Trauma Counselling Dunedin
Support for anxiety, overwhelm, and the lasting effects of difficult experiences.
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Welcome
Welcome
If you are looking for trauma counselling in Dunedin, you may be dealing with experiences that have left you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally stuck.
Trauma can affect how you think, feel, and respond to everyday situations. You might feel constantly on edge, shut down, or unsure why things feel harder than they should.
Counselling can help you begin to feel more grounded, more in control, and more like yourself again.
What is Trauma?
What is Trauma?
Trauma is not only about what happened—it’s about how your mind and body responded to it.
It can come from:
A single distressing event
Ongoing stress or difficult experiences
Growing up in an unpredictable or unsafe environment
Experiences that left you feeling powerless, overwhelmed, or alone
Even if others might not see it as “trauma,” your experience is still valid if it continues to affect you.
COMMON SIGNS OF TRAUMA
COMMON SIGNS OF TRAUMA
You might notice:
You might notice:
Feeling anxious, on edge, or easily overwhelmed
Shutting down emotionally or feeling numb
Difficulty relaxing or feeling safe
Overthinking or constant worry
Strong reactions to certain situations or triggers
Struggling in relationships or feeling disconnected
You don’t need to have all of these to benefit from counselling.
How Trauma Counselling Can Help
How Trauma Counselling Can Help
Trauma counselling focuses on helping you:
Trauma counselling focuses on helping you:
Feel safer and more grounded
Understand your reactions without judgement
Reduce anxiety and emotional overwhelm
Build practical coping strategies
Regain a sense of control and stability
The goal is not to force you to relive the past—but to help you move forward in a way that feels manageable.
About David Barton
About David Barton
I am a qualified counsellor with:
PhD in Psychology
BA in Applied Psychology
Diploma in Counselling
ACC-registered provider
My approach is:
Trauma-informed
Practical and supportive
Focused on helping you create real change
I draw from evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, narrative therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
You can find out more about me and my background on my About Page
SPECIALISED SUPPORT PATHWAYS
SPECIALISED SUPPORT PATHWAYS
Types of Support Available
Types of Support Available
Depending on your situation, you may benefit from more specific support:
ACC Sensitive Claims Counselling
For those who have experienced sexual abuse or assault (fully funded if eligible)
👉ACC Sensitive Claims Counselling
Christian Counselling
For those who want to integrate faith into the counselling process
👉 Christian Counselling
These options can be explored if they feel relevant to you.
What Sessions Are Like
Sessions are:
Confidential
Guided at your pace
Focused on what feels most helpful to you
You don’t need to have a clear explanation of what’s wrong.
We can work that out together.
My Location Details
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
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 About Trauma Counselling
Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma Counselling
1. What is trauma counselling?
1. What is trauma counselling?
Trauma counselling helps people process and recover from difficult or overwhelming experiences that continue to affect their emotions, thoughts, relationships, or sense of safety.
The goal is not to force you to relive the past, but to help you feel more stable, grounded, and in control again.
2. How do I know if I have experienced trauma?
2. How do I know if I have experienced trauma?
Trauma can affect people in very different ways.
You may notice:
Anxiety or constant worry
Feeling emotionally shut down or numb
Difficulty relaxing or feeling safe
Strong reactions to certain situations
Trouble trusting others or feeling connected
If something from the past continues to impact your wellbeing, counselling may help.
3. Do I need to talk about everything straight away?
3. Do I need to talk about everything straight away?
No. You are always in control of what you share and when you share it. Counselling moves at a pace that feels manageable and safe for you.
4. Is trauma counselling only for severe experiences?
4. Is trauma counselling only for severe experiences?
No. Trauma is not measured by whether something looks “serious enough” to others. What matters is the impact the experience has had on you.
Even experiences that people minimise or dismiss can still leave lasting emotional effects.
5. What happens in the first session?
5. What happens in the first session?
The first session is focused on understanding what has been happening for you and what support might be helpful.
There is no pressure to explain everything in detail. The goal is simply to begin the process in a safe and supportive way.
6. How can trauma counselling help?
6. How can trauma counselling help?
Trauma counselling can help you:
Feel calmer and more grounded
Better understand your emotional reactions
Reduce anxiety and overwhelm
Develop healthier coping strategies
Improve relationships and emotional wellbeing
Healing is usually a gradual process, but meaningful change is possible.
7. Is counselling confidential?
7. Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Counselling is confidential, with a few legal exceptions relating to serious safety concerns. These will be explained clearly so you know what to expect.
8. How long does trauma counselling take?
8. How long does trauma counselling take?
This varies from person to person. Some people benefit from short-term support, while others prefer longer-term counselling depending on their experiences and goals. We review progress together as therapy continues.
9. Do you offer online sessions?
9. Do you offer online sessions?
Online sessions are available if needed. However, many people find that meeting in person provides a stronger sense of connection and support when working through trauma-related experiences. If you are based in Dunedin, in-person sessions are recommended where possible.
10. What if I feel nervous about starting counselling?
10. What if I feel nervous about starting counselling?
That’s completely normal. Many people feel unsure or hesitant before their first session, especially if they have been carrying things alone for a long time. You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. The first step is simply beginning the conversation.
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