Wendy Dunbar

Welcome! I'm a qualified person-centred counsellor/psychotherapist, with experience working with children, young people and adults, in many areas including depression, anxiety, ADHD, family issues, trauma, illness and bereavement. I strive to create a trusting space where you feel encouraged to share your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and start to gain a more in-depth insight into the issues you face; it's then you may begin to move forward, make some positive changes 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 that trusting relationship in a confidential environment, where you felt safe to communicate your full self and feel truly accepted, heard and listened to. 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 to make decisions or discover the solutions/answers to our problems.

I understand it's daunting reaching out for help, so to reassure you, I initially offer a free confidential 20 minute chat by telephone. where we can discuss your worries as well as 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 traumatic event, either physical or emotional, 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 talk 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. I attend 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 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. 

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.