Chris Mushadu
Chris is a Registered Counsellor at Changes with an honour’s degree in psychology.
“When it comes to treating addiction and mental health, emotional wellbeing goes hand in hand with learning to breathe.”
Clients Questions
What does Chris focus on when working with patients at Changes?
Chris works on connecting the dots between a person’s substance use, their daily behaviour and the impact on family, work and self respect, rather than treating addiction as something that only exists at night or on weekends.
How does his experience on the ground in South Africa shape his style?
He understands the pull of township and city cultures, economic pressure and informal norms around drinking and drugs, so his feedback speaks to the life people actually live, not an idealised version.
What can families expect from meetings with Chris during a tough admission?
You can expect frank talk, validation of how hard it has been and clear suggestions for boundaries, without being blamed for the addiction or let off the hook for patterns that are clearly enabling.
How does he challenge manipulation without shaming the person?
Chris calls out contradictions and game playing in a direct but respectful way, showing people the gap between their words and their actions while still treating them as more than their worst choices.
How does Chris help patients plan for life outside the gate?
He works with them to identify high risk people and places, build healthier routines and make concrete commitments that are realistic in their communities, not just in a therapy room.
The First 3–6 Weeks of Care
Consistent daily structure and sleep routine are early markers of stabilisation.