What motivated you to become a naturopath?
I always wanted to work in health and help people, but when I finished high school I knew that medicine or nursing wasn’t the right fit for me. After working in admin for a few years, a friend told me she had been to see a naturopath. When I researched further about what Naturopathy is, I knew that it was the right path for me.
Is this still the same nowadays as compared to when you first began?
Before the pandemic, I felt that there wasn’t much change from when I first began, but now the whole world looks a little different. I do have a lot of hope that there will be a lot of positive change from this and that we don’t go back to “normal”. I hope that there is a review of current health care systems and reflection on what didn’t work. My hope is that this triggers a shift to a more inclusive and prevention-focused system.
What modalities do you use in your practice? Have they changed over time?
I use the traditional herbal and nutritional medicine as part of my practice, but I also find a lot of success with the use of flower essences and few at-home hydrotherapy treatments. I feel that everyday there is new exciting information about herbs and nutrition, but I always enjoy going back to basics and appreciating the traditional methods.
Do you have a vision for Naturopathy in Australia?
I would love to see more inclusion of Naturopathy with Indigenous Australians. Being located in the NT has already given me the opportunity to meet traditional healers and discuss with them the barriers their community faces in regard to health care, and their trust in the system. I think that there is a wealth of untapped knowledge within the community and a gap in what their knowledge of Naturopathy is, and how they could potentially benefit from it.
What are your interests besides Naturopathy?
I love being outside in nature, so anything that gives me the opportunity to explore new parts and travel (with permission) to remote parts of the NT and Australia to discover what’s out there.
What words of wisdom would you share with a new graduate naturopath?
Find your support network. Whether it’s other graduates you studied with that you can bounce ideas off, an experienced mentor or support within your association having someone who understands the frustrations, has gems of wisdom and will celebrate a good bowel motion with you can change everything.