ACC Counsellor Dunedin

Dr David Barton PhD / Counsellor/ Therapist

Welcome

If you are looking for an ACC sensitive claims counsellor in Dunedin, you are not alone.

At On Track Counselling, I provide a safe, confidential, and supportive space for people who have experienced sexual abuse or assault—whether recently or in the past.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Many people come feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or even hesitant to talk. That’s completely okay.

This is a place where you can begin at your own pace.

What is ACC Counselling?

In New Zealand, ACC provides fully funded counselling for people who have experienced sexual abuse or sexual assault. This is known as a Sensitive Claim.

You do not need to report anything to the police to access support.

Counselling can help with:

Anxiety, fear, or ongoing distress
Flashbacks or intrusive memories
Emotional shutdown or numbness
Shame, guilt, or self-blame
Difficulties in relationships or trust

If you are unsure whether your experience qualifies, I can help you understand your options.

What experiences are covered by ACC Sensitive Claims?

ACC sensitive claims counselling is available for people who have experienced sexual abuse, sexual assault, or unwanted sexual experiences at any point in their life.

In plain language, this can include:

Any form of sexual contact that was forced, pressured, or not consented to
Sexual abuse in childhood or adolescence
Being touched in a sexual way without your consent
Being pressured, manipulated, or coerced into sexual activity
Sexual experiences where you felt unable to say no
Ongoing sexual abuse within a relationship
Being made to engage in sexual activity when you were too young to understand or consent

It doesn’t matter how long ago it happened, or whether anyone else knows about it.

You also do not need to be sure whether it “counts” before reaching out.

If something felt wrong, confusing, or has stayed with you over time, it is worth talking about—and support may be available.

Who I Work With

I support adults who:

Have experienced sexual abuse or assault (recent or historical)
Feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, fear, or emotional overwhelm
Find themselves shutting down or struggling to cope under stress
Have carried these experiences silently for years
Are ready to begin healing, even if they don’t know where to start

I work with both men and women, and many have spent years managing on their own and are now ready for support.

About David Barton

I am an ACC-registered counsellor providing sensitive claims therapy, with:

My approach is:

Trauma-informed
Gentle and paced according to your readiness
Practical and focused on real change

I draw from evidence-based approaches such as:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Trauma-informed therapy
Narrative and solution-focused approaches

The goal is not to push you—but to support you in rebuilding a sense of safety, stability, and control.

You can find out more about me and my background on my About Page

How ACC Sensitive Claims Work

Getting support is simpler than most people expect:

Contact me to arrange an initial session - my contact details are listed below.
We talk through your situation at your pace
I complete the ACC sensitive claim process with you
Once approved, your counselling sessions are fully funded

You do not need a referral to get started.

You also don’t need to tell your whole story straight away.

Your privacy and safety are central to this process.

Sessions are confidential
You are in control of what you share and when
There is no pressure to talk about anything before you are ready

This is about creating a space where you feel safe enough to begin.

My Location Details

Dr. David Barton PhD

Counsellor | Provisional Member, NZCCA

PhD (Psychology) | Diploma in Counselling

davidbarton1971@gmail.com

+64 21 137 4491

The Capitol Building, Level 1,

67 Princes Street, Dunedin, 9016

Trusted by Individuals and Organisations

I work with clients through a range of professional referral pathways, including government-funded services, community organisations, and private referrals.

I currently see clients through:

ACC Sensitive Claims
Life Matters Suicide Prevention
Cancer Society
Turning Point Christian Counselling
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP)
Private Clients
This means I regularly support people with complex, long-standing, and high-impact life experiences — always within a professional, ethical, and trauma-informed framework.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to report to the police to get ACC counselling?

No. You do not need to report anything to the police to access ACC sensitive claims counselling.

2. Is ACC counselling really free?

Yes. If your ACC sensitive claim is approved, your counselling sessions are fully funded.

3. Do I need a referral from a doctor?

No. You can contact me directly to get started.

4. What if I’m not sure my experience “counts”?

You don’t need to figure that out on your own.
We can talk it through together, and I can help you understand whether ACC applies in your situation.

5. Do I have to talk about everything straight away?

No. You can go at your own pace.
You are always in control of what you share, and when you share it.

6. Is counselling confidential?

Yes. Counselling is confidential.
There are a few legal exceptions (such as serious risk of harm), but these will be clearly explained so you know exactly what to expect.

7. How many sessions will I get?

This depends on your needs.
ACC can fund ongoing counselling, and we review this together as therapy progresses.

8. What happens in the first session?

The first session is gentle and focused on getting a sense of your situation.
There is no pressure to go into detail—you can share as much or as little as feels right.

9. Can I do sessions online?

Online sessions are available if needed.

However, many clients find that meeting in person provides a stronger sense of safety, connection, and support—especially when working through sensitive experiences.

If you are based in Dunedin, I recommend attending sessions in person where possible.

10. What if I feel nervous about starting?

That’s completely normal.
Many people feel unsure or hesitant before their first session.

You don’t need to feel ready for everything—just ready to take a first step.

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