Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
I am in Worrigee, Australia.
Anyone in Australia can consult with me via an online consultation over videoconference (also known as telehealth).
Shoalhaven residents will soon have the opportunity to visit me in person in my new clinic space. Drop me a line at penny@empoweringvitality.com.au to find out where the South Coast clinic will be, and when it will open.
How do I book an online consultation?
All bookings and payment can be made online. Head over to this page to get started.
How to online consultations happen?
When you book in for an online consultation, I will shoot through to you an email with a calendar invitation.
In this email there will also be a web link which you click on to access our Video Conference Room. Zoom is very easy to use and access. You can learn more about online consultations here.
Our meeting is 100% private and secure.
Can I call you to chat first?
I offer free 10 minute discovery calls, so you and I can chat together about how and if a naturopathic consultation can help you. Book Now
Can I just book in for a quick consultation? I need some help with just one temporary health condition.
Of course! You can book in for a 20 minute acute consultation.
An acute consultation is for when you have just one immediate, and temporary, health condition that you would like to address.
Examples of acute health conditions or illness include cold and flu, sinusitis, insomnia, urinary tract infection, or a skin rash.
Acute naturopathic treatment will treat the symptoms, but not necessarily the cause, so if the condition has been re-occurring for some time, you may need to re-book in for a full Initial Consultation when you feel a little better.
I just want to get a food allergy or intolerance test? Is this possible without a consultation?
Food intolerance testing can be costly - well the better quality ones are anyway. (Beware of cheap testing!) I really recommend you have a consultation first so we can firstly determine which food intolerance test is best for you - as there are many different types - or whether in fact other types of testing is more appropriate. In some cases testing isn't required at all.
Also, labs send the results to the practitioner, not the patient, and you often require an appointment to help you make sense of the results.
So, it is really best that you book a consultation with me first.
What is your cancellation policy?
I understand that things come up from time to time and that you may need to reschedule, and it would be great if you could provide at least 24 hours notice, to allow me to offer your spot to others who may be needing the appointment. A cancellation/rebooking fee up to 100% of the appointment fee may apply for less than 24 hours notice, and no-shows will be charged the full cost of the missed appointment.
This cancellation and refund policy is also in place to support your commitment, accountability and respect to you, your healing and your vision of the life you want to live. Within 24 hours of your appointment your subconscious brings to the surface all the reasons why it shouldn't, couldn't and doesn't want to change to stop you from attending your appointment. That's a GOOD reason to come in. It is keeping you locked in survival mode (because it knows the old patterns of survival have worked- you are alive). Choosing to step out of survival and into THRIVING - especially when the choice is tough - takes commitment, accountability and respect for yourself and your vision. That's how you make it happen. One positive choice at a time.
If you have paid online and provide more than 24 hours cancellation notice, then I am absolutely happy to refund your fee to you promptly.
How much does a naturopath consultation cost with you?
Initial Appointment $150
Follow-up Appointments $90
Acute (short 20 minute) Appointment $50
Can I get a health fund rebate?
Private health fund rebates are currently not available for naturopathy.
How often will I have to come in?
This varies from patient to patient, and will depend on your particular condition. The most common scenarios are:
One appointment only for acute conditions
Three to five appointments, spaced every few weeks for any condition you have had for 3 or more months.
Will I have to buy lots of supplements?
Generally a supplement or two - possibly more - may be recommended. It is completely your choice whether you wish to purchase these or not, or I may recommend a retailer or brand you can purchase elsewhere.
Much of the advice is diet and lifestyle based, and you may not need to purchase any supplements at all.
Should I tell my GP that I am consulting with a naturopath?
Absolutely. I encourage that you do. And I am more than happy to work with your GP or specialist, and I'm transparent about any treatment and recommendations. I'm also happy to write a letter to your GP outlining your treatment upon request.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No, you do not need a referral from your GP or healthcare practitioner to consult with me.
What happens in my consultation?
In your first consultation, a comprehensive case history will be taken, covering your past medical history as well as a discussion of any current symptoms you are experiencing. You may be asked to complete a questionnaire before coming in.
Follow-up consultations will review your progress, discuss any questions you may have, and adjust your treatment if necessary.
How long are appointments?
The first appointment is one hour and the follow-up appointment is 30 minutes.
Can I bring someone in with me?
It’s always great if you can have a partner, friend, or family member to support your treatment, and they are welcome to accompany you into your consultation. If you would both like a consultation at the same time, ask me about a special package price.
Should I bring anything to my consultation?
It is always helpful to bring in any past blood test results, x-rays, and other test results; and also any medication or supplements you are currently taking.
My friend/partner/neighbour/family member says that naturopaths are “quacks” and that there is no evidence for naturopathy. Is that true?
The short answer is no! There is plenty of evidence for the effectiveness of naturopathy - in clinical, scientific, and research settings.
Hey Penelope! - would you be interested in joining my Doterra, Isogenics, Juice Plus, Amway, Herbalife, or other health product groups?
No! As a naturopath, I am bound by my association code of practice which discourages practitioners from engaging in Multi Level Marketing (MLM).
I prescribe supplements based on what is best for my clients, and not based on financial considerations. And besides, honestly, most of these MLM products are not as high quality as the practitioner-only products I prescribe. Many make claims that they shouldn't, and some are not approved by the TGA.
For more details information on how I work - you may wish to review:
About Naturopathy