If this is the first time you’ve been to a Naturopath, the consultation process can be quite different to anything you may have experienced with other healthcare providers.

First of all, you might notice that the Health History Questionnaire is quite thorough and ask questions that you may think may not be relevant.  However, rest assured, all questions have a purpose and it is important to bring this with you to the appointment.

Secondly, naturopaths ask a lot of questions, and sometimes, some extremely personal questions. You should not feel embarrassed about these questions, as your answers to the questions help to complete your individual ‘health puzzle‘. Also remember that anything you say during the consultation is treated with confidentiality and is subject to Privacy Laws.

Thirdly, physical examination relevant to your health complaints along with techniques and skills used from a number of modalities can be used to gather relevant information about your current health status, to help determine treatment options.  Some techniques may seem different, however they will always be explained and it is also encouraged that you ask questions.

Lastly, time is given to explanations and questions to make sure that you understand the choices that you have available to you. A written take home summary of key suggestions will be provided for you; and if appropriate, nutritional and/or herbal supplements may be advised and will usually be administered at the time of consultation.

For additional information see the information under Consultations.

In the absence of a diagnosed condition(s), functional pathology looks at subtle variations in biochemistry (your blood tests) that can be caused by changes in cells, tissues and organs. Symptoms may or may not be experienced, and typically, there can be a pattern or trend in some commonly ordered blood tests.

Sarina has been an avid follower of the Institute of Functional Medicine since living and practising in the USA (2003-2007).

No. This process is client-driven dependent on needs.

Professional naturopathic care aims to restore a client to the point where he/she becomes independent of treatment; and is able to maintain normal health using means such as good food, fresh air, appropriate exercise, sunlight, positive and life-affirming lifestyle choices.

Support requirements are very individual. On occassion gentle reminders are required, or clients find that an ongoing health partner is required to provide the support, information and advice to achieve health goals.

Follow-up appointments are shorter in duration than the initial consulation, and session packages are a good option to help save money.

The initial consultation provides the opportunity to thoroughly review your health history. Blood tests and pathology reports are a vital tool in being able to assess your current state of health and your individual biochemistry. Your biochemistry can indicate why you may be experiencing certain symptoms, and it can also highlight latent patterns of health that may not yet have elicited symptoms. This is also known as Functional Pathology and allows for early intervention before disease states express themselves.

Pathology reports need to be within the previous 3-6 months of your appointment to be immediately useful. If you have not had blood tests within the previous 3-6 months, a referral can be written for you to take to your GP.

Should the therapeutic relationship be required to continue for a period of time, it is also encouraged to bring your updated blood tests to subsequent appointments – this helps to track progress towards your health goals.

All tests are cross-referenced with www.labtestsonline.org.au, which is managed by the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists (AACB) with support from the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA).

Personalised lifestyle medicine is the application of an individualised treatment approach that focuses on prevention and health promotion (see the Australasian Lifestyle Medicine Association for more information). Treatment is tailored to your specific needs and health goals. 

In this context for example, herbal medicine is very much a personalised approach, as each herbal mixture is made according to your specific requirements. Herbal mixtures can also be changed throughout treatment depending on reported changes.

Please also see the FAQ titled ‘What is a Lifestyle Disease?‘

Sarina is a professional member of the following associations with strict code of ethics –

• Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA), which is one Australia’s largest and longest serving professional associations in Australia. ANTA’s Code of Professional Ethics can be viewed here.
• National Herbalists Association of Australia.  NHAA’s Code of Ethics can be viewed here.

Industry standards and ethics are essential to the growing Naturopathic industry in Australia and to its recognition as a viable, efficacious healthcare treatment modality.

Payment for consultations, nutrition or herbal supplements can be made using cash or by invoice using Direct Deposit.

The clinic currently does not have the facility to accept credit card payments or process payments through HICAPS.

Receipts for health fund rebates or personal administration can be issued upon request, subsequent to payment.

Note: GST does not apply to consultations.

Emergency and acute care appointments are available in 15 minute sessions (subject to availability) and will cover one health condition.

One appointment is $40, which does not include food, nutrition or herbal supplement products.

I am registered with all major Health Funds.  Rebates for naturopathic services, supplements and professional weight loss management programs can be available depending on your fund and level of cover.

It is recommended that you call your health fund to determine your entitlements before your appointment.

Receipts that are accepted by your Health Fund can be issued upon request and subsequent to payment.

See here for additional information.

To re-order herbal mixes and if you would like them ready for collection on the same day, please leave a message with your order by 10am.  Your herbal mix will be ready for collection after 4pm on that day.

To re-order nutrition or herbal supplment products please leave a message with your order.  If your order cannot be completed the same day, you will get a call letting you know when they will be available.

Please note: It is clinic policy that herbal and supplement fulfillment be individually reviewed every 6 months.