A few answers to help you know what to expect. Please contact me if there is anything else you would like to ask.
Frequency of Sessions
Many people find it difficult to find the money and time for weekly sessions. I understand these restraints and am willing to negotiate a flexible approach to session attendance.
Many clients will work weekly or fortnightly for the first few sessions and then review and "top up" at monthly intervals. This works with counselling but not with deeper longer term psychotherapy.
I have private medical insurance can I claim for my therapy with you?
Please check with your insurer and with me before booking if you wish to claim for counselling. Cover and approval arrangements vary.
Do your clients come back for more sessions at a later date?
Yes. You are welcome to contact me again after counselling has ended. We can discuss whether you would like one or two sessions or a longer period of work.
Have you had counselling?
Yes, during my training it was mandatory that I had 40 hours of counselling and since qualifying I have had therapy although it is not compulsory.
How often do you have supervision?
I attend regular supervision and can access additional advice and support when needed. You are welcome to ask me about supervision and how it supports my work.
Why are you supervised? What does it mean?
It is important that all therapists are supervised. This protects the client and supports the counsellor. Supervision is a safe place in which I discuss issues about my casework, get another point of view, ensure I am working ethically and that my client is getting the best possible counselling for the issues presented to me.
What happens if, when I meet you, I realise I know you or you know someone in my family?
This can sometimes happen, it is a small world! We discuss together whether this could affect the counselling relationship and if either of us feels it may “get in the way” I will help you to find someone else to work with.
Home Visits
It is possible for me in some circumstances to see you away from my practice in Chesterfield and I have done this for clients in the past, my suggestion would be to give me a call so we can discuss further your needs and requirements.
How long do your therapy sessions usually last?
Sessions are usually one hour. If you feel you need a longer appointment, please discuss this with me.
Do you provide a written assessment?
Not usually but I can on request. All sessions that are undertaken by me I take notes (I usually make an assessment of each visit and set objectives for the next session after the client has gone, this allows me to dedicate the whole session to the client and not spend time filling in paperwork until after the session has ended).
If a written assessment is required by a court or employer I will charge for the time taken.
Do you accept bookings by email?
Yes. Email marion@mlowden.com to discuss an appointment. I will reply as soon as I am able.
How much will it cost?
My fee is £45 per hour. You can contact me directly; you do not need a doctor’s referral. Please ask about payment arrangements when booking.
Have you on-site parking?
Please ask me about parking and access at the Wingerworth address when arranging your appointment.
Do you talk to anyone about me?
Confidentiality is very important and the only person I would discuss my clients with would be my supervisor who is also bound by confidentiality. If you would like to know who my supervisor is I will be happy to tell you.
In exceptional circumstances I may have to break confidentiality if I was really anxious about you self harming or harming someone else. I would hopefully be able to discuss with worry with you.
If my employer or my doctor contacts you would you discuss me with them?
I will only discuss you/your issues if you give me written permission and we agree the issues to be discussed.