Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Saturday Bowen Clinic held?
Every Saturday morning - from 9am to 1pm. You'll need to book in advance.
Where is the Saturday Bowen Clinic held?
St Mary’s Catholic church, Magdalene St, Glastonbury (bottom of the High St, opposite the Abbey). This is a fully accessible venue with adapted toilets and level parking nearby.
How much does a treatment cost?
We ask you to pay what you can afford, with a minimum requested donation of £5. We kindly ask that you bear in mind this is a small part of the real cost of treatment. If you can afford more, we ask you to consider making a more substantial contribution.
Do I have to live in Somerset?
No – our clinic is open to people who do not live in Somerset.
I’m not sure if my child should come to the clinic. What is it for?
The clinic is for all kinds of health and behaviour problems, from fairly “simple” things like sleep problems, or asthma, to more complicated problems like cerebral palsy, learning disability or Down syndrome. There are no hard and fast rules.
More important is how much it is affecting the child’s quality of life, or the impact their condition is having on the family as a whole.
If you are unsure about whether your child would be able to come to the clinic, give us a ring and we can talk it through with you.
How is the clinic funded?
We are fortunate to have received a grant from the Lottery to help with the costs of running this clinic. It is our “pilot study”, which means any future projects depend on how successful it is.
Do we have to provide you with information?
Yes, you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire before and after a course of treatment to give us feedback on the clinic. This will help us with future applications for funding.
Who can use the clinic?
Anyone is welcome to contact us. You do not need a referral from someone else.
Can I stay with my child?
Of course, in fact we make it a condition of treatment that you remain in the room with your child throughout.
I can’t bring my child – can she come with someone else?
Children under 16 must have their parent or legal guardian present. Over 16’s can have another adult present with the written permission of the parent.
What sort of things do you treat?
All kinds of conditions. If your child is having difficulties because of a health problem, social problem or disability, or the family is suffering as a result, give us a ring and talk it through with us.
Do they have to be seriously ill?
No, but the condition must be of a kind that is causing you considerable concern, either because it is long-standing, or because it is by nature a serious condition.
Can you treat babies?
Yes. Bowen is generally considered safe for all ages.
My child is having treatment from the doctor / hospital / physiotherapist. Will your treatment interfere with this.?
No. Bowen can safely be used alongside any mainstream treatment your child might be having.
My child is noisy / badly behaved / awkward. Can you still treat them?
Yes. All children can be difficult at times, and children with problems probably more than most. We will work with you to help as best we may.
My child has fears and phobias - I’m worried they might be frightened.
Just let us know in advance. We can work together to make them comfortable
My child is touch-defensive. Can you still treat them?
That depends on how acute this is. Bowen is very light and gentle, and moves are made with breaks between, so it could be fine.
Do you need to take off clothes for treatment?
No. Indoor clothes are fine, but please make sure they are soft and not too thick.
How long is a treatment?
Appointments at our Saturday Bowen clinic last 30 minutes.
My child’s condition is complex. What can you do in 30 minutes?
On your first appointment it may not be appropriate to give any actual treatment. We will want to find out as much as we can about your child, and let them get used to us.
As for treatment, with Bowen very often a short treatment works very well, as children tend to respond very quickly to therapy. More is not always better.
My child is in a wheelchair/ uses a walking aid / has splints. Is this a problem?
No problem at all.
My child may need a nappy change / clean-up.
Don’t worry. The venue has a fully adapted toilet with shower.
My child needs a snack / drink frequently. Can they have this?
Yes, there is a kitchen at the venue. Just bring your drink or snack along with you.
Is there space to bring a buggy / pram / brothers and sisters?
There is a good waiting area.
Is there parking?
Yes. There are designated parking bays close at hand, with level access.