Frank Anderson

Frank Anderson, an accomplished author, psychiatrist, therapist, and trauma specialist, has dedicated over three decades to the study of neuroscience and trauma treatment. His journey in the academic world began as a chemistry major at the University of Illinois and led him to Rush University Medical College. Inspired by personal experiences with mental health, Anderson shifted his focus to psychiatry. He completed his residency and served as a clinical instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, specializing in the treatment of trauma and dissociation.

Anderson's passion for teaching brain-based psychotherapy led him to integrate cutting-edge neuroscience knowledge with the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of therapy. In addition to his work as a senior lead trainer and program consultant for the IFS Institute with Richard Schwartz, he maintains a long-standing affiliation with Bessel van der Kolk at The Trauma Research Center. His commitment to the field of trauma treatment extends to his role as an advisor to the International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP), and his previous role as chair and director of the Foundation for Self Leadership.

As a speaker and lecturer, Anderson has extensively shared his expertise on the Neurobiology of PTSD and Dissociation. His written contributions to the field include co-authoring the book "Internal Family Systems Skills Training Manual" and authoring chapters such as "Who’s Taking What: Connecting Neuroscience, Psychopharmacology and Internal Family Systems for Trauma" in "Internal Family Systems Therapy-New Dimensions" and "What IFS Brings to Trauma Treatment" in "Innovations and Elaborations in Internal Family Systems Therapy". Alongside these academic endeavors, Anderson has also authored his own books "Transcending Trauma" and "To Be Loved", and maintains a private practice in Concord, MA.