Freedom Academy
Biblical Trauma Informed
Certificate Program
WE ARE
Biblically Sound
WE ARE
Spirit Filled
We ARE
Trauma Informed
We ARE
Free People who Free People
Three essential pillars guide our approach to training and healing:
Together, these pillars shape how we understand people’s stories, how we listen to God, and how we walk with others toward freedom.
BIBLICALLY-SOUND
We believe the Bible is the Word of God and the foundation of truth for how we understand life, healing, and freedom. We help people see their personal stories within the greater story of redemption that runs from Genesis to Revelation. Scripture sets the boundaries for how we lead, love, and guide others, ensuring that our conversations are anchored in the truth of Christ. “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32
SPIRIT-FILLED
We believe every person who places their faith in Jesus receives the Holy Spirit as a counselor and guide. Guidance and leadership is not meant to rely only on human wisdom or intuition but on the discernment of the Holy Spirit. We must learn to listen for God’s voice and follow His leading so that the people we walk with are ultimately pointed back to Jesus to recognize His voice for themselves. “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.” — John 16:13
TRAUMA-INFORMED
We believe God’s design for the brain and body matters in the process of healing. A trauma-informed approach recognizes how past experiences shape the nervous system, emotions, and relationships. By understanding how the brain and body were created to heal, we can come alongside others with wisdom, compassion, and care as they pursue healing, wholeness, and a fully alive life. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:14
Certificate Process Overview:
The Freedom Movement team hosted a live Q&A on zoom where guests brought their questions and received an overview of Freedom Movement's biblical trauma-informed certificate process. Below is a recording of the live zoom call.
Still have unanswered questions?
The Freedom Academy Certificate Program is Completed in Three Levels
Level 1 and 2 trainings are sold separately
Level 1: Freedom Academy
Level 1 is sold separately and is a prerequisite to completing both Level 2 and Level 3 certificate trainings. This training level is available online or in-person many times throughout the year.
Setting the framework of our story and God's Story: Understand the components that keep us stuck in isolation and confusion with an emphasis on how to hold a story with curiosity and kindness. Learn about the impact of harm and the redemptive power of engaging others stories while growing in awareness of your own story as you increase your capacity to support and care, through connection to self, God and others.
View upcoming trainings
Level 2: Freedom In Story
Level 2 is sold separately and is a prerequisite to complete Level 3 certificate trainings. This training level is offered in-person twice a year. You must complete Level 2 within a year of registering for Level 3 certificate trainings.
Introduction to Storywork: Bridge the gap between the past pain and future hope by allowing others to hold your story with honor and care. Gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which your family of origin, and collective stories impact your style of being, relating, and leading.
View Upcoming TrainingsCompleting your Freedom Academy Certificate Program is for you if...
- You desire continuing the personal healing journey you began in Level 1 Freedom Academy and Level 2 Freedom In Story.
- You are wanting to assist others in navigating their limiting beliefs and pinpoint trauma moments that are keeping them stuck.
- You are tired of having conversations that seem to go round and round and not have any healing in them.
- You have people in your life who come to you for advice but you would like more tools to be able to serve them with more care and direction.
- You want a biblical and trauma informed guide to train you in holding a story well.
What will I learn?
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Bottom up nervous system regulation.
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Top down therapeutic modality.
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How to engage a more spiritually sensitive life through spiritual formation practices.
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Insight into how trauma, theology, and spiritual formation connect to conversations and healing
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Restoring your story after grief.
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Understanding the biological and psychological responses of trauma in the body.
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Nervous system regulation tools.
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Training and observation for transforming conversations.
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Engaging spiritual warfare.
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Training on how to hold holy space in groups.
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Knowing your unique way in which you will partner with Jesus in the world.
"My breakthrough happened when I realized that some aspects of my adult life were connected to the trauma I endured as a child."
My wife first introduced me to the Freedom Movement Certification. I had hoped that attending the sessions would help me better understand the trauma my wife faced as a child. My breakthrough happened during an impromptu coaching session over lunch with Mario. In that moment, I realized that some aspects of my adult life that I disliked were actually connected to the trauma I endured as a child. Through this program, I've learned how to care for my wife and others who have experienced trauma more effectively, as well as the importance of taking care of myself. I’ve discovered a lot about my identity, and the coaching and listening skills I’ve gained are now essential in my everyday life. This certification has taught me to approach people with compassion and empathy. I encourage anyone considering the Freedom Movement Certification to sign up right away and experience the freedom to live as God created you to live.
