Acceptance • Forgiveness • Healing

Transforming

into

Pain

Power

Supporting Survivors of Coercion & Social Isolation

Liberated Consciousness is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals to rebuild their lives after experiencing psychological manipulation, social isolation, and coercion that undermine their autonomy and violate fundamental human rights, including freedom of thought, expression, and belief as outlined in Articles 18 and 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We envision a world where everyone, regardless of past trauma, has access to wellness resources, financial literacy support, and tools to uphold their human rights and live with freedom and dignity.

Having personally experienced the profound impact of these violations, we are passionate about becoming a leading nonprofit in the nation, providing a pathway to healing and self-empowerment for individuals who are reclaiming their lives after traumatic events.

Michael Washington

Co-Founder

Rita Ivy

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Why Us

Our mission has one fundamental goal: shame-free access to resources and support.

We aim to create a holistic community that prioritizes autonomy, compassion, and lifelong healing. By providing health and wellness resources, human rights education, and support to individuals who have experienced psychological manipulation, social isolation, or coercion, we strive to foster social awareness and empower people to reclaim their freedom and dignity.

You deserve autonomy, clarity, and community — without pressure, shame, or judgment. We’re here to support your healing, your sovereignty, and what comes next.

Events, Programs, and Workshops

Tell Your Story

Your voice matters. Your freedom matters.

Mandated shunning is a severe yet overlooked issue, where members of a high-control group are ostracized and ignored in order to enforce the group’s control and limit individual freedoms. To help shed a light and convince governments of its magnitude, our partner Stop Mandated Shunning invites everyone who has been silenced to share their stories. The more voices that speak up, the more likely we are to be heard, and the more people we can empower.

Survivors can file a Conscience or Religious Freedom complaint directly with the government’s Department of Health and Human Services. It is against federal law to discriminate based on religion, but these laws cannot be enforced if the responsible agencies are not aware that their members are breaking the rules.

Follow the link below to file a claim.

Control

Coercive control is a pattern of behaviors used to dominate another person by restricting autonomy, freedom, and identity. High-control groups utilize these behaviors to manipulate their members into submission, and this is seen in other unhealthy dynamics such as intimate partner abuse, workplace abuse, and family systems involving shunning or exclusion. Repetitive patterns wear down an individual’s psyche over a long period of time; these incidents often start small before they escalate.

Education about high-control dynamics increases community awareness of subtle or hidden indicators.

Learn More

Recovery

Recovery from manipulative environments is not an easy, linear process. Trauma-informed community reintegration is a core part of Liberated Consciousness’ goal, where we support the reclamation of identity and autonomy after prolonged control. Individuals benefit from a safe place where they can work at their own pace, free from pressure and demands as they reconnect with the world. Here, survivors can strengthen their personal capacities and resilience they developed, as well as gradually restore their sense of trust and connection.

Many survivors find peer support helpful, and this can reduce the risk of re-traumatization.

Learn More
  • “Liberated Consciousness has been a sanctuary for me as a survivor of psychological manipulation and coercion, offering a safe space to discuss surviving religious trauma. It's a community where I can share life's ups and downs, knowing I'm surrounded by people who truly understand.”

    Dinah Lost

  • “LC has given me exactly what I’ve been craving. Complete freedom from control. It helps me grow in ways I never thought possible. I like that we share liberating moments together. They have become my new family, and I know they can become yours too!!”

    MJ

  • "I met Mike and Rita at a networking event a few years ago, and we clicked right away! Their energy was just magnetic, and it felt like we’d known each other forever as we chatted about music, business, and life. When they opened up about some of the difficult experiences they went through as a result of coercion and mental manipulation, I was moved by their resilience and kindness. Despite everything, they’re two of the warmest, most genuine people I’ve ever met, and they’re truly out to make the world a better place. I feel so lucky to know them!"

    Alexis Quintal

  • "Liberated Consciousness has filled the void in my heart left by the loss of community that was forcefully taken from me. It mirrors my own journey of breaking free from struggles and finding clarity. I’m deeply grateful to be part of a group that has taught me the power of self-worth and the courage to ask difficult questions. Through LC, I’ve found connection, healing, and the strength to embrace a brighter future."

    Luis Mejias

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