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About the Course

Self-Designed Life is a 14-week workshop course that began with a vision for more progams tailored to Survivors and our unique strengths.

Developed by Survivors, with the guidance of clinical perspectives and expertise, this trauma-informed, restorative program offers Survivors a safe space to process, connect with others who understand their journey, learn from shared wisdom, and build community on their own terms.   

Program participants will learn about trauma and its effects, coping skills, self-care tools, identifying coercive control, tools for planning and setting goals, and much more, plus resources to support personal, educational and professional development, and making your self-designed life become a reality.

Each weekly 90-minute session has a specific focus, with course work, activities, group discussions, practical tools and tips, and includes exclusive handouts, resources, bonus items, and much more.

These courses are generously sponsored by i-5 Freedom Network's partners, supporters and donors, and are therefore offered to participants as a scholarship. The courses are open to Survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, cult upbringing and other forms of coersive control and exploitation.


Upcoming Cohorts

FALL COHORT - TUESDAYS

Tuesdays, July 28th - October 27th, 2026
5:00pm to 6:30pm PST/8:00pm to 9:30pm EST
Via Zoom

FALL COHORT - THURSDAYS

Thursdays, July 30th - October 29th, 2026
5:00pm to 6:30pm PST/8:00pm to 9:30pm EST
Via Zoom

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Who is this Course For?

You! This course was developed by Survivors for Survivors and those healing from complex trauma and other life-altering experiences, including Survivors of human trafficking, coercive control, cults or high-control groups, or intimate partner violence. Self-Designed Life provides a supportive community where healing, self-discovery, and personal growth are at the heart of the journey.

Past participants have included those

  • Healing from trauma impacting their lives

  • Looking for personal and professional development

  • Ready for their next steps of healing and growth

  • Seeking additional support and tools for their healing journey

  • In need of community

  • Looking for extra resources

  • Learning more about advocacy or leadership

  • Who are a Survivor leader, service provider, or working with Survivors

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  • Customized Welcome kit and gift

  • 14 x 90-minute in-person zoom sessions

  • 14 Course Modules

  • Correlating handouts, resources and fun projects.

  • Bonus Community activity gatherings during the course. 

  • Guest Speakers (Subject to availability)

  • Mindfulness tools and activities

  • Private online group for support during and after the SDL Course. 

  • Customized and personalized “Sunshine” Graduation Gift box. 

  • Certificate of Completion 

  • Ongoing access to the SDL Online Community, library of resources and access to apply for continuing education & other programs provided by i-5 Freedom Network


Course Features

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Welcome

  • Week 1: Course Introduction; Identifying Values

 

Healing is Not Linear

  • Week 2: Understanding Trauma, C-PTSD, and Healin

  • Week 3: Grief & Loss; Body Keeps the Scor

  • Week 4: Limiting Beliefs, Forgiveness, Shame & Guil

  • Week 5: Untangling Coercive Control & Religious Abuse

 

Honoring Your New Life

  • Week 6: Self-Discovery, Safety, and Boundaries

  • Week 7: Resilience, Change, & Recover

  • Week 8: Economic Safety & Self-Sufficiency

 

Love and Connection

  • Week 9: Seven Segments of Self-Love

  • Week 10: Love, Relationships & Emotional Safety

  • Week 11: Building Community, Friends & Family

 

You are Magic

  • Week 12: Polyvagal Theory & Window of Tolerance

  • Week 13: Celebrating Ourselves; Character Strength

  • Week 14: Survivor Life, Purpose, & Leadership

 

You Got This!

  • Week 15: Closing Celebrations; Certificates & Graduation


Course Outline

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CONTENT

Course Preview

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