History & Philosophy

History and Philosophy 

History 

John Carroll, with Peg Dunne, established Windmill Therapeutic Training Unit in August 1988.  

Having completed a feasibility study in early 1988 John set about forming a Service, based in a social and humanistic model of service delivery. 

The service was aimed at preparing adults, with mild to moderate intellectual disability, to 

• take on challenges of the modern world, 
• promote confidence and awareness, 
• focus on the whole person and maximize their full potential

Philosophy 

John Carroll, in founding Windmill Therapeutic Training Unit, was careful to ground the service in a Social and Therapeutic model based on a Humanistic approach where unconditional positive regard is Windmill’s core value.  The concept of unconditional positive regard dictates that each person, no matter what their presentation or history 

• is listened to, 
• is given a platform from which to be truly heard and
• is treated in a positive and respectful manner.

  Respect, dignity and equality are the basis of our work and Windmill enforces a No Tolerance of Abuse Policy.

A therapeutic relationship is understood by Windmill as the most important tool we have when working together with people. We focus on building strong, authentic relationships with the people who access the service, because we believe such relationships are central to every person’s well-being and growth. 

We understand that truly therapeutic relationships are reciprocal, based in mutual respect and trust between the people in the relationship. 

Updated 11/12/2025