About Us
OUR APPROACH
Attachment Theory
Equine Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Interpersonal Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychoeducation
Outdoor Experiential Learning
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing
Our Approach
Conversational Modal
Our Approach
At Changes, healing, purpose, and connection intertwine to guide you on a transformative journey towards mental well-being. Rooted in current best practices and aligned with the national framework for recovery-oriented mental health services, our approach is a harmonious blend of modalities delivered through a transdiagnostic lens.
From the profound healing of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) to the insightful Conversational Model, empowering Interpersonal Psychodynamic Model, and the foundation of Attachment Theory, we weave a tapestry of therapeutic techniques. Our programs incorporate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Schema Therapy, complemented by Psychoeducation and enriching Outdoor Experiential Learning and Equine Assisted Learning for enhanced learning and integration. These diverse modalities create a dynamic and personalised healing environment.
At Changes, we believe in fostering purposeful connections, both within oneself and with others, as the cornerstone of well-being. Your journey to healing begins here, where warmth and engagement form the foundation of our commitment to your mental health and flourishing.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an innovative approach designed to unlock the pathways to recovery from trauma. EMDR is a psychotherapy technique that enables individuals to process distressing memories, reducing their emotional impact. What sets us apart is our commitment to offering EMDR in intensive multiday formats, elevating the therapeutic experience. In these immersive sessions, individuals can delve deeply into their healing journey, guided by skilled therapists through extended periods of focused aTention. The benefit of utilising EMDR for trauma treatment lies in its ability to reprocess memories, fostering adaptive resolution and reducing the emotional charge associated with past experiences. Our dedicated team is here to create a calm and nurturing space for you to embark on this transformative journey, leveraging the power of EMDR to restore balance, resilience, and a renewed sense of self.
View EMDRAA for further helpful information explaining EMDR. EMDR Resources
Conversational Model
The Conversational Model is a therapeutic approach that places emphasis on collaborative dialogue, creating a calm and interactive space for individuals to explore and process trauma. By fostering a conversational exchange, this model enables a dynamic exploration of emotions and memories, leading to a deeper understanding and integration of one's experiences. The benefit lies in its ability to facilitate a more engaged and personalised therapeutic process, empowering individuals to navigate their trauma with support and guidance.
View ANZAP for further helpful information explaining Conversational Model.
Interpersonal Psychodynamic Therapy
Interpersonal Psychodynamic Therapy is a powerful approach for healing trauma as it focuses on understanding how early relationships and experiences influence one's current interpersonal dynamics and emotional well-being. By delving into the complexities of relationships and exploring unresolved conflicts, this therapy helps participants gain insight into their trauma's roots and its impact on their relationships. The benefits lie in fostering deep self-awareness, improving interpersonal skills, and addressing the core issues contributing to trauma. Through this therapeutic process, participants can develop healthier patterns of relating, build resilience, and ultimately experience profound healing by addressing both the emotional and relational aspects of their trauma. Interpersonal Psychodynamic Therapy provides a tailored and comprehensive approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of past experiences and current struggles, offering a pathway towards lasting recovery.
Attachment Theory
Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby, posits that early relationships significantly influence our emotional and interpersonal patterns throughout life. Individuals form attachment bonds with primary caregivers, impacting their sense of security and how they relate to others. In trauma treatment, utilising attachment theory offers a valuable framework to understand the profound impact of relational of traumatic experiences. By addressing attachment patterns, therapists can help individuals cultivate secure attachments, fostering emotional regulation, resilience, and ultimately promoting more effective healing from traumatic experiences.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a practical and goal-oriented approach to therapy that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Think of CBT as a tool to identify and change negative thought paTerns and behaviours that may contribute to emotional challenges. CBT is collaborative; therapists and individuals work together to develop coping skills and strategies for managing difficulties.
In treating trauma, CBT is beneficial as it helps individuals recognise and modify distorted thought paTerns and beliefs that may have developed because of traumatic experiences. By addressing these negative cognitions and behaviours, CBT empowers individuals to gain control over their emotional responses, reduce symptoms of trauma-related stress, and develop healthier ways of coping. It provides practical skills to navigate and overcome the impact of trauma, offering a structured and effective path towards healing.