K.G.
"This program became a homecoming to God’s love, helping me release shame and rediscover a joy I hadn’t felt in years."
For years, I pursued a breakthrough moment to bring me peace and fulfillment, trying various mindset practices to reach success. Success came, yet I felt increasingly restless and empty. Attending FA1 through the Freedom Movement Certification changed everything. This wasn’t just another course—it was a return to myself and the start of real peace. From the first session, I felt safe enough to confront my pain without the pressures of daily life. The program taught me to see myself deeply, and with that, I began to see others in a way that invites real connection.
One profound gift was learning to hold space for others without trying to fix things. Previously, I thought coaching meant solving problems; now, I create a safe environment for others, allowing the Holy Spirit to move. Personally, this program became a homecoming to God’s love—moving from head knowledge to heart and body. I released long-held shame and rediscovered joy, surrendering to God’s strength rather than relying on self-protection
MELISSA BRUNETT / HEALTH COACH
"This program unveiled the grief I had unknowingly stored that was keeping me stuck."
This program taught me to hold space for others—to just be still with them so they feel seen, heard, and understood. Through this training, I experienced God's gentle guidance in discovering and releasing things that were keeping me stuck, which strengthened my faith in Him. Witnessing God's presence and others’ breakthroughs throughout the certification process has shown me just how big and real He is. I now approach my personal growth and my business with grace, learning to grow at God's pace, not my own. The impact of this program is priceless, helping me understand myself, heal deeply, and show up in the world in new ways. The Freedom Movement team is incredibly invested and caring—I’m beyond blessed to hold this certification.
CHRISTY MISHLER / HEALTH & LIFE COACH
"I came to heal my story but realized that God had a purpose that was so much bigger than that."
I was 18 when I heard about Freedom Academy from Abby Call. At that time, I didn’t like who I was. I was actively serving at my church and pursuing a degree that didn’t match my dreams, and I was caught up in trying to be someone I thought would build true connection. After a toxic relationship, I craved genuine support—something deeper than typical teen advice or fleeting fun. My journey with Freedom Academy began as a search for healing in my own story, but it opened my eyes to the vastness of God’s world and the depth of human connection. I learned invaluable tools like listening and attuning to emotions, giving others space to explore God’s purpose in their pain. This program equipped me with the skills to support others and helped me grow spiritually in ways I hadn’t imagined.
ANNA SANCHEZ / STUDENT
2027 Level 3 Freedom Academy Certificate Trainings Schedule and Content
Virtual Orientation Call
Online: August Date TBD 2027 6:30pm - 9:00pm CENTRAL on ZOOM
During this orientation Zoom call, you’ll meet your group members and the mentor who will be observing and supporting your growth throughout the program. We’ll introduce the ethics of leading trauma-informed conversations and set boundaries that shape how we'll learn and grow together. This gathering is designed to help you build connection and confidence before we meet for our first in-person 3-day training.
This online training includes:
- Ethics and basic training on trauma-informed conversations
- Guidance for syllabus and establishing expectations.
- Overview of program schedule and requirements
- Breakout introductions with your group and supervisor
Requirements before first in-person weekend training:
- Submit your cert program intake form
- Complete required reading assignments
First Weekend Training
IN-PERSON: September 23-25, 2027 in Lake Zurich, IL
The first weekend training for the certificate program is deeply embodied and offers space for silence, solitude, and reflection. Students will be empowered to boldly step into stories of harm with a more grounded presence and a clearer picture of redemption in a story, solidifying the steps for heart transformation and a clearer picture of the enemy's plan within the cycles of false freedom.
This in-person training includes:
- 15+ hours of interactive lecture style training
- 6 one-on-one conversation practice sessions and group reflection with your assigned mentor.
- One private conversation observation with your coach.
