Autumn the Naturopath

Back in the late nineties, when I was looking into training in natural health therapies, I was drawn to naturopathy because it offered something I found really compelling, the opportunity to learn about different approaches to health and to look at the person as a whole.

I studied nutritional medicine, herbal medicine, remedial body therapies, lifestyle medicine and many traditional naturopathic practices. I liked the idea that I could learn to assess a person’s health through a whole-health lens, looking beyond an individual symptom to consider the different body systems, lifestyle factors and patterns that may be contributing to how someone feels.

I still believe in that approach. But what I value most about being a naturopath now is the role I believe naturopathy can play in modern healthcare.

For me, that role is integrative.

I don’t see naturopathic care as an alternative to conventional medicine. I see it as an approach that can complement it, offering people another layer of support around nutrition, lifestyle, prevention, wellbeing and ongoing health concerns, while recognising when conventional medical care is needed.

After more than 20 years working in natural health, my role has become less about trying to find one answer and more about helping people connect the dots.

To understand what matters most, make sense of the bigger picture, and work out where natural healthcare may be able to support them.

That is the approach I bring to my practice today: evidence-informed natural healthcare that is personalised to the person, their needs and the wider picture of their health.

You will have someone in your corner who helps you make confident decisions about your health.

• Understand what’s contributing to your symptoms
• Develop a personalised health plan
• Focus on nutrition, lifestyle, herbal medicine and practitioner-quality supplements where appropriate
• Monitor your progress and adjust your plan as your health changes

25 years of experience

I’ve spent more than two decades helping people navigate their health while also working throughout the natural health industry. This broad experience allows me to recommend treatments that are practical, realistic and appropriate for each individual.

Evidence-informed care

Natural healthcare continues to evolve. I stay current with emerging research, so you receive recommendations that combine clinical evidence, practitioner experience and individualised care.

A whole-person approach

Health rarely exists in isolation. Sleep, stress, nutrition, digestion, hormones, movement, relationships and medical history all influence wellbeing. Rather than chasing symptoms, we explore the factors contributing to your health concerns.

Care that fits your life

There is little value in a treatment plan you can’t follow. I work with you to develop achievable strategies that suit your lifestyle, budget and priorities.

To get the best outcome you bring your lived experience. I bring clinical knowledge, experience and guidance.

Partnership — we work together to achieve your health goals.

Acceptance — I meet you where you are, without judgement.

Compassion — I provide care that respects your values and individual circumstances.

Empowerment — I help you understand your health so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Healthcare is constantly evolving. To provide up-to-date, thoughtful care, I invest in advanced, evidence-informed professional development through The Confident Clinician program led by Dr Jordon Robertson, ND. This intensive monthly training focuses purely on clinical research, trial data, and best practices for modern natural medicine.

I moved to Auckland in 1998 to study at the South Pacific College of Natural Therapies and left with:

• Bachelor of Health Science (Complementary Medicine) – Charles Sturt University
• Advanced Diploma in Naturopathic Medicine – South Pacific College of Natural Therapies
• Advanced Diploma in Herbal Medicine – South Pacific College of Natural Therapies

I am registered Naturopath and Medical Herbalist

• Registered Member – Naturopaths and Medical Herbalists of New Zealand (NMHNZ)

Because naturopaths and herbalists are not legally regulated under the NZ Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCAA), anyone can legally call themselves a naturopath. When you see a “registered naturopath practitioner”, it is the primary way you can verify their qualifications.