: There is no refund of fees over and above your non-refundable deposit for withdrawal for any reason after the 7th of November 2025. If you register for the retreat after the specified payment deadlines outlined above, the existing payment schedule will no longer apply. Your payment schedule will either be adjusted to align with the existing payment plan, provided the payment deadlines allow, or you will be required to pay for the retreat in full.
Partners/Companions: If you wish to attend the retreat with a companion who will also be attending the retreat and you wish to share accommodation, we offer a $300 reduction off your total cost for both your attendance. Please ensure to indicate your preference during the registration process.
Additionally, you are welcome to bring a companion who can stay at the retreat hotel with you in shared accommodation, enjoy the set retreat meals but not attend the retreat itself. This option incurs a supplementary cost of $900 (USD). Please ensure to indicate your preference 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.
Possible additional charges -:
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An additional $100 (USD) per person late fee for payments received after the 8th of August, 2025 and the 7th of November, 2025.
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An additional $50 (USD) administrative fee for room or occupancy category changes.
26 IFS-CE credits are available for this IFS Retreat which can be used towards IFS certification or recertification.
How to get there…..and more!
Please download the attached information document which includes details of -
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Pura Vida - The Retreat Venue.
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Getting to the Retreat Venue, including a link to book the free shuttle bus from/to San Jose International Airport.
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Driving Directions
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Entry and Departure requirements for Costa Rica
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Vaccinations if required
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Currency
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The Weather
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What to bring
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OUR COVID-19 Policy...
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and more!