About The Program
Thriving,
Not Just Surviving
a.k.a "TNJS"
Thriving, Not Just Surviving (TNJS)
is a free healing program consisting of seven diverse workshops exploring coping tools for college student survivors, with no disclosure requirements.
Individually designed for college student survivors of interpersonal violence (sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking), this series welcomes all participants without requiring disclosure of past trauma. Alongside a small group of peers, participants take part in a different, expert-led workshop each week. With the support of our organization’s trauma-informed student co-facilitators, the workshops introduce diverse restorative and therapeutic coping techniques for healing. We strive to create a supportive, respectful, and all-inclusive community where each survivor can feel the power of being witnessed.
Healing has no timeline. Whether you are two weeks or two decades into your journey, you belong here. This series is open to survivors of every identity.
We have programs in Santa Barbara, San Diego, and San Francisco to serve student survivors attending major college and university campuses across California.
Click your region to see if programs are available near you.
Key Program Benefits
Made For You
Our programs are built by survivors for survivors
No Cost
All programs and materials are at no cost to participants
Safe Space
Small groups allow for a personalized experience
Community Based
Access a network of local clinicians and instructors
Independent
We operate separately from university systems and do not share participant information
Privacy
Protecting the information you trust us with is our top priority
No Reporting
We are not affiliated with any university system so no Title IX reports are made or mandated
Respect
Your choices are always fully honored
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Anonymous
Option to join under a pseudonym and only disclose what you're comfortable with
Workshop Activities
This program provides access to seven clinicians and community instructors who will guide the group through a diverse set of interactive coping techniques to use in your day-to-day life.
What Your Seven Weeks Would Look Like:
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Learn Boundaries
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Practice Yoga
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Explore Healing Through Art
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Sound Healing
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Journaling Sessions
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Weekly Group Check-ins
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Separate Series for Undergrad and Graduate Students
All of this comes together to form a special supportive and tightly knit community focusing on moving forward with effective day-to-day coping tools, reminding survivors they are not alone in their journey.
Statistics From Thriving, Not Just Surviving
Past participants reported an increase in sense of safety (+69%) and belonging (+39%) after the seven week series.
Participants reported a 26% increase in ability to use coping strategies when triggers arise after just seven weeks.
Participants reported an increased knowledge of their own boundaries at a 60% higher rate than just two months prior.
Participants reported significantly decreased rates of flashbacks (-28%), decreased trouble breathing (-40%), and fewer feelings of isolation (-21%).
Additional Information
All participants will be asked to agree to standards of group confidentiality to create a safe and welcoming space for healing, growth, and compassion for all. The workshops will be taking place on a weeknight evening in person (walking distance from campus), and all necessary materials will be provided free of charge. The exact time and location of the series will be shared with participants after registration.
Please email our program operations manager Elle Jones at ejones@thethrivinginitiative.org for more information about Thriving, Not Just Surviving for undergraduate and graduate student groups or The Thriving Initiative at large.
Our programs are offered in Santa Barbara, San Diego, and San Francisco. We serve student survivors attending major college and university campuses across California.
Found a TNJS program in your region? Express interest here!