What is naturopathy?

How do you feel?

Are you energised, inspired and at ease in your body? When you don’t feel well it’s a challenge to fully enjoy life. Nagging physical problems impact our energy and state of mind, just as stress can influence digestion or sleep.

Naturopathy is about working with you – a unique being – rather than focusing on a disease. There is no one-size-fits-all “cure”. Each path back to wellness is different.

The cornerstone of naturopathy is about nurturing the body, mind and spirit. Over almost three decades of clinical practice, I’ve never lost sight of these basic beliefs. Often the best and longest lasting results occur when we take that extra step to change aspects our lives that are making us unwell or unhappy.

To help this process along, or to treat an acute illness, naturopaths sometimes prescribe supplements and individualised herbal formulas.

As naturopathy is an umbrella term covering many ways of working, the way each naturopath operates is also unique.

Read more about the way that I work, which has evolved through decades of naturopathic experience.

 

Why work with me?

With more 28 years of clinical experience, I’ve had the pleasure of working with thousands of people to improve their wellbeing. No two people are alike, even those who’ve presented with similar conditions.

In a “general practice” clinic, my clients have ranged across all ages: from pre-conception, pregnancy, birth, childhood, adulthood and later years. I’ve been fortunate to work with up to four generations in the same family. I see clients with a wide variety of issues from simple/lifestyle-based conditions to complex, even life-challenging, health problems.

Many new clients know of me by reputation, including from 20 years on radio (Health Trip on 3RRR) or my previous practice City Natural Therapies in Melbourne. Others are referred directly by their GP or health practitioner.

Due to my training and experience, I don’t hesitate to refer to medical professionals if further investigation is needed. Effective healthcare is usually a collaborative process, so it can be helpful to work with a naturopath who provides an overview of you as an individual (rather than a collection of diseases), and health advocacy if required.

 

After the initial consultation, it’s advisable to fine tune your treatment plan with a follow-on session every 2 to 6 weeks, over the next couple of months. Through these consultations I can monitor your progress, adjust your treatment or refer you for further investigations if required.

 

Do I need to see you in person?

While some clients see me in person in Sydney , I work with people around Australia and the world so the majority of my consultations are by Skype, FaceTime or Zoom.

I’ve drawn on my years of clinical experience to adapt my naturopathic approach to be able to work with most clients over distance. As part of the Wellbeing Plan (first consultation), new clients respond to a questionnaire before the initial consultation. If a distance session is not appropriate, you will be informed of this and offered a full refund.

A lot of clients prefer the convenience of taking consultations out of the clinic and into the comfort of their home. Distance consultations can save time and money, with no travel, parking or public transport hassles. This can also be a bonus for home-based workers or carers, or when location or state of health can limit your options. For your convenience, there are some early evening and Saturday appointments available.

 

Do you prescribe remedies?

While I believe that in many cases our lifestyle holds the key to good health, sometimes minimal, well-prescribed herbs or nutrients can help bridge the initial gap between your current state of health and how you’d like to feel.

I’ve been attracted to herbs since childhood, so becoming a herbalist was a natural progression. Having been a senior lecturer in herbal medicine, as well as a long time clinician, I understand both the traditional and scientific rationale of herbal prescribing

When necessary I dispense tailored prescriptions to suit your current health needs. Each prescription is short-term, aimed to use the minimum intervention required.  Ultimately the goal is for you to stay well as possible, without remedies.

Other than my small dispensary at the Probert St Clinic, I use online practitioner prescribing services for clients who live elsewhere. As well as supplements, probiotics and herbs, these services now dispense and post my individual liquid herbal prescriptions.

 

 

How does your approach differ from other naturopaths or health coaches?

Each naturopath’s approach is shaped by their initial education, ongoing learning and clinical exposure. Our life experience also enhance this process.

My initial naturopathic training (a four-year Diploma of Applied Science at the Southern School of Natural Therapies) provided a thorough grounding in medical sciences, herbalism, nutrition and naturopathy. It was one of the first naturopathic courses in Australia to combine science without compromising traditional knowledge. Since graduating from SSNT in 1991 I’ve had the privilege to work with thousands of people, lectured Advanced Diploma and Bachelor of Health Sciences students (SSNT 1992 – 1998) and mentored generations of complementary health practitioners.

Compared to full time naturopathic courses, many health coaching programs have much fewer hours, a limited focus and usually lack a broad grounding in health sciences,  complementary and conventional medicine. Without comprehensive face-to-face education and experience, it’s easy to miss the signs of a serious medical condition or get sidetracked by symptoms rather than investigating underlying causes.

Distance health consultations require skill and experience, to be safe and effective. I believe that many years of in-person consulting and exposure to a wide variety of health presentations, are important skills to work effectively with health clients online.

 

Do you specialise in any health conditions?

While I’m a generalist, I also have a number of special interests.

Over the years I’ve worked with many clients recovering from conventional cancer treatment or facing other life-challenging conditions. Recently,  I’ve had the lived experience of being a cancer patient. With my return to excellent health, it’s increased my passion to help people physically and emotionally recover from their diagnosis and treatment.

My personal health journey has given me even greater empathy and understanding of this process (including navigating the hospital system and conventional medical treatments). I also volunteer in medical research as a cancer consumer and health advocate.

Other conditions that I have garnered a lot of experience and positive outcomes include menopause, stress, Hepatitis B & C and gut health.

 

Do you work with children?

I love working with children, as they usually respond to lifestyle changes faster than adults. However, I only offer consultations with babies and children in-person (not by distance).  Please email me before booking a face-to-face consultation for your child (under 16 years) in Sydney, as a shorter consultation may be more appropriate.

 

How do I book a session?

For your convenience, all consultations are booked online.

If you’ve never had a naturopathic consultation with me before, please choose the initial naturopathy session/Wellbeing Plan.

A naturopathy follow-on session is for existing clients (including those who previously saw me at City Natural Therapies) and can be purchased as a single session or a discounted three-session package.

The booking site is straight forward, providing up-to-the-minute availability for a consultation time that suits you. Please be aware when booking that the times are set for Sydney/Eastern Australia, if you live in another State or country use this handy guide to find your local time.

Book your first consultation

 

I can’t log into your booking site or use credits from a three-session package

If you’re a new client, you’ll need to create an account when you book your first session. This is straight forward and only takes one to two minutes. Keep a note of your password, as you’ll need this to make any changes to your consultation and future bookings. You can reschedule online, up to 48 hours before your consultation.

If you’re an existing client, go directly to the customer area to sign in.

If you’ve already purchased a three session package, remember to book a single session. The charges (on the right side of the page) should be zero.

If you’ve forgotten your password, from the customer area simply click the “I forgot my password” link. Bookeo will email you directly.

If the above suggestions don’t work, please email me directly.

 

Is Naturopathy covered by health insurance?

As of April 1 2019, Australian private health insurance policies no longer rebates naturopathy and herbal medicine consultations.

The good news is that this decision is now under review and we will hopefully have provider status returned in the near future.

For clients outside of Australia, please consult your insurer directly.

 

Do you offer offer gift vouchers?

Yes!

You can gift an initial consultation or mentoring session, or a specific amount. Just click this link to purchase your gift voucher online.

 

I look forward to working with you. If you have any further questions, please contact me.