Schema Therapy
Schema Therapy is an approach to trauma treatment that helps individuals understand and change lifelong patterns, or "schemas," that developed in response to unmet emotional needs. These schemas often stem from early experiences and influence how we perceive ourselves, others, and the world. Think of schemas as deep-rooted emotional paTerns that affect your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
In the context of trauma treatment, Schema Therapy is beneficial because it goes beyond just addressing surface-level symptoms. It delves into the core beliefs and coping mechanisms that developed because of traumatic experiences. By identifying and challenging these schemas, individuals can reshape their perspectives, build healthier coping strategies, and develop more positive and adaptive ways of relating to themselves and others. The approach is particularly effective for those who may have struggled with long-standing emotional pain tied to past traumas, offering a comprehensive and transformative path toward healing.
Psychoeducation
Integrating psychoeducation with psychotherapy enhances the healing process for participants dealing with trauma. Psychoeducation involves providing individuals with information about the nature of trauma, its effects on mental health, and coping strategies. This combination empowers participants by increasing their understanding of trauma, fostering a sense of control, and promoting active engagement in their healing journey. Psychoeducation equips individuals with valuable tools and knowledge, complementing the therapeutic process by enhancing self-awareness, resilience, and the ability to navigate and overcome the impact of trauma. This dual approach creates a comprehensive and supportive framework that empowers participants to make informed choices and achieve meaningful progress in their healing process.
Outdoor Experiential Learning
Outdoor experiential learning involves therapeutic activities conducted in natural settings to promote personal growth and healing. This approach uses outdoor challenges and experiences to facilitate self-discovery and overcome emotional barriers. Participants engage in activities like abseiling, team-building exercises, and problem-solving in nature, fostering a unique and impactful therapeutic environment.
For trauma treatment, these therapies provide a non-traditional yet effective way to address emotional wounds. Being outdoors and engaging in adventurous activities can help individuals build resilience, enhance self-esteem, and develop trust in themselves and others. The natural environment becomes a metaphor for the healing process, allowing participants to confront and overcome challenges, fostering a sense of empowerment and accomplishment. Outdoor experiential learning offers an integrated approach to trauma recovery, incorporating physical activity, nature, and therapeutic insight to support individuals on their healing journey.
Equine Assisted Learning
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) therapy involves partnering with horses to facilitate personal and emotional growth. In this therapeutic approach, individuals engage in various activities and interactions with horses, fostering a unique bond that can provide valuable insights and promote healing.
For trauma treatment, EAL offers a non-verbal and experiential way for individuals to explore and understand their emotions. Horses are highly sensitive and responsive animals, mirroring the emotions and behaviours of those around them. This can help participants gain awareness of their own emotional states and interpersonal patterns.
The benefits of EAL for trauma include building trust, enhancing emotional regulation, and developing healthy communication skills. The non-judgmental nature of horses creates a safe space for individuals to process trauma-related emotions. Through these interactions, participants can develop coping mechanisms, improve self-esteem, and experience a unique form of support on their journey towards healing.
Danielle is passionate about providing opportunities for individuals and communities to break the cycles of intergenerational pain and trauma. Danielle previously founded ‘A Grounded Nature’ which provided evidence-based approaches to treat PTSD and trauma.
With a Master’s degree in counselling, Bachelor’s degree in Behavioural Science, and accredited as an EMDRAA Consultant, Danielle is commiTed to providing holistic evidence-based programs to promote healing.
To compliment her therapeutic training, Danielle is a qualified wilderness lead guide and hascombined her therapeutic work with the outdoors; developing and facilitating bush adventure therapy and outpatient trauma treatment programs.
Danielle has a background as a senior professional in; service delivery and program design. She has led systemic advocacy projects to empower and engage young people with a lived experience in out-of-home care. She has had vast experience across; residential serngs, remote bush adventure therapy programs, drug rehabilitation programs, life skills programs, and the NSW out-of-home care sector. Danielle is a registered Clinical Counsellor with PACFA, and ACA (L4). Danielle is a member of the College of Clinical Counsellors, and College of Supervisors.
Danielle believes “‘doing the work’ fosters growth and change which promotes a positive ripple effect. You can shift the past traumatic memories and experiences that keep you stuck in patterns of behaviour that no longer work for you. Our brains can heal, and we can continually learn and grow- it’s the beauty of being human”.
Danielle Schmid
Danielle is passionate about providing opportunities for individuals and communities to break the cycles of intergenerational pain and trauma. Danielle previously founded ‘A Grounded Nature’ which provided evidence-based approaches to treat PTSD and trauma.
With a Master’s degree in counselling, Bachelor’s degree in Behavioural Science, and accredited as an EMDRAA Consultant, Danielle is commiTed to providing holistic evidence-based programs to promote healing.
To compliment her therapeutic training, Danielle is a qualified wilderness lead guide and hascombined her therapeutic work with the outdoors; developing and facilitating bush adventure therapy and outpatient trauma treatment programs.