- Light breakfast, snacks, and lunch for all three days
What is covered:
- Breaking spiritual vows and agreements
- Attachment theory and bodywork
- Story timelines and thematic wounding
- Forgiveness, repentance, and restoration
- Nervous-system regulation techniques
- Biblical formation practices for body and soul renewal
Virtual Training and Practice
ONLINE ON ZOOM: Date TBD
This additional online training provides further instruction, live group evaluation exercises, and opportunities to practice leading conversations with other students in the program. Taking place between the two in-person trainings, it allows students to deepen and refine the skills introduced during the first in-person weekend. This time together helps prepare students to enter the final training weekend with greater clarity and confidence in holding difficult emotions and stories.
This online training includes:
- 4 hours of live interactive training
- 2 one-on-one coaching practice sessions and group reflection
Requirements before final in-person weekend training:
- Meet with your certificate program mentor one-on-one for 45 minutes on zoom.
- Complete required reading assignments
- Submit a two page double-spaced reflection of your journey so far
- Prepare a creative artifact to present at the final weekend training
- Optional participation in additional online trainings and video recordings on grief engagement
Final Weekend Training and Graduation
IN-PERSON: November 11-13, 2027 in Lake Zurich, IL
The final stage of the certificate journey focuses on partnering with God and stepping into your calling. We believe that your greatest area of wounding is often the very place God calls you to bring redemption. Students will develop an integrated view of the intersection of their story, God’s story, and their unique calling to join God in restoration.
This in-person training includes:
- 10+ hours of interactive lecture style training
- 6 one-on-one conversation practice sessions and group reflection with your assigned mentor.
- One private conversation evaluation with your coach
- Light breakfast, snacks, and lunch for all three days
- Student artifact presentations
- Graduation ceremony
What is covered:
- Personal and client affect regulation
- Identifying core trauma and the coinciding path to growth
- Identifying strengths and spiritual gifting
- Healing self-sabotage and cultivating the fruit of the spirit
- Creating a boundary plan
- Distinguishing calling vs. vocation
- Leading from delight vs. demand
What is included in my enrollment for Level 3?
Your Experience Includes:
- Interactive teaching from the Freedom Movement teaching team
- Facilitated group work and one-on-one conversation training overseen by a Freedom Movement Mentor.
- Printed handbook
- Additional online training between in-person weekend trainings for additional support and training
- Online hub of resources held in the library of the Freedom Movement website
- Community with fellow students on the Band app
- An intimate learning environment that is designed for questions, process, and community connection
Level 3 Certificate Trainings
Frequently Asked Questions
Travel
Do I have to attend these trainings in person?
Does the price include lodging and travel?
Which airport should I fly into?
When should I schedule my arrival and departure flights?
Where should I stay?
Is a rental car necessary?
Training
What is the schedule for training days?
Is this certification for personal growth or professional training?
What can I do with this certification?
Will I be learning the skillset of story work?
Is this program ICF certified?
Do the prerequisite trainings have to be completed within a specific timeframe before participating in the certification trainings?
Can I bring an infant with me to the training?
Is there an age requirement for participation?
Is this certification program recognized or licensed by the state?
Payment
Can I purchase the prerequisite weekends and Coaching Certification together?
Are scholarships available for the Certification trainings?
What are my payment plan options?
What ongoing care and training is available after I complete Level 3 and graduate the Freedom Academy Certificate Program?
Ongoing Training Opportunities:
For graduates who desire to continue growing beyond trauma-informed conversations and develop foundational skills in trauma-responsive care and story engagement, we offer a year-long program called Story Practicum, hosted fully online. This program provides an opportunity to further engage your own story for personal healing while receiving ongoing support, training, and feedback as you learn to hold both your own story and the stories of others with greater intention and care.
Story Practicum includes quarterly live Zoom trainings and bi-monthly online small-group story work sessions, led by trained Trauma-Responsive Story Practitioners. Following completion of the year-long Story Practicum program, students will have the opportunity to apply for our Trauma-Responsive Story Practitioner Certification, with enrollment anticipated to open in 2027.
More information about this future certification is coming soon. For those interested in beginning this journey, the first step is completing the Freedom Academy Certificate Program. Graduates will receive additional information about Story Practicum and future certification opportunities as they become available.
Freedom Cohort Facilitation:
