About Us

Early in his career, Forrest Lien, LCSW, worked as a treatment foster care coordinator in Arizona. Although he and colleagues followed best practices and applied what they had learned in graduate school, traumatized children and their caregivers continued to struggle. The system wasn’t working. And, he realized, the residential treatment centers in which he had also worked previously weren’t helping kids and families either. He knew something was missing and sought solutions to truly heal the impacts of early trauma. He consulted with trauma experts and continued to work closely with and observe children and families.

In his pursuit for answers, Forrest became a world-renowned trauma expert himself. Forrest ultimately created the unique therapeutic treatment model of the Institute for Attachment and Child Development (IACD) and led the organization for over two decades. Through the IACD treatment model, private practice and trainings, he has helped thousands of children, adults and their families heal.

Over the last three decades of his career, Forrest has avidly shared his expertise to advance the field of trauma. He has consulted with 20/20, HBO and The Today Show and has presented at over 300 workshops internationally on the effects of early trauma including at the Mayo Clinic. As founder and owner of Lifespan Trauma Consulting, Forrest continues his legacy of highly sought-after trainings, program development and advocacy for adoptive and foster families and their children. Invite Forrest to educate and advocate in your community.