Alison Dunbar Counselling and Therapy Services

Testimonials
We at Pine Rivers Child and Youth Mental health Services, have had a long and productive association with Ali... She has always impressed as a dedicated advocate for the interests and wellbeing of her clients. Ali has demonstrated initiative and innovation by responding to the critical need of school refusal, with plans to address the need head on. Her drive and determination to see t

hings progress from a good idea to a substantial and sustainable change is evident both on an interpersonal level, as well as a more systemic level... It is with the upmost respect, and confidence that I recommend Ali for any position she applies her self to. (Team Leader, CYMHS)


​To sum Alison up in a few words is not enough. She has helped me through some very tough times in my life over the past 5 years. Ones to which, at times, I never thought I would come out the other side of. I went through a very bad DV marriage to which I didn’t want to believe I was in and that it was my life. Alison helped me see things in a different perspective one to which I was not able to see before talking to her. There are just not enough words to sum up how easy she made it to be able to open up and really get things out that had been buried deep down for years. Alison you truly are an amazing person, and I cannot thank you enough for always having an open heart and open mind and a beautiful soul. (Ulandra P)


​I have known Alison Dunbar both professionally and personally since working with her in 2014. Ali is an extremely experienced counsellor and has worked in varying leadership positions. She is a genuine person; immediately approachable and her confidentiality is beyond reproach. She was committed to gaining further knowledge in fields that have gained in priority such as EALD. She has a true ability to connect and gain trust, is client focused, non-judgmental and supportive. She works closely with both students and adults and always follows through with whatever strategies are put in place. Ali is a collaborative team player working with specialists to maximise support for her clients and her inclusive practices have seen many success stories. She has time and empathy for all who need her support. Her skills, experience and respectfulness proved invaluable when she worked with EALD students. As a senior drumbeat facilitator for refugees, the students were able to express themselves and grow within their new environment in a positive and supported way. She developed students’ confidence through building their self-esteem and was able to assist students dealing with their traumatic and harrowing backgrounds. Ali listens and learns from others and is respectful that we all have something to give and contribute. She is an outstanding professional.
​Lynette Bosworth (EALD Co-Ordinator)



​Alison has provided complex case management support for a client with very high needs, where several stakeholders across a range of government and community departments have been involved. Her input meant that extensive notes, recommendations and actions required from each stakeholder were clearly outlined. She has observed the client on a number of occasions, and established a positive relationship with him in an informal and relaxed manner. Ali has assisted me with formulating clear plans, daily timetables and activities to ensure the the client continues to want to attend our program, focussing on social/ emotional wellbeing and differentiation in his curriculum provision. Ali has worked with the team to build staff capacity through provision of professional development sessions. Her recent thorough explanation of the theoretical frameworks including PBS, Cognitive Brain Based interventions (CBT) at both a 10 year old's level, parent and staff level was invaluable. Watching this client improve his understanding of why he behaves the way he does and how he can help himself through the journey was inspiring! For our staff we had several 'light bulb' moments and we discussed several other clients that the content was also relevant for in our setting. Tara W (Specialist Support Practitioner)


​I have had the pleasure of working with Ali in a range of different capacities over the last 10 years or so. I first met Ali when she was a school Guidance Officer. At the time I was working in North Coast Regional Office and Ali was recognised as one of the leading GO's in our region, particularly with implementing innovative support programs for students at risk of disengaging, for example becoming a senior practitioner in Drumbeat. I also engaged with Ali when she took on a Senior Guidance Officer role. Ali showed that she is a team player and I was always appreciative of how she was open to providing advice and support to myself and her colleagues. Ali has also shown great initiative in building capacity within a school setting. I had the opportunity to be working in a school where Ali was the Deputy Principal for Inclusion. Ali worked closely with her team to implement current, evidence-based strategies and improve school-wide practices to support at-risk students, particularly students with disabilities, anxiety and mental health issues. Ali's experience and wealth of knowledge led me to recommend her to Dr Beth Saggers, Associate Professor in the School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education at QUT, as a sessional academic for subjects relating to social, emotional and behavioural needs and supporting students on the autism spectrum. Ali has taken on this role with great enthusiasm and rigour. I’ve learned a lot from Ali over the years and have always been impressed with her work ethic and professionalism. I am confident that clients engaging with Ali will be equally as impressed! Stephanie Curtis (Consultant)



I found Alison a warm and approachable person who showed genuine care and concern for the well-being and development of all clients and staffing under her leadership capacity. Alison is a diligent and committed worker and her professionalism and integrity I hold in high regard. Her teaching and guidance deepened my understanding of the clients I supported. Individual Behaviour Support Plans had a consistent format and were collaboratively written. Her ‘child centred’ approach, knowledge and skills in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy reflected a ‘functional’ view of behaviour. Alison guided and assisted us when writing these plans to look to plan for preventative and reactive strategies. Individual Behaviour Support Plans are client focused and included crucial information on the student’s strengths / weaknesses / likes /dislikes / triggers and motivators and with clear steps to take for high-risk behaviours. She modelled and reinforced the importance of timely reviewing IBSPs and documenting the changes. Alongside the IBSPs, some student’s required a Risk Assessment and Management document. Alison explained and walked the team through each part when providing information for this document E.g. understanding the risk, the assessment of the risk and management of risk. She also promoted the essential need for collaboration within a complex case environment. This was clear with a ‘wrap around’ approach by involving the family, support team and professionals, both internal and external agencies. Alison used the knowledge and input of all the professionals involved in order to identify and plan for the client’s needs. Alison inspired me in wanting to do better, both on a professional and personal level. She brought rigour to our practices, procedures and ways of thinking. She developed our professional skills and increased the team’s understanding of ‘equity, access and participation’ for all clients with disabilities and learning barriers. I believe Alison’s knowledge, skills and philosophy would be an asset in any position connected with children and their families. Celine W
​

​Working with Ali Dunbar is Fab. She is very good at her work and always works hard. If she does not have work to do she will always look for extra jobs. I do not want her to go. I will miss her. I hope she gets a job she likes. Ali is always there when I need someone to talk to. She was my favourite member of staff. Ashley (15 Years old)


​It is my pleasure to recommend Ali Dunbar. In the short time I have worked with Ali I have found her to be someone quite unique. Ali possesses an uncommon mix of being task orientated, with a warm empathy for people and prioritising the wellbeing of an individual above any outcome. In a very short time, Ali was able to assess the needs of the community, develop a structured, collaborative approach to support clients in need and has implemented the changes along the way. Her ability to shift from counselling a client in crisis one minute, to discussing reporting processes and casting vision with a staff member the next is also evident of a sharp intelligence and complete competence. She is a very safe and disarming person and I appreciate her enthusiasm and sense of joy. Wherever, and amongst whomever Ali works, she is a great asset to any team. Dave Hockey (Chaplain)