Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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General Therapy Questions
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1. You offer an integrative approach, how do I know which therapy is right for me?
This will be discussed during the initial assessment. Depending on your needs, symptoms, and goals, we may use CBT, ACT, EMDR, or an integrative approach combining elements of all approaches. Somatic and body/based, and sensory interventions can be easily integrated within all approaches.
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2, Do you work with under 18 year olds?
Although Occupational therapy training covers the whole lifespan, further training I have completed iover the years n psychological therapies has focussed on working with adults from 18 years and above. From an ethical stance, I feel it's vital children and young teens access support from therapists who have the right experience and knowledge base to work with younger clients through good quality further training and supervision to offer helpful and supportive therapy. ​
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3. Are you professionally registered?
Yes. I am accredited by the BABCP and HCPC as well as a being a member of the EMDR Association and registered with the Royal College of Occupational Therapy which means I meet professional standards for training, supervision and ethical guidleines. I am also a 200hr qualified yoga teacher and have undertaken additional training in yoga and somatics, somatic yoga, restorative yoga and yoga nidra.
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4. Are you able to support me if I am experiencing any risk or are in crisis?
​​For any clients experiencing distressing thoughts of wanting to harm themselves or others in any way, I would recommend reaching out to crisis support services as they are in a better position to support you through such a difficult period. The help I could offer during this period may not be enough to fully support you and it's vital you are well supported when in crisis and access the support you need and deserve at such a difficult time. There are different ways you can do this such as visiting A&E, contacting NHS 111 service and requesting the mental health support option, texting SUSSEX to 85258 (if based in the Sussex area) for text support offered by a mental health professional or contacting the Samaritons by calling 116123.
Appointments & Practicalities
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5. How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on your goals and the type of therapy. CBT is usually short-to-medium term (e.g. 6–20 sessions). EMDR may require fewer or more sessions depending on the complexity of the trauma.
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6. How long is each session?
Sessions typically last 50 minutes, although you may be offered the opportunity to have slightly longer processing sessions for EMDR of 75 minutes, if you wish.
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7. Do you offer online sessions?
Yes. I offer therapy via a specialised EMDR based online platform, although this can also be used for therapies other than EMDR. I also offer in person sessions at a beautiful therapy room in Hove (Murmuration rooms, 75 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2BB.)
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8. How much does it cost?
Session fees are £85 per 50 minute session and £125 per 75 minute session.
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9. Do you offer discounted rates?
Unfortunately, I am unable to offer discounted rates as my private practice is small and I still work part time in the NHS whereby clients can access free therapy. There may be other therapists in private practice or larger companies who can offer this support to you and please check whether you are able to access the kind of support you are looking for within the NHS too.
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10. Do you accept insurance?
I am registered with several private health insurers including AXA, WPA, and Aviva.
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11. What is your cancellation policy?
I require at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations. Sessions cancelled with less notice may be charged in full. Please refer to T&C for further details. If you have not yet made an enquiry so have not been sent T&C yet, please get in touch directly with any questions you may have via marie@marie-louiselowcocktherapy.co.uk
Confidentiality & Records
12. Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Everything discussed in therapy is kept confidential, with a few exceptions such as risk of serious harm, safeguarding, or legal obligations. These limits will be explained in our first session and are made explicit within the T&Cs.
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13. Do you keep records?
Yes, I keep brief, secure clinical notes as required by professional and legal standards. These are stored in line with GDPR and confidentiality guidelines.
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14. Can I access my records?
Yes. You have the right to request a copy of any data or notes held about you by making a subject access request to marie@marie-louiselowcocktherapy.co.uk
Getting Started
15. How do I book an initial consulation appointment?
You can contact me via my email address: marie@marie-louiselowcocktherapy.co.uk or via the contact form on the home page to arrange an initial consultation. Initial consulations are free of charge and can last up to 15 minutes. Please ensure you have a confidential space in which to carry out the consulation. These are usually done via telephone so please let me know the best number to contact you on. The purpose of this initial consultation is to give you the opportunity to share a brief outline of what your current difficulties are and to discuss some ways therapy may be able to support you. You may also have some questions you wish to ask me too. If you wish to proceed with therapy, at this point we can discuss availabilty and we can look to book in our first appointment.
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16. What happens in the first therapy session?
The first session is an assessment where we will discuss your goals, background, and what brings you to therapy. We’ll decide together on the best way forward and which approaches we feel might support you in getting to where you want to be.
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17. Is there a waiting list?
I aim to offer appointments as soon as possible, but waiting times may vary depending on current availability. Please get in touch for current information regarding availabilty.