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On-Demand

Transcending Trauma: Understanding and Healing Trauma Through IFS and Neuroscience

Frank Anderson, MD
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Description

This immersive 12-module program (8 hours, 30 minutes of content) offers an unprecedented integration of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and neuroscience for the treatment of trauma. Led by Dr. Frank Anderson—Harvard-trained psychiatrist, IFS Senior Lead Trainer, and long-time collaborator of Bessel van der Kolk—this course bridges clinical expertise, neurobiological science, and compassionate presence. Dr. Anderson guides participants through the foundations of IFS, the neuroscience of trauma, and advanced clinical strategies for working with complex trauma, dissociation, attachment wounds, addictions, intergenerational legacies, and cultural trauma. Through clinical demonstrations, meditations, and experiential practices, participants will learn how to support clients in accessing self-leadership, unburdening wounded parts, and restoring trust in their inner systems. This program is more than a training—it’s a complete educational journey designed for mental health professionals seeking to deepen their clinical skillset, expand their understanding of trauma, and transform their therapeutic presence.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Explain the core principles of the Internal Family Systems model (6 Steps, 6 Fs, 8 Cs, Self-leadership) and apply them in trauma treatment.

  • Describe the neurobiological impact of trauma, including dysregulation of the nervous system, interoception, and neuroplasticity, and integrate this knowledge into clinical practice.

  • Differentiate between protective and exiled parts and demonstrate strategies for working respectfully with both, including the Unburdening process.

  • Identify therapist parts that may be activated in trauma work and apply methods to stay grounded in one’s own Self-leadership during sessions.

  • Apply IFS strategies to complex trauma cases, including dissociation, relational trauma, addictions, psychosis, and intergenerational or cultural burdens.

  • Compare IFS to other trauma-informed modalities such as EMDR, AEDP, Somatic Experiencing, and Polyvagal Theory, recognizing points of integration.

  • Assess when and how to use resonance, compassion, and pacing when working with protective parts to build safety and trust.

  • Demonstrate how IFS fosters both inner and relational reconnection, repairing ruptures in Self-to-part and therapist-to-client relationships.

  • Evaluate the role of neuroscience and psychopharmacology in trauma recovery and their integration with IFS principles.

  • Support client-led healing by helping clients disentangle from over-identified parts, access Self, and cultivate sustainable post-healing integration.

Educational Goal

This program is designed to enhance clinicians’ ability to integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) and neuroscience in the treatment of trauma, particularly deepening clinical skills in working with: complex trauma, dissociation, attachment wounds, addictions, intergenerational legacies, and cultural trauma.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Frank Anderson, MD
Frank Anderson, MD, is a world-renowned trauma expert, Harvard-trained psychiatrist and global speaker. He is the co-author of the IFS Skills Training Manual (2017), acclaimed best-selling author of Transcending Trauma (2021) and newly released memoir, To Be Loved: A Story of Truth, Trauma and Transformation (2024). Dr Anderson has a long affiliation with Bessel van der Kolk and is on the board at the Trauma Research Foundation. A former Lead Trainer with the IFS Institute, Dr. Anderson is also a member of the Clinical Advisory Board with Unyte Health. He is passionate about teaching brain-based psychotherapy and integrating current neuroscience knowledge with cutting edge models of therapy. Dr. Anderson believes that traumatic events can have a lasting effect on the health and well-being of individuals and that addressing these events will help lead people down a path of love, connection and unity. He is the director and cofounder of the Trauma Institute (traumainstitute.com) and Trauma-Informed Media (trauma-informedmedia.com), organizations that provide educational resources and promote trauma awareness. As a result of his early childhood experiences and personal journey transformation, he is dedicated to bringing more trauma healing to the world. He resides in Los Angeles with his husband and two sons. Follow him at FrankAndersonMD.com and on Instagram at frank_andersonmd.

Financially Sponsored By

  • QUANTUM WAY