In thirty years of naturopathic practice I’ve observed that most people don’t feel truly well. Too often finding your path to better health can be confusing and unnecessarily expensive. But it doesn’t need to be this way.
I’ve been on my own health journey since experiencing glandular fever in my teens, resulting in ongoing colds and fatigue for years after. But this changed in my early twenties, when I lucked upon living in a house in London with naturopaths. My knowledgeable housemates showed me a different way to take care of my health. And I never looked back from there.
Taking the leap
In 1987, I took a leap of faith (in an era before Google) and moved to Melbourne to study at the Southern School of Natural Therapies. Their motto was “the art and science of naturopathy”, heralding a new era in natural medicine that embraced both evidence and tradition. I feel so fortunate to have an education that gave me an extraordinary grounding in both.
After graduating in 1991, I established a successful multi-modality clinic in the CBD and shared my knowledge on Health Trip, as radio 3RRR’s resident health “guru”. Both ventures thrived for over two decades.
Along the way I’ve lectured students, doctors and peers in Australia and the US, been an online “health expert” and had the privilege of working with thousands of people.
Mentoring
While lecturing at SSNT in the late 1990’s I became aware of how unsupported many graduates feel, and established a business mentoring and professional supervision service alongside my naturopathic practice.
I love supporting emerging and experienced practitioners grow a business they love and thrive both clinically and financially. This work has expanded to include co-leading self-care and business retreats each year in Bali.
Sea change
In 2014, I closed City Natural Therapies and followed my heart to Sydney, where I continue naturopathic and mentoring work with people around Australia and the world.
My move also coincided with my recovery from ovarian cancer. Personal experience of a cancer diagnosis and conventional treatment, has given me incredible insight into the physical and emotional toll a life-challenging condition can bring.
I believe my decades of previous experience working with people with cancer and other serious conditions, aided my recovery and I’m happy to report that I remain disease-free. My own cancer journey has bought new insight and empathy to my continued work in this area. I also volunteer as a cancer advocate and consumer in research.
In 2015, I was honoured to become a fellow of the NHAA, awarded for “outstanding work in naturopathy and herbal medicine”. I am also one of a very small number of members to be officially recognised as a professional supervisor and mentor.
A healthy balance between work and life is one of my core values. To walk the talk, I enjoy time in the garden and hanging out with my partner, friends and Burmese cat (aka the Therapy Cat). I also love travel, especially exploring new cultures and food.
I feel fortunate to have a career and life I love, and want you to feel your best so you too can fulfil your dreams.
Qualifications
1984 B.A. (Political Science), Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand
1991 Dip. App. Sci (Naturopathy), Southern School of Natural Therapies, Melbourne, Australia
Fellow Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia
Want to know more? Read this interview with Gill.