Research
At Birchtree, we believe that meaningful healing must be matched with meaningful evidence. We are committed to contributing to the global body of trauma research and continuously evaluating the impact of our programs and therapeutic approaches.
Our current research project is focused on developing and evaluating a comprehensive model of trauma healing—one that moves beyond traditional clinical frameworks focused solely on pathology and internal states.
Instead, we aim to reframe trauma recovery as a holistic, embodied process that supports survivors in moving from a state of self-protection toward building connection, meaning, and thriving.
Our Model
This model integrates established psychological principles with emerging insights from health science, somatic therapies, and neuroscience. It recognises that healing is not only about reducing symptoms—it’s about reclaiming life, restoring agency, and nurturing the capacity for joy, relationships, and self-expression.
Our Program Development
Evidence-informed and globally relevant
By embedding research into every stage of our program development, Birchtree ensures that our work is not only compassionate and client-centred—but also evidence-informed and globally relevant.
We look forward to sharing our findings and contributing to a broader conversation about what healing can—and should—look like.
Birchtree is proud to offer higher degree research opportunities to Masters and PhD students with our collaborative partners.
Evaluating Birchtree Empowered Self Defence Program.
Supervisors – Dr Sophie Reid & A/Prof Phil Kavanagh
What Really Matters in Therapy – exploring what clients hope to gain from therapy.
Supervisors – Dr Sophie Reid & A/Prof Phil Kavanagh
Clinicians perspectives of the trauma healing process.
Supervisors – Dr Sophie Reid & A/Prof Deborah Mitchinson
Yoga for PTSD and the role of interoceptive awareness: A preliminary mixed-methods case series study. European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, Vol 3(1,), 2019, p 7-15
Supervisors – Dr Sophie Reid & Dr Alice Shires
Maternal emotion regulation as a mechanism of intergenerational trauma transmission amongst childhood maltreatment survivors and their children: A systematic review. Submitted for publication, Journal of Abuse and Neglect
Supervisors – Dr Sophie Reid
