Dr. Frank Anderson

Trauma Specialist: Overcome the Cycle of Your Shame by Healing Trauma & Learning to Love Yourself!

"Generational trauma can create invisible chains, but understanding our past is the key to breaking free."

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Frank Anderson, a leading trauma expert and psychiatrist. Dr. Anderson opens up about his challenging journey, growing up in a traditional Italian American family that was both intensely loving and painfully unaccepting. From enduring six years of conversion therapy starting at just six years old to breaking the chains of generational trauma, Dr. Anderson’s story is one of courage, healing, and the transformative power of embracing one’s true self. Today, he’s here to share insights on how to navigate through personal traumas and to help us understand the profound impact of acceptance and love. Get ready to dive deep into a story of resilience and transformation with Dr. Frank Anderson.

Buy his book for yourself and a friend! To Be Loved: A Story of Truth, Trauma, and Transformation

"Healing is a journey, not a destination, and each step forward is a victory in itself." @FrankAndersonMD

And now let’s jump into episode 1615 of The School of Greatness!

"Embracing your true self is the greatest act of courage and the first step toward personal transformation." @FrankAndersonMD

Some Questions I Ask:

How do we face and process and heal the things we’ve been running from? People have experienced so much pain and shame and suffering around trauma?
When processing trauma from the past causes all of this pain and suffering in the present, it can seem understandable that people would rather just push it down and avoid it. What would you say to someone to encourage them that it’s worth it to work through and get to the other side?
What is the percentage of trauma that gets suppressed or repressed and blocked out entirely?
Why do some people remember their childhood trauma, and why do some block it out at least for a period of time?
What is our brain doing when it blocks out trauma? Does it ever fully erase the memory?
How can we process and deal with the shame that is often associated with surviving trauma?
We hear the word “trauma” a lot these days, whether it’s Big T or little t – what would you say is the most common misconception about trauma and surviving trauma today?
What are the safest and healthiest ways to process and heal from trauma once it’s become conscious? Does reliving it and talking about it retraumatize our brains and our bodies?
You’re a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and longtime associate of Bessel van der Kolk, author of “The Body Keeps the Score” – what have you learned about how trauma is stored in the body? How can we start to release it?

In this episode, you will learn:

The challenges of growing up in a family with conflicting messages of love and acceptance.
How enduring difficult childhood experiences can impact one’s self-perception and mental health.
The importance of embracing one’s true identity despite societal pressures.
Strategies to overcome personal traumas and foster resilience and healing.
Why acceptance and love play crucial roles in personal growth and transformation.
Plus much more…

Show Notes:

Buy his book for yourself and a friend! To Be Loved: A Story of Truth, Trauma, and Transformation

Connect with

Dr. Frank Anderson

Transcript of this Episode

Music Credits:

MUSIC CREDIT

Kaibu by Killercats

Summit of Greatness 2025 Early Bird Now Open! | September 12-13 | Los Angeles, CA

Dr. Frank Anderson

Trauma Specialist: Overcome the Cycle of Your Shame by Healing Trauma & Learning to Love Yourself!

"Generational trauma can create invisible chains, but understanding our past is the key to breaking free."

"Healing is a journey, not a destination, and each step forward is a victory in itself." @FrankAndersonMD