My Naturopathic Journey
I’m a qualified naturopath with a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy). My journey in natural health began many years before my formal education, with a lifelong passion for holistic wellness. Through my extensive clinical practice and continuing professional development, I’ve accumulated a wealth of experience treating diverse health conditions. During my training, I had the privilege of working with numerous patients in clinical settings, which provided me with invaluable hands-on experience that complements my academic knowledge.
Why I Love Naturopathic Medicine
I’ve always been drawn to naturopathy because it looks beyond symptoms to find the root cause of illness. I firmly believe that our bodies have an innate capacity to heal themselves—they want to be well! However, modern life presents many challenges: chronic stress, processed foods, environmental toxins, and more. These factors can overwhelm our natural healing abilities, which is where naturopathic support comes in.
I love asking “why” when it comes to health issues. Why is this symptom appearing? Why isn’t the body healing as it should? Finding these answers leads to true healing rather than just symptom management.
My Areas of Focus
My practice centres around gut health and digestion because I’ve seen firsthand how central these systems are to overall wellbeing. Many people don’t realise that digestive imbalances often manifest as seemingly unrelated symptoms throughout the body. I consider the gut to be the foundation of good health—when it’s functioning optimally, many other health concerns resolve naturally.
I’m also passionate about mental health support, particularly for anxiety and depression. Helping patients feel and become their best selves is incredibly rewarding. The mind-body connection is powerful but often overlooked in conventional care, and I find with my patients they just want to be heard.
My Philosophy on Health and Healing
I approach health as a partnership between practitioner and patient. While I provide the knowledge, tools, and guidance, you bring the commitment to your healing journey. I believe that with the right support, our bodies have remarkable capacity for self-healing.
True wellness comes from addressing the whole person: physical, emotional, spiritual and environmental factors. Small, sustainable changes often yield the most profound results.
My Personal Journey
My own health experiences have deeply informed my practice. Navigating the challenges of menopause and weight management has given me firsthand insight into these issues. These personal experiences have shaped my empathetic approach—I understand how easy it is to get off track with health goals and how challenging the path back to wellness can feel.
I believe that having walked through my own health challenges makes me a more compassionate and effective practitioner. I’ll never tell you something is “simple” when I know from experience that health transformations require support, patience, and perseverance. And I work with you on your journey – if you want to go one step at a time I’ll honour that or if you want to go 10 steps at a time, I’ll honour that as well.
How I Work
Your Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive one-hour initial consultation. This thorough session allows me to develop a complete picture of your health history and current concerns.
During this time, we’ll explore:
- Your family health history
- Current and past medications
- Present symptoms and health concerns
- Cardiovascular, urinary, and digestive health
- Endocrine and reproductive history
- Stress levels and emotional wellbeing
- Energy patterns
- Exercise routines
- Nutritional habits
- Digestive function (there is no question I won’t ask)
This detailed approach ensures we don’t miss important connections between seemingly unrelated symptoms.
My Assessment Methods
I believe in evidence-based naturopathy alongside traditional and historical uses of herbs. My assessment begins with thorough questioning, but often includes:
- Analysis of existing pathology results
- Recommending targeted blood work when needed
- Functional testing such as comprehensive stool analysis or vaginal swabs if necessary
- Other specialized tests depending on your specific concerns
These assessments help identify when symptoms began and how various body systems may be contributing to your current health challenges.
Treatment Approaches
My treatment protocols typically incorporate:
- Dietary modifications tailored to your specific needs
- Lifestyle adjustments that fit your real life
- Custom-formulated herbal tonics and teas
- Targeted supplementation
I’m conscientious about not over-prescribing—you won’t leave with a shopping bag full of supplements. Instead, I focus on the most effective interventions for your specific situation.
Creating Your Treatment Plan
I develop treatment plans by balancing two key factors:
- Your priorities – What brought you to see me? What symptoms are most affecting your quality of life?
- Root causes – What underlying imbalances need addressing for long-term healing?
For example, if you’re struggling with mood issues, I’ll certainly address those directly, but I’ll also support gut health since 75% of serotonin (your “happy hormone”) is produced in the gut. Similarly, if you’re dealing with chronic stress, I’ll ensure your magnesium levels are supported, as stress depletes this crucial mineral by up to 75%.
Collaborative Care
I believe in integrated healthcare and maintain relationships with trusted practitioners including:
- Acupuncturists
- Osteopaths
- Massage therapists
- General practitioners
When appropriate, I’ll suggest referrals to ensure you receive comprehensive care. If I believe further medical investigation would benefit you, I’ll always recommend consulting with your GP or specialist.
My goal is your optimal health, which sometimes means assembling the right team of healthcare providers to support your healing journey.
Book an appointment to discuss with Doreen how she can help you find your optimal health.
Check out Doreen’s profile on the meet our team page to learn more about her.
