Welcome to
Birchtree Foundation
At Birchtree, we believe that healing from trauma should be possible for everyone—no matter where they live, what they’ve been through, or what they can afford.
Ten years ago, co-founders Jace Cannon-Brookes and Sophie Reid opened the doors of the Birchtree Centre, recognising a critical and growing need: a safe, truly trauma-informed space for survivors of complex trauma.
At a time when such services were scarce and often inaccessible, Birchtree set out to do things differently – placing compassion, evidence-based care, and survivor empowerment at the heart of every interaction.
What started as a small centre with a bold mission has since grown into a leading hub for trauma recovery and mental health support. Today, Birchtree Centre is home to 55 dedicated trauma therapists, collectively supporting over 800 clients every week. This extraordinary growth reflects both the depth of unmet need in our communities and the trust our clients place in Birchtree’s unique, client-centred approach.
Our journey is one of purpose, persistence, and hope—and it’s far from over.
The Birth of Birchtree Foundation
At Birchtree, we have always listened closely to the voices of our clients. Over time, a clear pattern emerged: essential services—especially for those impacted by childhood trauma—were consistently underfunded and out of reach. The need was urgent, and the gaps in the system were widening.
Childhood maltreatment and neglect leave deep and lasting impacts. These traumas don’t just affect emotional and psychological wellbeing—they reverberate into adulthood through increased risks of mental illness, substance dependency, and chronic health conditions. The link between adverse childhood experiences and compromised adult health is now well established.
Today, over 800 clients are supported each week by our team of 55 dedicated therapists. But the need continues to grow—especially in regional communities where services are scarce and financial barriers high.
That’s why we created the Birchtree Foundation.
Through innovative, accessible programs like our Empowered Self Defence (ESD) initiative, we’re helping people reclaim their sense of safety, agency, and belonging. Guided by compassion, grounded in evidence, and built around the voices of our clients, Birchtree is more than a service—it’s a movement toward equitable, trauma-informed care for all.