Welcome to the CHANGED Program© Participant Handbook

This handbook is designed to guide you through the CHANGED Program©—a structured, evidence-informed approach developed through years of experience working with individuals and groups, particularly within the Military, Veteran, and Frontline Services communities.

About the Program

Over time, life experiences and occupational stressors can negatively impact emotional regulation, personal relationships, and effective communication. This is especially true for those who have served in the Military or worked in high-stress environments such as emergency services and frontline roles. Recognizing these unique challenges, the CHANGED Program© was created specifically with these communities in mind.

Grounded in Behavioural Modification Modality and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) principles, the CHANGED Program© provides practical, therapeutic strategies for managing:

  • Emotional regulation difficulties

  • Anger and frustration

  • Communication challenges

  • The complex transition from a highly structured environment (such as military life) to civilian life

In addition to the core goals, participants often report a wide range of positive outcomes, including:

  • Reduced interpersonal conflict

  • Improved communication skills

  • Increased social support

  • Greater self-confidence

  • Enhanced emotional awareness and control

Program Design and Approach

The CHANGED Program© is structured but flexible. It is designed to be delivered in a way that meets individual needs, which are identified through an Initial Assessment conducted at the start of the program. This personalized approach ensures that the tools and strategies taught are relevant, meaningful, and immediately applicable to your life.

The standard duration of the program is 12 to 16 weeks, though extensions are available when beneficial. This ensures that all participants are given the time and support they need to fully absorb and apply the material. Sessions may be delivered individually or in groups, depending on your preferences and assessment outcomes.

Core Objectives

The CHANGED Program© has two primary goals:

  1. Develop Emotional Awareness – To help you recognize, understand, and describe your emotional experiences more effectively.

  2. Identify and Apply Emotional Awareness Strategies – To equip you with tools and techniques that enhance your ability to manage and respond to emotions in a healthy and constructive way.

Extended Goals

As you move through the program, you'll work toward the following extended goals:

  • Improve interpersonal effectiveness by identifying behavioural patterns that may have negatively impacted your relationships.

  • Learn emotion regulation techniques, including how to recognize and respond to emotional triggers.

  • Create an interpersonal blueprint, which will help you understand and address problematic social behaviours and interactions.

  • Develop alternative interpersonal perspectives, enhancing your ability to see situations from different viewpoints.

  • Practice assertive communication, learning how to express your thoughts and needs respectfully and confidently.

  • Increase flexibility in expectations, adapting more effectively to changing interpersonal dynamics.

  • Successfully transition to civilian life, addressing the psychological and emotional shifts that come with leaving a structured environment.

Commitment to Progress

This program is designed to build progressively. Each section and topic builds upon the last, culminating in a robust and personalized set of tools for emotional and interpersonal success. To get the most out of your experience, we recommend:

  • Engaging fully with each module

  • Completing the exercises and tasks in sequence

  • Reflecting on the material and applying it to real-life scenarios

Flexibility is a key component of this program. If you feel additional sessions would be helpful, these can be arranged. Our goal is to support you at your pace, ensuring the content remains relevant, manageable, and transformative.

Your Journey Ahead

Throughout your time in the CHANGED Program©, you will develop skills that can help you:

  • Navigate emotional ups and downs

  • Improve your relationships

  • Communicate more effectively

  • Gain confidence

  • Prepare for long-term, sustainable change

This is your journey of growth and self-discovery. We are here to support you every step of the way.