The CHANGED Program 

Participant Handbook

This handbook is designed to assist professionals in monitoring the journey of veterans post-service. It also allows veterans to track their progression and advancement in therapy while applying strategies in real-life situations. The handbook is structured, evidence-informed, and developed through years of experience working within veteran communities. Over time, life experiences and occupational stressors can negatively impact emotional regulation, personal relationships, and effective communication all challenges that are particularly pronounced for those who have served in the military. Recognising these unique needs, this handbook was created specifically for this community.

Grounded in Behavioral Modification and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles, the handbook provides practical 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 these 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 handbook is structured yet flexible, moving in tandem with the participant’s progress through therapeutic interventions. It is designed to be delivered in a way that meets individual needs, identified through an Initial Assessment conducted at the start of treatment. This personalised approach ensures that the tools and strategies taught are relevant, meaningful, and immediately applicable to the veteran’s life. The standard duration of the program is 12 to 16 weeks, though extensions are available when beneficial. This ensures that all participants have the time and support needed to fully absorb and apply the material. Sessions may be delivered individually or in groups, depending on preferences and assessment outcomes.

Core Objectives

  1. Develop Emotional Awareness – Recognise, understand, and describe emotional experiences more effectively.

  2. Identify and Apply Emotional Awareness Strategies – Equip yourself with tools and techniques to manage and respond to emotions in healthy, constructive ways.

Extended Goals

As participants progress through the program, they will work toward the following extended goals:

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

  • Learn emotion regulation techniques, including recognising and responding to emotional triggers.

  • Create an interpersonal blueprint to understand and address problematic social behaviors and interactions.

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

  • Practice assertive communication, learning to express 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 handbook is designed to build progressively, with each section and topic building upon the last. By the end of the program, veterans will have a robust and personalised set of tools for emotional and interpersonal success. To maximise the benefits of the program, veterans are encouraged to:

  • Engage fully with each module

  • Complete exercises and tasks in sequence

  • Reflect on the material and apply it to real-life scenarios

Flexibility is a key component. If additional sessions are needed, these should be arranged. The goal is to support veterans at their own pace, ensuring the content remains relevant, manageable, and transformative.