This week Nicola and Di chat with the wise and exceptional Dr. Frank Anderson. Frank is an author, psychiatrist, therapist, speaker and trauma specialist who’s spent the past three decades studying neuroscience and trauma treatment. His latest book, To Be Loved, is a deeply moving memoir that explores how Frank triumphed over trauma in his life and now he shares with us his message of love and healing. 

In this conversation, we hear about Frank’s difficult upbringing - being sent to therapy as a child for 6 years because he was gay, which at that time, wasn’t acceptable in his family. Frank shares how he learnt to completely shut down his emotions and play the part he was ‘supposed’ to play to fit into society. Thankfully, through all the work and healing he’s done, Frank now has a beautiful family life with his husband and 2 children. 

Dr. Frank breaks down what trauma really is, which is something that at least 70% of humans experience in their life. He talks about how it’s important to do the work and understand how our past experiences are influencing our current behaviour. As Frank says, you either repeat it, repress it or repair it. 

Dr. Frank shares with us a powerful framework - the 5 T’s - for how we can heal from trauma and that ultimately, love and connection is the best pathway to healing. 

This is such a moving and powerful conversation, and Dr. Frank is a true example of how anyone can turn their life around and heal no matter what they may have been through. It was so inspiring to learn from Dr. Frank and we were so grateful for his insights. We hope you love this conversation as much as we did. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or suicidal thoughts and needs support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

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Buy Dr. Frank Anderson’s book To Be Loved here

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