FAQ

What’s Your Philosophy?

As an Integrative Medicine Doc, I focus on proactive treatment versus reactive treatment. I try to dig up your core problem so we can treat the real issue, instead of just managing your symptoms. Detective work sometimes takes time, but I’d rather have it that way than slap you with a band-aid fix or disease label. I believe in less risk, less harm and less pharmaceuticals…and more self-healing, more barrier-busting and more hands-on, personalized health care. You won’t get some fad fruit recommendation Dr. Oz-style on my watch. This is about pushing the reset button, so not only do you get the results you want, but they’ll actually stick too. I’m also a big fan of eye contact, face-to-face time, and really listening to you so I can pick up on your body’s underlying messages.

What type of ailments do you typically see?

Some common ones: allergies (food or environmental), migraines, chronic pain, tummy troubles, out-of-whack hormones, weight loss and maintenance, respiratory conditions, heart disease, fertility issues, menopause, adrenal fatigue, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. We might be a little more “exploratory” in how we approach these issues compared to your primary care physician, but that’s only because we believe your emotional and even mindset makeup has a lot to do with your big health picture. Instead of taking a straight-on approach, we take a deep dive approach.

What if I am not sick?

That’s the best time to start! Naturopathic medicine has a lot to do with prevention, bypassing burnout, and trying to get your health on track before a big health scare forces an intervention. Also? Believe it or not, many of the clients I see are well on their way to facing a health crisis, but they haven’t recognized the signs and symptoms yet. Sometimes our problems have a way of lurking beneath the surface for years, secretly growing and spreading, without us even realizing it. Natural therapies can offer a gentle and safe way of curbing sickness before it’s a full-blown disease.

My schedule is crazytown. Will I have time to fit this in?

I’m willing to bet that the whole reason you’re in a health tangle at the moment is because you’ve never bothered to make yourself a priority. (Like ever.) I used to be the same, so I understand that your career is where you’re focusing all of your energy right now. But think about what could be possible if you had more focus and more energy to devote to the work you’re so passionate about…because you put yourself first (for once)? I’m here to make that part easy. With my programs, you can schedule your sessions at a time that’s most convenient for you, and I offer variable time options that stretch outside of normal “business hours”. I do this to support you in every way that I can because I WANT you to succeed, no matter how busy you are.

Should I keep my other doctor?

Yes, if you have a  primary care doctor who you love, keep ‘em! My practice structure is not designed to replace the care of your primary care physician. What I do is dig deeper and offer a more “in depth” approach to your health concerns that also encompasses the WHOLE you, not just one or two organs. I’m here to help you reach your health goals, not simply manage your symptoms. Think of me as an awesome sidekick to add to your medical/life team, for whatever time frame we decide to work together to get you the results you want.

Can I buy sessions individually, or do I have to get a full package?

If you’re truly serious about change, one session will not be enough to get you the results you want. (You know the story: Rome wasn’t built in one day, and all that jazz.) That being said, if you simply need a couple of tweaks to what you’re already doing to get you past a hurdle or plateau in your health, then a one-off session or my VIP 1/2 day might be your best bet. The only way for me to really determine how much support you’ll need on my end is if you book your complimentary strategy session  so I can get an accurate snapshot of where you’re at right now and what your goals are.  From there, I can give you my recommendation. Believe me, I want you out in the world, spreading your good “ju ju” just as fast as you do!

What is Natural Medicine?

I promise it isn’t nearly as kooky as it sounds. I don’t wear Birkenstocks or wrap people in seaweed (don’t judge people that do). Natural medicine uses a unique blend of food, supplements, pharmaceuticals, acupuncture, exercise, homeopathy, self-care rituals and even mindfulness to get you feeling your best. But really? It’s about listening to what’s going on in your body underneath the surface layer of symptoms, knowing how to translate those cues (and teach you how to do it too), and then finding safe and gentle methods for getting you lasting health benefits.

What is a Naturopathic Doctor?

A Licensed Naturopathic Doctor (NMD or ND) is someone who has been trained in both mainstream and natural medicine. Rest assured, we’ve had “legit” medical training (I’ve had 4 years of medical school, clinical rotations and residency training). We, licensed NDs, also get to do a lot of “conventional” doctor things, like prescribe medications, order and interpret blood work, and even administer IVs or perform small surgeries like skin tag removal. Plus, with us, you get the best of both worlds: A beautiful integration of physical, mental and spiritual healing that blends conventional and alternative medical modalities to teach you how to be happier and more productive in your day-to-day life. It doesn’t get much sweeter than that

How are licensed Naturopathic Doctors Trained?

It may surprise you, but they put us through more hoops than a circus would! We have to complete a 4 year accredited “in resident” post graduate program — read: no simply online certification program.  Before applying to Naturopathic Medical School, we need to complete an undergraduate degree that includes classes in biology, physics, chemistry and math. (See? Not as easy as it sounds.) We’re taught all about diagnosing and treating various ailments, communicating and teaming up with other health professionals, and also have to do hands-on clinical rotations and residency training before we get to wear these pants.

