+ What actually is a naturopath?

Naturopathy is a holistic approach to improving and maintaining health, meaning we look at you as a whole, your health and wellbeing in context and in its entirety, not just the bit waving the red flag.

Becoming a Bachelor qualified naturopath requires four years of full-time study, one year of which is spent seeing clients in a real clinic setting under the supervision of a senior naturopath. We study pathophysiology, human biology, chemistry, herbal pharmacognosy, western pharmacology, nutritional biochemistry…..you name it we study it. As a result, we have a deep understanding of how the body works. And we need to, because so much of naturopathy is detective work. We begin with a presenting symptom and then investigate, searching for clues to track down the root cause, which we then address using a variety of treatment methods, including personalised herbal treatments, vitamin and mineral supplements, lifestyle changes, and nutrition. We can order and analyse pathology testing to help identify and correct imbalances in the body, and can work independently, or in conjunction with your GP.

+ What can I expect from a naturopathic consultation?

In your initial appointment we will spend 90 minutes together. We will go through why you’ve booked an appointment, your health history, your family medical history and current diet and lifestyle habits. I’ll also ask you lots of questions about a number of different body systems so I can start to connect the dots with what’s going on for you. This first appointment is 90 minutes and needs to be this long because we have a lot to cover. After each appointment I will send you through a personalised treatment plan with your health priorities (what we’re working on), personalised diet and lifestyle goals as well as recipes, handouts and links. Basically anything you need to help you on your healing journey. Your follow up consultations will range from 45 minutes to 60 minutes depending on what’s going on for you.

+ What do I need to bring with me to my appointment?

For your first appointment, you won't need to bring too much with you. What would be helpful, is if you are tracking your menstrual cycle, bring your diary with dates of recent menstrual cycles; any Western medicine blood test or examination results (you can request a copy of these from your doctor). I also ask clients to create a timeline of personal health events. Start with when you were a baby and then just add to it as things come to mind. If you have a chance to start this prior to your appointment, bring this with you too.

+ Are naturopaths anti-doctors and anti-science?

There is a common misconception that all naturopaths are anti vaxxers who hate doctors and believe Covid19 is a hoax. You name it, I have heard it. And it can make being in my profession hard. At the end of the day our main goal as a naturopath is to help you to feel better and overcome those pesky health conditions that have been holding you back. What many people don’t know is as a clinical naturopath we spend 4 years studying a Bachelor of Health Science degree and its through this combination of traditional medicine and science that informs how we treat clients. So when it comes to naturopaths being anti-science and anti- Doctors this is definitely not the case. Personally, I have so much respect for what medical doctors do and there are so many amazing doctors out there who are open to working with naturopaths as part of the overall care for the patient. I have had a number of clients referred to see a naturopath by their GP’s who appreciate how a naturopath can help especially when it comes to things like nutrition and lifestyle habits that they may not have spent time studying or are limited with their knowledge.

+ Can a naturopath order pathology tests?

As a clinical naturopath I am able to order a wide range of functional pathology tests. I like to use these tests so I can get a better understanding of what’s going on with your health and especially when it comes to your functional, biochemical, nutritional, metabolic and hormonal status.

+ How many appointments will I need?

This really depends on what is going on for you. Generally speaking you will need more than one appointment with a naturopath to really see results. This is something we can go through together in your consultation.

+ What conditions can a naturopath help with?

As a clinical naturopath I work with a number of different conditions some of which include:

• Fertility and preconception care
• Pregnancy care
• Post natal support
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Hormone regulation
• PCOS, endometriosis and irregular periods
• Understanding your menstrual cycle
• Perimenopause and Menopause
• Sleep difficulties
• Managing stress and anxiety
• Gut health
• Nutritional deficiencies and biochemical pathway imbalances

+ Can a naturopath help me with nutrition too?

Nutrition forms a big part of how a naturopath will work with you. From creating meal plans for you to follow, to helping you to understand more about the foods needed for optimum health, nutrition plays a key role in restoring and maintaining health. Our approach to nutrition and food is more about health and less about the latest fad diet or losing weight drastically to look a certain way.

+ What can a naturopath prescribe?

As part of your treatment plan I may recommend practitioner only therapeutic and bioactive herbs and supplements for the healing and restoration part of your treatment plan. These prescriptions will be custom made specifically for you and your healing journey and will be at an additional cost.

+ Do I need a referral to see a naturopath?

The good news is you don’t need a referral to see a naturopath. You can just click here to send me an email and make an appointment.

+ Should I tell my doctor I am seeing a naturopath?

While you don’t have to tell your Doctor you are seeing a naturopath I always recommend if you are seeing a GP or specialist regularly then it can be beneficial for them to know you are working with a naturopath as well. Clinical naturopaths are trained at integrating natural medicines with conventional medicine while working with specific health conditions and dietary restrictions. If you are currently working with your doctor and taking medications for a specific health condition it is important to let your Doctor know you are also using natural medicine. I can work with your Doctor to ensure correct monitoring and assessment can take place during your treatment plan. It is important to continue taking medication from your Doctor until advised otherwise by your Doctor.

+ Can I claim naturopathy on my health insurance?

Unfortunately at the moment you cannot claim your naturopathy consultations on health insurance. This may change in the future and when it does we will be sure to let you know.

+ Can I just get my supplements from a health food shop or chemist?

General supplements can be ok for general health and maintenance, but therapeutic dispensing of “Practitioner only” products is necessary for therapeutic results. The other issue with some supplements is that they are synthetic, not natural, poorly absorbed and have little to no impact on healing the body so are essentially a waste of your money. In a consult, I am conscious of making sure you don’t waste your money so if there is a more cost effective option you can get in a chemist , I will let you know.