About
My journey to natural health
From Patient to Practitioner
My path to naturopathy didn't begin in a lecture hall—it began in the frustration of my own unexplained health challenges.
Despite trying to live a "healthy" lifestyle, something wasn't right. I felt exhausted, unwell, and increasingly disconnected from my body. Like many people, I found myself caught between obtuse medical advice, overwhelming internet research, and the persistent feeling that no one was truly listening to the full picture of what I was experiencing.
Traditional approaches weren't addressing the underlying questions: Why was this happening? What had shifted in my body? And how could I restore genuine balance rather than just managing symptoms?
This search for answers led me to discover naturopathic medicine, where clinical science meets holistic understanding, where practitioners have time to truly listen, and where the focus is on identifying root causes rather than simply suppressing symptoms.
Why this work matters to me
My own health journey wasn't an isolated experience. Watching family members and friends navigate similar frustrations—being told their symptoms were "just stress," given generic advice, or dismissed when standard tests came back "normal", reinforced what I was learning.
Many people fall through the gaps of conventional healthcare. They're not sick enough for aggressive intervention, but they're not well enough to thrive.
This is where naturopathic medicine offers something different: the time, tools, and individualized approach to understand what's happening beneath the surface.
Helping others move from confusion to clarity, from exhaustion to vitality, became more than a career choice. It became my purpose.
My commitment to you, and all my patients is to provide genuine support, look beyond the surface, to uncover the root causes behind your symptoms. Together, we'll identify meaningful changes that can help you reclaim your health and energy.
How I think about health
Beyond Symptoms and Protocols
When someone comes to see me feeling exhausted, I don't immediately reach for an energy-boosting protocol. First, I want to understand: What does "exhausted" mean for you? When did it start? What else shifted at that time? How's your sleep quality, your stress levels, your digestion? What does your typical day look like?
Because fatigue isn't the problem—it's a messenger. It might be telling us about:
Compromised nutrient absorption in your gut
Disrupted blood sugar regulation
Thyroid function that's shifted
Chronic stress depleting your cortisol rhythm
Sleep architecture that's not restorative
Or something else entirely
The symptom is important, but the story behind it matters more.
This is why I don't do quick-fix protocols.
Your first consultation is 75-90 minutes because understanding your health properly takes time. It's an investment—in gathering complete information, in truly listening, and in developing a plan that addresses your specific situation.
The questions I'm always asking
With every client, I'm considering:
What patterns am I seeing across their symptoms?
What body systems might be under stress?
What's the timeline—when did things shift?
What's the context—life circumstances, stressors, changes?
Where can we intervene most effectively?
What's realistic for this person's life right now?
I'm not just looking at what's wrong—I'm looking at what's possible for you, given your unique situation.
Why "Essencia"?
The name comes from the Portuguese word for "essence"—the fundamental nature of something, its core truth.
It reflects what I believe about health: that true wellbeing comes from understanding and supporting your body's essential nature, not fighting against it. From identifying what's at the core of your symptoms, not just masking them. From recognizing your unique biochemistry, not applying cookie-cutter protocols.
Every person's essence—their biochemical makeup, their life circumstances, their health story—is different. My role is to help you understand yours.
Ongoing Learning
Healthcare is constantly evolving. I'm committed to continuing professional development in:
Advanced functional diagnostics
Complex hormone cases
Gut microbiome research
Metabolic health
Integrative approaches to chronic conditions
I regularly engage with current research, attend professional seminars, and stay connected with colleagues to ensure I'm offering the most informed care possible.
What I bring to your care
My education reflects current research and modern approaches to functional medicine and includes comprehensive training in:
Clinical assessment - Taking thorough health histories and identifying patterns
Functional pathology - Interpreting advanced testing to understand underlying biochemistry
Clinical nutrition - Evidence-based dietary therapeutics beyond basic nutrition
Herbal medicine - Both traditional applications and current research
Biochemistry & physiology - Understanding how body systems interact
Integrative care - Working collaboratively with other healthcare providers
Beyond the academic knowledge, my own health journey taught me something equally important: technical expertise means nothing if you don't take time to truly understand the person in front of you.
My Core Beliefs
What shapes how I practice
Your body wants to heal. My role isn't to force healing—it's to identify what's blocking it and provide the resources your body needs to restore balance.
Context matters as much as biochemistry. Your stress levels, sleep quality, relationships, work environment, and life circumstances all affect your physiology. We can't separate them.
Small, consistent changes outperform dramatic overhauls. Sustainable health comes from building upon realistic improvements, not completely overhauling your life overnight.
You're the expert on your own experience. I bring clinical knowledge; you bring intimate knowledge of your body. The best outcomes come from combining both.
Healing takes time. Chronic conditions didn't develop overnight, and they don't resolve overnight. I'm looking for sustainable improvement, not quick fixes.
Collaboration improves outcomes. I'm not in competition with your GP or specialists—I believe integrative care, where practitioners communicate and work together, serves you best.
Transparency builds trust. You'll understand the reasoning behind every recommendation I make. You should never leave a consultation confused about your treatment plan.
What working together looks like
A Partnership Approach
Our relationship is a partnership.
I bring:
Clinical knowledge and assessment skills
Access to functional testing and practitioner-grade medicines
Evidence-informed treatment protocols
Accountability and ongoing support
A different perspective on your health
You bring:
Intimate knowledge of your body and symptoms
Commitment to implementing changes
Honest feedback about what's working and what isn't
Your life context that shapes what's realistic
Neither perspective is complete without the other.
My Promise to You
I'll take time. You won't feel rushed. Your initial consultation is comprehensive because your health deserves proper attention.
I'll listen deeply. Sometimes the most important insights come from details you didn't think were relevant, or patterns you hadn't noticed.
I'll be honest. About realistic timeframes. About what natural medicine can and cannot offer. About when you should also see other healthcare providers.
I'll explain clearly. You'll receive written treatment plans and understand the reasoning behind every recommendation.
I'll stay engaged. Your care doesn't end when the consultation does. I'm available for questions, adjustments, and ongoing support.
I'll respect your autonomy. These are recommendations, not demands. You make the final decisions about your health.
Qualifications & Professional Memberships
Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy)
Comprehensive 4-year degree covering clinical sciences, diagnostic skills, naturopathic therapeutics, and supervised clinical practice.
Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) Member #52402
Professional association maintaining educational standards and ethical practice guidelines for natural medicine practitioners.
Every health journey starts with a conversation
Book a free 10-minute discovery call to discuss your health concerns, ask questions about my approach, and see if we're a good fit to work together.
Or if you're ready to dive in, schedule your initial consultation and we'll begin exploring your path to better health.
For more information about fees and packages, visit our Fees & Bookings page.
Have other questions? Visit the FAQ page for more information.