Dr David Dunbar Clinical Psychologist
Dr David is a calm and thoughtful clinical psychologist whose life and clinical experience has given him a deep compassion for, and intuitive insight into people. His person-centred, collaborative approach is tailored to you, and he uses evidence based therapies such as CBT, ACT, Mindfulness and Clinical Hypnotherapy to help with addictions, anxiety, depression, challenges, life challenges and changes, loss, and adult ADHD concerns.
David is an excellent listener and seeks to provide a safe space for therapeutic growth to take place in. As a psychologist who has provided therapy in a variety of settings, he is comfortable working with adults from all walks of life and with a variety of presentations.
Help with Addictions
David is experienced in helping those who struggle with addictions. His clinical training and years of experience in the field give him tools to understand the many struggles that often accompany addictions such as depression, relationship fractures, previous traumas, PTSD, ADHD, social withdrawal, and anxiety.
No one sets out to become addicted, and David's approach is always non-judgemental. Therapy for substance and other addictions focus on understanding how it came about, identifying triggers, and developing healthy coping strategies. Whilst it sounds sensible and easy, every person who have tried will know that walking the treacherous road of recovery is much easier with a skilful, honest and accepting professional. Relapse prevention is why most people seek treatment from a psychologist because having emotional support is a scaffold that can help prevent relapse. By the time most individuals seek help, they have already tried to quit on their own and they are looking for a better solution.
David provides more than addiction support, he also helps prevent relapse down the road by building resilience, and he helps clients grow and build healthier, more wholesome lives of connection and meaning.
Solution Focussed Therapy
To maximise the gains made in therapy, David aims to have a clear structure in terms of the focus, therapy goals and the approaches taken to overcoming identified difficulties. With his clear, practical communication style, David helps clients understand and apply psychological principles to achieve meaningful change.
David knows that attending therapy can be daunting, and he seeks to minimise the challenges by explaining how things may have become stuck, and how to unglue them. Many clients find his compassionate yet practical approach puts them at ease in their journey of healing and growth. Goals in therapy are decided on collaboratively, and with that in mind, David uses his considerable experience and skill to help clients improve and overcome psychological and life difficulties.
Evidence-based Therapies
David has a wealth of experience working with a wide variety of mental health difficulties and is trained in a number of therapies with an evidence base supporting their effectiveness.
This includes:
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Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Mindfulness Based and Compassion Focussed Therapies
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Clinical Hypnotherapy
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ADHD supportive therapies
Areas of Practice
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Interpersonal difficulties
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Addictions & Relapse Prevention
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Significant Life Events and Transitions
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Challenges & Decisions
Qualifications & Professional Associations
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PhD Clinical Psychology
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Master of Clinical Psychology
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Registered Psychologist, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
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Full Member of College of Clinical Psychologists