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Healing Shame & Self-Criticism with Parts Work
Retreat in Costa Rica with Frank Anderson
A 6day retreat set in the lush nature of Costa Rica – an exploration of how IFS and spirituality intertwine to support deep trauma healing, guided by Frank Anderson.
The venue
Pura Vida Retreat & Spa is a peaceful mountaintop haven surrounded by lush tropical gardens, with sweeping views of Costa Rica’s Central Valley. Our group will have the property all to ourselves. Accommodation options include private suites, panoramic rooms, and garden cottages. We’ll meet in airy practice spaces that open to the mountain breeze, and enjoy a pool, hot tub, and spa with massage and wellness treatments.
Inner journey
This retreat is a process of insight and inner transformation, with the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model serving as its guiding framework. The program combines daily teaching and guided experiential work with somatic practices such as movement, dance, and sound healing, as well as local excursions to natural hot springs and a nearby town. Space is also included for rest and unscheduled integration.
Small group
The retreat is intentionally limited in size to allow for meaningful relationships and individualized attention. We will help you connect with other retreat participants before and after the retreat through Holding Space Practice – small groups of three. You will be invited to meet once a week for a practice of holding space for each other, sharing about your journey, speaking for your parts and connecting.
The retreat is open to practitioners and professionals in therapeutic, somatic, and healing fields.
Pre-and Post-Retreat Support
Pre-retreat support: About a month before the retreat, you’ll be invited to join an Online Preparation Circle, connect in triads for a Holding Space Practice with fellow participants, and receive our PDF Preparation Guide.
Post-retreat support: Following the retreat, you’ll be invited to two group Zoom integration circles – held one month and two months after the retreat – to help you deepen and integrate your experience.
Space for Rest and Renewal
This retreat balances structured inner work with time for rest and self-care. You’ll have access to massage (optional), nature walks, beach time, or quiet time on the grounds. The schedule allows for both inward focus and deep relaxation.
Meet the trainer
Frank Anderson
Frank Anderson is a world-renowned trauma expert, Harvard-trained psychiatrist, global speaker, and acclaimed best-selling author of Transcending Trauma. Dr. Anderson has a long affiliation with Bessel van der Kolk at the Trauma Research Foundation and is a lead trainer at the IFS Institute under Richard Schwartz. 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 hope, love, and forgiveness.
He is the director and co-founder of the Trauma Institute and Trauma-Informed Media, 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 compassion, unity, and trauma healing to the world.
He splits his time between Boston and Los Angeles where he lives with his husband and two sons.
To explore Dr. Anderson’s work and discover his latest book To Be Loved – a deeply personal memoir about healing – visit his website at FrankAndersonMD.com and follow him on Instagram at frank_andersonmd.
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The Venue
Pura Vida Retreat & Spa
Pura Vida is a renowned retreat center and spa nestled on a quiet mountaintop in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, offering sweeping views of the surrounding coffee plantations. Situated at 4,265 feet above sea level, this 8-acre haven is an ideal base for deep rest and inner exploration. The region is known for its lush, vibrant gardens, rich biodiversity, and the welcoming “Pura Vida” rhythm of life.
Lila Hall
Lila Hall is one of Pura Vida’s three stunning yoga halls, designed to offer an expansive and spacious setting for group work and transformative experiences. Equipped with cork wood floors and panoramic views of the Central Valley, it is perfectly suited for yoga, meditation, and specialized wellness sessions.
Dining Hall
The heart of the retreat – Dining Hall – where delicious buffet-style meals are served, featuring a wholesome blend of North American and Costa Rican cuisine. Adjacent to the dining area is a dedicated wine and juice bar, offering fresh smoothies and organic options. The facility also features a heated outdoor pool and hot tub for relaxation and aquatic therapies.
Holistic Garden & Spa
The grounds feature a Holistic Garden and several beautifully designed spaces dedicated to healing. This area is surrounded by lush flora, including dozens of orchid species. Guests can access the world-class Wellness Center, offering a variety of specialized spa treatments and massage rooms for an additional fee, allowing for dedicated self-care.
