What are Survivor Wise Courses?

Educational Courses on Trauma Recovery Designed by a Complex Trauma Survivor for Complex Trauma Survivors

Without an official diagnosis for complex PTSD in the DSM (the diagnostic tool for mental health professionals in the USA), I had to carve out my own recovery plan based on personal research and discovery. Utilizing my degree in Biology, I have spent over a decade deepening my understanding of complex trauma, its effects on the brain and body, discovering effective treatments, and putting those tools and resources to work in my own recovery journey.

I believe in the deep wisdom that exists in the complex trauma survivor community. I want to help survivor's tap into their inner healing wisdom by offering access to education, tools, and options that work for them.

Survivor Wise courses deliver trauma-informed, science-backed recovery tools delivered through the lived experience and story of a person who has used them herself to heal.

Course Guide

Hi, my name is Sara, and I am a complex trauma survivor.

Course Creator

Sara Aird

I have been recovering from complex PTSD for the last fifteen years. I am passionate about empowering other complex trauma survivors through trauma education, awareness and practice of trauma informed modalities, and compassionate community. I have over eight years of experience working and volunteering in the nonprofit sector with organizations dedicated to the prevention and healing of trauma. Personal research, driven by my academic training in biology, and lived experience give me a valuable perspective on the psychological and neurobiological impact of trauma. My goal is to bring that education and experience to other survivors in digestible and manageable ways.

Your Course At Your Pace

Listening to the Capacity of Your Nervous System

Each Course Includes:

  • 14 Trauma Recovery Educational Chapters Based on the Chosen Topic
  • A Corresponding Workbook with Exercises to Encourage Self-Exploration & Understanding
  • Suggestions for How To Integrate Learning into Practical Day-To-Day Healing Tools



It is important while traveling through the courses to respect the current capacity of your nervous system, meaning you don't want the course to push you beyond your abilities to cope in a healing way. The material that is covered is challenging and needs compassion and support.

The suggested pace is one chapter, consisting of three lessons, a week, but please tailor to your preferences and nervous system capacity. You have lifetime access to the courses you purchase. There is no rush.

It takes time for the mind and body to digest what you are learning. 

Education + Relational Healing

One of the most supportive and healing ways to experience the Survivor Wise courses is to pair them with supportive relationships that offer relational healing. Examples of supportive relationships are:

  • Working through the course with a current therapist or coach

  • Working through the course with another survivor who can discuss and reflect on what you are learning

Available Courses