Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Interests
Timeline
Generic
Rebecca Higgins

Rebecca Higgins

Avalon Beach

Summary

Experienced clinical counsellor, psychotherapist, and supervisor with over a decade of expertise in trauma-focused therapy, addictions, and relational recovery. Clinical Director of The Radiant Group, leading innovative outpatient programs grounded in EMDR, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and a bio-psycho-social-spiritual model of care. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Medicine (Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy) at the University of Sydney, bringing a wealth of clinical knowledge, a passion for teaching, and a dedication to nurturing the next generation of trauma-informed therapists. Dynamic Lecturer with nine years of counselling and addiction experience, recognised for engaging lectures supported by valuable materials and meticulous group management. Committed to fostering individual student success and promoting comprehensive understanding.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Clinical Director, Counsellor & Psychotherapist

The Radiant Group
01.2016 - Current
  • Leads a multidisciplinary therapy practice specialising in Complex PTSD, PTSD, addiction, betrayal trauma, and complex grief
  • Facilitates intensive outpatient EMDR programs with a focus on dissociation and attachment trauma
  • Integrates psychodynamic, EMDR, somatic, and systemic approaches in individual and group work
  • Mentored staff members through professional development opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.
  • Cultivated a positive organisational culture that supported employee engagement, teamwork, open communication, ethical behaviour, accountability.
  • Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based clinical practices and protocols.
  • Improved overall clinic functioning by creating standardised processes and procedures for daily operations.
  • Promoted a safe working environment for staff by enforcing strict adherence to safety protocols and addressing potential hazards promptly.
  • Participated in community outreach programs to promote awareness about mental health disorders and available treatments.

Webinar Presenter and Guest Lecturer

Various National Platforms
01.2023 - Current
  • Presented “Rewiring the Brain: Addressing Porn Addiction through EMDR and Neurobiology” at the 2025 EMDRAA Conference.
  • Contributed subject matter expertise as a panelist and guest speaker at the EMDRAA conference 2024, presenting on Intensive EMDR outpatient programs.
  • Panelist - IITAP convention 2021 - International work as a CSAT
  • Actively sought out opportunities for professional development to stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies that could enhance my presentations.
  • Conducted thorough research on presentation topics, ensuring accuracy and relevance of information shared with audiences.
  • Provided actionable takeaways for attendees in each presentation that they could immediately implement in their personal or professional lives.

Guest Lecturer & Clinical Educator

The Radiant Group
01.2016 - Current
  • Delivers training for clinicians on EMDR, betrayal trauma, and attachment-informed case formulation
  • Supervises emerging therapists and clinical interns in trauma-informed practice

Advanced Facilitator Training & Communication Programs

The Radiant Group & Optimise Potential
01.2010 - 01.2020
  • Delivered high-quality training sessions, ensuring participants developed a thorough understanding of communication using their MBTI type.
  • Fostered an inclusive learning environment by addressing diverse needs and adapting facilitation techniques as needed.

Counsellor (Intern to Senior)

The Radiant Group
01.2012 - 01.2016
  • Trained under Dr Shirley Smith, focusing on group facilitation, subconscious communication, and trauma recovery
  • Implemented NLP and Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy in addiction programs

Director & Program Facilitator

Argosy Agricultural Group / Sydney Polo Club
01.2000 - 01.2016
  • Developed Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy programs for addiction recovery and corporate team building

Lecturer – Interior Design

TAFE NSW Sydney Institute, Enmore Campus
01.1990 - 01.2000
  • Lectured in design theory, lighting design, and documentation processes

Education

Master of Science in Medicine - Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy

The University of Sydney
Westmead Campus, NSW
01.2026

Certified Sex Addiction, Partner Betrayal Trauma Specialist, Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist

International Institute of Trauma And Addiction Professionals
01.2022

Certified EMDR Consultant - undefined

EMDRAA
01.2025

Certified EMDR Consultant - undefined

EMDRIA
01.2025

Bachelor of Applied Social Science - Counselling

Jansen Newman Institute
Pyrmont, NSW
01.2018

Skills

  • Trauma-Informed Practice & Case Formulation
  • EMDR Therapy for Complex and Developmental Trauma
  • Group Facilitation and Program Development
  • Clinical Supervision and Adult Learning
  • Workshop Facilitation & Online Education
  • Advanced training in Group EMDR protocol
  • Advanced training in intensive EMDR facilitation
  • Research and analysis
  • Advanced training in Dissociation, DID and Psychosis
  • Psychodynamic trained
  • Clear communication in public settings
  • Facilitation with EMDR Academy as a level 1 & 2 co-facilitator
  • Educational program development
  • Developmental Model of Immaturity - Pia Melody

Certification

  • Certificate in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAGALA)
  • Certified NLP Practitioner (Quantpotentials)
  • Telehealth and Digital Ethics (Zur Institute)
  • Interior Design & Architectural Drafting (KVB Institute & TAFE NSW)
  • Family Constellation Therapy Training 2017

Affiliations

  • Registered Clinical Counsellor – PACFA & ACA (Level 4)
  • Member – ACA College of Clinical Counsellors
  • Member – ACA College of Supervisors
  • Member – EMDRAA, EMDRIA
  • Student Member – ANZAP, Australia & New Zealand Association of Psychotherapy
  • Member - Trauma Recovery Network
  • Member - ISSTD, International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation
  • Member - IITAP, International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Profressionals

Interests

  • Enjoy participating in reformer pilates for overall physical and mental well-being
  • Acting and Theatre
  • My therapist Spoodle - Dixie Dog

Timeline

Webinar Presenter and Guest Lecturer

Various National Platforms
01.2023 - Current

Clinical Director, Counsellor & Psychotherapist

The Radiant Group
01.2016 - Current

Guest Lecturer & Clinical Educator

The Radiant Group
01.2016 - Current

Counsellor (Intern to Senior)

The Radiant Group
01.2012 - 01.2016

Advanced Facilitator Training & Communication Programs

The Radiant Group & Optimise Potential
01.2010 - 01.2020

Director & Program Facilitator

Argosy Agricultural Group / Sydney Polo Club
01.2000 - 01.2016

Lecturer – Interior Design

TAFE NSW Sydney Institute, Enmore Campus
01.1990 - 01.2000

Certified EMDR Consultant - undefined

EMDRAA

Certified EMDR Consultant - undefined

EMDRIA

Master of Science in Medicine - Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy

The University of Sydney

Certified Sex Addiction, Partner Betrayal Trauma Specialist, Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist

International Institute of Trauma And Addiction Professionals

Bachelor of Applied Social Science - Counselling

Jansen Newman Institute
Rebecca Higgins