  • Licensed Naturopathic Doctors have completed a 4 year accredited “in resident” Naturopathic Medical school.  In order to apply, an undergraduate degree which includes pre medical courses such as biology, physics, chemistry (organic and general), and math are required.
  • The 1st 2 years of Naturopathic medical school include didactic courses (the -ology classes).  Science and other courses that lay the foundation for understanding the human body while learning the necessary skills to diagnose and treat various ailments.
  • Similar to Step 1 & 2 in allopathic and osteopathic medical programs, Naturopathic doctors take the NPLEX exam.  This exam is required to enter the clinic and licensure.
  • Last 2 years of Naturopathic medical school include in resident clinical rotations.  This is the time where student clinicians get hands on training with case taking, creating treatment plans, and patient follow up.  The student clinicians are also in communication with various medical providers to keep the communication avenues open as many people who seek naturopathic care still see their primary care physician.

What’s it like to work with you? What’s your process?

I only work with a select number of clients at a time to ensure I can give you all of the attention you deserve for rut-breaking, passion-stoking and health-enlightening. Here’s how it works:

  1. You’ll complete a short introductory questionnaire, so I can get inside-out with your big health picture.
  2. We’ll start with a 20-minute complimentary strategy session to get clear on where you are and where you’d like to be in your health, life and career. I’ll give you a snapshot of what we could do to help you reach your goals.
  3. If we decide we’re a perfect fit, I’ll outline next steps and detail the “nitty gritty” like investment options and service agreement.
  4. Let the real work begin. This is when we’ll start actually working towards your goals. Consulting sessions will happen via Skype, phone, or in person. I’ll offer a customized health plan that encompasses all aspects of you. My sessions are eye-contact-driven, electric in an I-just-had-a-total-breakthrough kinda way, and exploratory (because I don’t believe the right path is always the most obvious one). The space I create for you is supportive, judgment-free and you-focused. You’ll always feel safe and respected here, and everything that happens between us will be kept entirely confidential.
  5. Celebration! I believe in acknowledging every positive step on your healing journey, no matter how big or small. So if you want to share how your newfound energy jetted you to a $10k month in your biz? Share away! It’s SO important for you to relish this kind of progress before asking “what’s next?”

Do you accept insurance?

The short of it: No. Most insurance companies will not cover most naturopathic care. I know, sucks because it actually works when done right. Getting to the core of how your mindset and emotions are affecting your health apparently doesn’t come with a “billable code” either. I do, however, accept FSA, HSA and Credit Cards.  I also offer pay in full at a savings and monthly payment options.   Another money-saver? If you have a primary care doctor, I can recommend blood work and imaging that you can do through them to leapfrog over this cost. Then you can simply share the results in one of our sessions. If you’ve still got questions about the nitty gritty of insurance, you’ve got my email!

I don’t live in the same state as you. Can I still see you?

Sure thing! I act as your integrative medicine consultant.  I am able to provide health options using my years of medical training combined with my analytical skills to help you reach your health goals.

My practice is structured to offer virtual, phone and in-person consulting. I’ve successfully worked with patients all over the world, so we can use Skype or phone if you’re not local. Don’t worry. I’m good at making technology easily digestible if you’re not totally confident you’ll have the know-how to participate in off-site sessions.

How long will it take me to see results?

 

The short ‘n’ sweet: I can’t say for sure. This can depend on how long you’ve been suffering with health problems, as well as the extent of your symptoms. It usually takes about three months for my patients to notice major results, yet by following the plan, you may likely start experiencing better energy and sleep in a few short weeks. The important thing to remember is that naturopathic medicine is about a long-term, sustainable solution…not a quick fix. The good news is: My programs are personalized to you to speed up your results since we’ll be focusing on your specific problem areas. Also? Accountability and support can make a huge difference in the healing process, and my programs are designed to provide that in spades.

In order to provide the quality and individualized care that I strive to achieve, I only take on a small number of private clients on each quarter.  Sounds like your kinda doctor, apply here

Will I need to take a lot of supplements?

I don’t believe in simply replacing pharmaceutical drugs with supplements, and I also don’t believe that all supplements are created equally (think: quality). That being said, natural medicine is about burrowing to the bottom of your body’s imbalances and creating a game plan to correct them. Sometimes, that means adding a key supplement to your daily routine, but this should always be done in “phases”. Bombarding your system with new “fixins” is so not cool.

What do you mean when you say you don’t believe in disease labels?

I don’t see you as someone with a label across your forehead that reads: High blood pressure, diabetes, PCOS, infertility…you get the picture. I see you and treat you as a whole person. Your physical, emotional and hormonal makeup will be different from everyone else’s. So, if I’m going to help you regain sight of the vision you’ve set out for your life and career so you can keep practicing your unique gifts the way you were meant to, that means I’ll never force you to squeeze into a cookie-cutter that’s dictated by your “disease”. Make sense?

I really like your “down to Earth” Southern charm .. how can I book you to speak at my next meeting, retreat, or conference?

Why, thank you! I take pride in being the “real” me. I would love to speak about whether your event is a good fit for the both of us.  Check out my Speaking & Media Page.  If all sounds well and good, fill out this questionnaire with the deets.