Questions people ask before booking
Cost, referrals, what the first hour is actually like, and where I stop and your doctor starts. If yours is not here, call and ask me.
Is there a free call before I book a consultation?
Yes. The roadmap call is free and has no obligation attached, a short call to talk through what is going on and map out what working together would look like. If I am not the right practitioner for it, I will say so and point you to someone who is.
What does a naturopathic consultation cost in Bankstown?
An initial consultation is 60 minutes for $165. A return is $125 for 45 minutes or $90 for 30 minutes. Hijama (wet cupping) is $95. Those are the Bankstown and Lakemba fees, at South Wentworthville they differ slightly, so ask when you book.
Where are you located?
The main clinic is 3 Sir Joseph Banks St, Bankstown NSW 2200. I also consult at Level 3/71–75 Wangee Rd, Lakemba NSW 2195, and at Sydney Health and Sports Clinic, 153 Centenary Rd, South Wentworthville NSW 2145.
What happens in a first appointment?
Mostly listening, the first consultation runs a full 60 minutes. I take a full health history, diet, sleep, stress, digestion, medications, family history, and look at any pathology results you bring. Then I explain what I am seeing and we map out a plan, which may include herbal medicine, nutritional or homoeopathic compounding, and food and lifestyle adjustments.
What is Hijama, or wet cupping?
Hijama is a traditional wet cupping practice. Sterile, single-use cups and blades are used to draw small amounts of blood at selected points on the skin. A session is $95 and takes about 30 to 40 minutes, including consent, point selection and aftercare advice. It is available at all three clinics, Bankstown, Lakemba and South Wentworthville.
Do I need a referral to see a naturopath?
No. You can book online, call or text 0434 095 779, email, or send an Instagram message.
How long should I leave between appointments?
Most people come back two to four weeks after the first consultation. Whether that is a 45-minute or a 30-minute return depends on how much there is to go through, I will suggest one at the end of your visit.
What actually is naturopathy?
It is a whole-person approach to health. Rather than treating a symptom on its own, I look at what is driving it, digestion, sleep, stress, nutrient status, hormones, and how those fit together for you. The tools are herbal medicine, nutritional and homoeopathic compounding, and food and lifestyle change. In Australia naturopathy is a complementary practice, so it works alongside your medical care, never in place of it.
How is a naturopath different from a nutritionist, a herbalist or a GP?
A nutritionist works mainly through food and nutrients, and a herbalist mainly through plant medicine. A naturopath is trained across both, plus health history taking and pathology interpretation, so a plan can draw on whichever of those is right for you. A GP diagnoses and treats disease and prescribes medication, which I do not do. I sit next to that work, looking at the drivers underneath the symptoms.
Is naturopathy evidence-based?
The parts I use are chosen because there is research behind them, and I will tell you plainly where the evidence is strong and where it is thin. I do not promise cures or particular results. If something is outside what naturopathy can help with, or you need a diagnosis, I will say so and refer you back to your GP.
Do you replace or interfere with my medication?
No. I never advise stopping or changing prescribed medication, that is between you and your prescriber. I do check herbs and supplements against what you are already taking so there are no interactions, which is one reason I ask for a full medication list at the first visit.
Is this a replacement for seeing my doctor?
No. I work alongside your GP and specialists, not instead of them. Keep your medical appointments, keep taking prescribed medication, and tell your doctor about any herbs or supplements you take.
Questions about a particular condition
Each condition page ends with the questions I get asked most about that one specifically.