What do a naturopath and nutritionist do?

Naturopathy and Nutritional Medicine are health modalities that provide acute, long-term and preventative care. They can address and support you through acute phases of illness, as well as helping to rebuild you to optimal wellness beyond convalescence. What they also look at is why you are unwell and address the factors that are causing you to be sick. This is part of the long-term approach to improving your health, as well as educating you and empowering you to help you achieve and maintain wellness. 

The long-term approach to optimising your health also considers factors that could lead to health issues in the future, which is often related to diet and lifestyle. Identifying and addressing these issues before they become problematic helps to prevent the manifestation of illness and disease.

As a naturopath and nutritionist, I incorporate herbal medicine, nutritional medicine, functional testing, homoeopathy, flower essences and diet and lifestyle recommendations. Any or all of these will be included as part of your treatment plan, with the ultimate goal to make you independently healthy. 

What are Julie’s qualifications?

Julie is a qualified naturopath and nutritionist with a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) from the Southern School of Natural Therapies and a Graduate Certificate in Human Nutrition from Deakin University.

Julie is a member of the Naturopaths and Herbalists’ Associations of Australia (NHAA), Australia’s oldest natural association for complementary therapists. She is also a member of The Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA).

Julie is also  an Authorised Civil Celebrant and a member of the Australian Marriage Celebrants’ Association (AMC) and Funeral Celebrants’ Association of Australia (FCAA).

Who can see a naturopath or nutritionist? Do I need a referral?

Anybody can benefit from seeing a naturopath or nutritionist. There is no need for a referral. 

What is the difference between supplements I buy at the supermarket and the supplements a naturopath and nutritionist prescribe?

 While the quality of some supermarket supplements is good, this is not always the case. Frequently, they have a low dose or the wrong form of nutrient, which renders them less effective. The ‘practitioner only’ products that I prescribe are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Association, with good scientific research to back their efficacy. These higher quality products allow for a more efficient therapeutic outcome. 

At the same time, there is a common misconception that nutritional supplements and herbal medicine are safe because they are natural. One of the best known examples of this is St John’s Wort, which can help with mild low mood. It also interacts with many pharmaceutical medications, thus reducing their efficacy. Not only is the quality of the products I prescibe higher, I am also diligent about ensuring there are no interactions between them and your medication, thus ensuring your safety. 

In saying that, if you have purchased a good quality product from a supermarket, chemist or health food store that is going to benefit your health, I am happy for you to continue using that. No need to waste money!

 Can I take supplements and herbal medicine with my medication?

Before I prescribe any herbal, nutritional or energetic medicine - or give any dietary recommendations, I check them against your medication and conditions to ensure there are no interactions or safety issues. I will also provide communication for your prescribing practitioner (this is usually your GP) to ensure that they are aware of what you have been prescribed by me, and why. 

Are my supplements included in the cost of the consultation?

The cost of supplements is extra, however I will always discuss this with you as part of your treatment plan. 

What is your cancellation policy?

Naturopathy and Nutritional Medicine

All new clients are required to pay for their initial naturopathic or nutritional medicine consult at the time of booking. Please give 24 hours’ notice should you wish to cancel a naturopathic or nutritional medicine appointment. If you cancel less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment, you will be charged 50% of the cost of the consult. 

Do I have to pay up front?

 All new naturopathic and nutritional medicine clients are required to pay for their initial naturopathic or nutritional medicine consult at the time of booking.

Clients who require civil celebrant services for a wedding ceremony will need to provide a 50% deposit once they have confirmed they wish to proceed and the NOIM is received. The balance of payment for services will be required within seven (7) working days of the ceremony. Funeral services will need to be paid in full once the client has confirmed that they wish to proceed with civil celebrant services. 

Can I go on a payment plan?

Payment plans will be available for programs offered in the future. 

Can I claim for the consult with my health insurance?

Since April 2019, naturopathic and nutritional medicine consults have not been redeemable via private health insurance. Our industry associations are still fighting to overturn this decision.