Wendy Dunbar
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Welcome! I'm a qualified person-centred counsellor/psychotherapist, experienced working with children, young people and adults, in many areas including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma, OCD, illness, bereavement and ADHD/Autism. I strive to create a trusting space where you feel encouraged to share your thoughts and feelings and start to gain a more in-depth insight into the issues you face; it’s then you can begin to make some positive changes, reconnect with others, and regain control of your life.
There can be many reasons a person may feel they need to reach out. I’m here to help create a trusting relationship in a safe, confidential environment, where you can communicate your full self and feel truly listened to, accepted and heard. This can be hard to find in our busy, everyday lives and yet it can promote growth and give us the strength to move forward in a positive direction. I will not claim to be an expert in your world, as how can I possibly know exactly how it feels to be you? What I do know is deep within us, we have all the necessary tools needed to help us uncover unimagined possibilities, discover solutions, make decisions and find some healing through the essential unity of the mind and body.
I understand the initial step may feel daunting, so to help reassure you, I offer a free confidential 20 minute chat by telephone where we can discuss your worries; it will also give you the opportunity to learn a little about me and the service I provide.
Maybe you have thoughts around not being good enough and feel stagnant and stuck in a world that at times can feel overwhelming and suffocating, leaving you possibly feeling isolated from others? Or have you suffered an unimaginable, indescribable loss of someone or something dear to you, leaving you feeling numb or in excruciating pain? Life may have continued on, but your world is shaken and has taken on a 'surreal-ness' where you no longer feel physically present or able to function. Have you experienced a profound trauma, either physical or emotional, such as a life-changing illness/diagnosis or a significant operation that's left you feeling like a shadow of the person you once were, wanting to hide away from the world and disappear? Or maybe compulsive and addictive behaviours have started to threaten the quality of your life, leaving you feeling powerless, like you’ve lost control?
I provide therapy face to face, online and on the telephone. You are free to choose which method fits best for you. If you would like like to meet for an appointment, my room is in a private location in Fareham and there is free parking close by.
As a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I’m regulated and supported in keeping up to date my skills through the ethical standards of good practice. I adhere to the Equality Act 2010, a legal framework that protects you from unfair treatment, welcoming equality and diversity.
To comply with regulations, I hold public liability insurance and an up to date enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
As part of my professional standards in ensuring ethical practice, I’m committed to my continuous professional/personal development, and I attend regular supervision with a trained professional.
Confidentiality is paramount to me as I’m aware you will be sharing personal experiences. I will stay committed to protecting your safety. If you share anything that worries me regarding your immediate safety or the safety of another, then this may be an exception and I will need to share this with my supervisor. I would try to discuss this with you where possible beforehand. I am legally obliged to also break confidentiality if you disclose any money laundering or terrorism.
As set out in the principles of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), relating to the processing of personal data, I will ensure data is stored securely, and used only for explicit, legitimate purposes (Data Protection Act 2018). This includes being registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Your information will not be passed on to other parties without gaining your permission. You have the right to view, make changes or request deletion of your data.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Qualifications
- BA (Hons) in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy (Middlesex University)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Person-Centred Counselling (Middlesex University)
- NHS Counselling Children and Young People (MindEd)
- Certificate in Counselling (online and telephone)
- Certificate in Counselling Skills Level 3
- Introduction to Counselling Level 2
- NCFE Level 2 Working with Children and Young People with Mental Health Needs
- Ascentis Level 3 Speech and Language Support (ELKLAN)
- Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce Level 3 CACHE
Experience/training
I have gained knowledge and skills working as a practitioner within the health industry, supporting physical and emotional wellbeing through calming and relaxing body techniques.
I progressed into the educational sector, where I've supported many children and young people over the last 20 years, including those considered to have learning and behavioural difficulties. I have worked alongside other professional services and organisations providing a type of wraparound support, placing the person firmly at the centre.
I presently work within my own private practice, but I'm also a Consultant Counsellor at a person-centred organisation. Over the years, I have worked alongside and supported children, young people and adults struggling with many conditions including anxiety, grief, depression, abuse, addictions and trauma, as well as those with signs/symptoms associated with ADHD, ADD and ASD.
I have a personal and professional interest in the psychological stress/impacts of life-changing physical health problems/injuries, as well as a good knowledge/experience addressing emotional issues with clients who hold spiritual or religious beliefs e.g. Christians.
I have some additional creative experience/knowledge working with sand tray therapy, as an alternative communication/therapeutic method (please enquire if this is of interest).
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£55.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I initially can offer a free 20 minute appointment, on the telephone, so please message me to arrange. This can be in person, but a fee will then apply. This will give us the opportunity to talk through what brings you to counselling, discuss any worries/concerns you may have, as well as talk about the service I provide.
Sessions are recommended weekly and are 50 minutes in duration. This can be discussed in the initial appointment as I’m aware that everyone’s requirements may be different.
When I work
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