Danielle has a background as a senior professional in; service delivery and program design. She has led systemic advocacy projects to empower and engage young people with a lived experience in out-of-home care. She has had vast experience across; residential serngs, remote bush adventure therapy programs, drug rehabilitation programs, life skills programs, and the NSW out-of-home care sector. Danielle is a registered Clinical Counsellor with PACFA, and ACA (L4). Danielle is a member of the College of Clinical Counsellors, and College of Supervisors.
Danielle believes “‘doing the work’ fosters growth and change which promotes a positive ripple effect. You can shift the past traumatic memories and experiences that keep you stuck in patterns of behaviour that no longer work for you. Our brains can heal, and we can continually learn and grow- it’s the beauty of being human”.
Danielle Schmid
With over a decade dedicated to her therapeutic journey, Rebecca seamlessly blends professional expertise, life experiences, and an unwavering passion for helping others. Since 2015 Rebecca has served as the Clinical Director and owner of The Radiant Group. During her time with The Radiant Group, Rebecca has developed and run multi-day intensive outpatient treatment programs for PTSD, trauma, addictions and complex trauma.
Rebecca's commitment to healing is evident in her methodical approach, collaborating with clients to develop and implement treatment outcomes and goals. Drawing on a diverse range of evidence-based counselling models, Rebecca tailors treatments to meet the unique needs of individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Rebecca has a rich academic background, including a Bachelor of Counselling, and CSAT qualifications for sex addiction and trauma treatment and CPPT qualifications for Partner Betrayal trauma from the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP). As a registered Clinical Counsellor and Supervisor and a member of the College of Supervisors and Clinical Counsellors, she upholds the highest standards in her practice.
Rebecca is registered with PACFA and is a level 4 ACA member.
Rebecca is an EMDR consultant registered with both EMDRAA and EMDRIA, she specialises in dissociative disorders, addictions, and CPTSD. Rebecca's commitment to holistic healing extends to her incorporation of Equine Assisted Learning, Neuro-linguistic Programming, and Family Constellations into her work.
Rebecca is passionate about education and is continuing her learning journey. Rebecca is currently undertaking a Masters of Science in Medicine (trauma informed Psychotherapy) at Sydney University.
Rebecca Higgins
OUR FOUNDERS
OUR FOUNDERS
Meet Our Founders
Vision
We believe that connection, evidence-based trauma treatment and purpose is key to empowering individuals to heal trauma.
Mission
Changes empowers individuals on their recovery journey through evidence based, clientcentred intensive trauma treatment programs. Our diverse team fosters a culture of hope, recognising recovery as a unique ongoing journey that leads to connection, healing, and purpose.
At Changes, our values are deeply rooted in compassion, driving our commitment to empowering individuals on their recovery journey. We believe in fostering genuine connections within our diverse community, embodying a culture of hope and optimism. Our unwavering commitment to excellence is reflected in the delivery of evidence-based and client-centred therapeutic approaches, ensuring the highest standards of best practice as we strive to create a supportive environment that transcends mental health diagnoses
Values
OUR FOUNDERS
Meet Our Founders
With over a decade dedicated to her therapeutic journey, Rebecca seamlessly blends professional expertise, life experiences, and an unwavering passion for helping others. Since 2015 Rebecca has served as the Clinical Director and owner of The Radiant Group. During her time with The Radiant Group, Rebecca has developed and run multi-day intensive outpatient treatment programs for PTSD, trauma, addictions and complex trauma.
Rebecca's commitment to healing is evident in her methodical approach, collaborating with clients to develop and implement treatment outcomes and goals. Drawing on a diverse range of evidence-based counselling models, Rebecca tailors treatments to meet the unique needs of individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Rebecca has a rich academic background, including a Bachelor of Counselling, and CSAT qualifications for sex addiction and trauma treatment and CPPT qualifications for Partner Betrayal trauma from the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP). As a registered Clinical Counsellor and Supervisor and a member of the College of Supervisors and Clinical Counsellors, she upholds the highest standards in her practice.
Rebecca is registered with PACFA and is a level 4 ACA member.
Rebecca is an EMDR consultant registered with both EMDRAA and EMDRIA, she specialises in dissociative disorders, addictions, and CPTSD. Rebecca's commitment to holistic healing extends to her incorporation of Equine Assisted Learning, Neuro-linguistic Programming, and Family Constellations into her work.
Rebecca is passionate about education and is continuing her learning journey. Rebecca is currently undertaking a Masters of Science in Medicine (trauma informed Psychotherapy) at Sydney University.