Frequently Asked Questions
How much do consultations cost and how many sessions will I need?
Initial consultations (90 minutes) are $180, follow-ups (60 minutes) are $80, and maintenance or acute appointments (30 minutes) are $60. Research shows naturopathic care for chronic conditions requires ongoing support. Acute issues often need 3-4 sessions over 3 months, while complex conditions like CFS may need 8-12+ sessions over 12-18 months.
"I am completely transparent about costs and realistic timeframes, During your initial consultation, I'll assess your specific situation and give you an honest treatment timeline. Supplements and herbs are at additional cost, which varies based on your protocol." Lisa Anderson, Naturopath - Nutritionist & Medical Herbalist @ Holistic Practice.
Quick tip: Most clients see me fortnightly initially, then space appointments to monthly and eventually quarterly maintenance as they improve, keeping costs manageable while ensuring steady progress.
Do you do hormone testing for perimenopause?
Yes, I can arrange hormone testing, though it's not always necessary. Research published in Menopause journal shows single blood tests often miss perimenopausal hormone fluctuations. Hormone levels change dramatically day-to-day, so tests frequently come back 'normal' despite significant symptoms.
"One functional test used is the DUTCH (dried urine) that measure hormones and their metabolites over 24 hours, revealing estrogenic dominance, metabolism patterns, and cortisol issues, however, for classic perimenopausal symptoms in 45–55-year-olds, we can often begin treatment based on your presentation." Lisa Anderson, Naturopath - Nutritionist & Medical Herbalist @ Holistic Practice.
Quick tip: If you're experiencing irregular periods, brain fog, and hot flushes, your symptoms are diagnostic, testing can generally wait until we see how you respond to initial treatment.
What is Rongoa rākau and how do you use it in treatment?
Rongoa rākau is traditional Māori plant medicine - literally 'medicine from trees/plants.' Research from the University of Otago confirms many native New Zealand plants possess significant therapeutic properties, including Kawakawa's anti-inflammatory compounds and Mānuka's antimicrobial activity.
"As a naturopath in New Zealand, I am uniquely positioned to ethically incorporate Rongoa rākau into modern treatment. I utilise Rongoa for brain health, immune support, hormonal transitions, and digestive conditions, always alongside conventional herbal medicine and nutrition." Lisa Anderson, Naturopath - Nutritionist & Medical Herbalist @ Holistic Practice.
Quick tip: For Māori, Rongoa rākau can provide culturally meaningful healing. For all clients, it offers unique therapeutic benefits from plants evolved in our environment.
How do I know if a naturopath is qualified and legit in New Zealand?
This is important because 'Naturopath' isn't a protected title in New Zealand, anyone can use it. Look for a minimum Level 7 Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Naturopathy and registration with the Naturopaths and Medical Herbalists of New Zealand (NMHNZ) and/or New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists (NZAMH), which requires meeting education standards and maintaining professional development.
"I hold a Level 7 Diploma in Natural Health Science / Naturopathy, and I'm registered with both the Naturopaths and Medical Herbalists Association. These credentials hold me accountable and ensure I follow ethical standards." Lisa Anderson, Naturopath - Nutritionist & Medical Herbalist @ Holistic Practice.
Quick tip: Check for registration on the following links below
https://naturopath.org.nz/membership-account/find-a-naturopath/
What natural treatments do you offer for chronic fatigue syndrome?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) is one of my core specialty areas. Research from the Journal of Translational Medicine shows CFS involves mitochondrial dysfunction, HPA axis dysregulation, and immune abnormalities all areas naturopathy addresses effectively.
"I offer comprehensive protocols including mitochondrial restoration, sleep optimisation support, and Rongoa rākau for nervous system regulation. Recovery may typically take 6-18 months, with many clients noticing improvement within 6-8 weeks." Lisa Anderson, Naturopath - Nutritionist & Medical Herbalist @ Holistic Practice.
Quick tip: Energy pacing is crucial, alternate activity with rest before you feel exhausted. This 'boom-bust' prevention helps avoid relapses and supports steady recovery.
Can you help with brain fog during menopause?
Yes, absolutely. Lisa Mosconi's research shows that many women with menopause experience brain fog, with some participants performing poorly on cognitive testing due to this symptom.
"My approach to brain health during perimenopause, uses medical herbs, nutritional support, and Rongoa rākau to restore mental clarity. Most clients notice improvement within 4-6 weeks." Lisa Anderson, Naturopath - Nutritionist & Medical Herbalist @ Holistic Practice.
Quick tip: Keep a symptom diary tracking your brain fog alongside your menstrual cycle, this pattern helps identify whether hormones are the primary driver and guides treatment decisions.
Do you treat mould illness and what does that involve?
Yes, I’m a practitioner in the Bay of Plenty treating mould illness (CIRS). Research shows approximately 25% of people are genetically susceptible to chronic inflammatory responses from mould exposure, causing fatigue, brain fog, sinus issues, and neurological symptoms.
"Treatment involves environmental remediation guidance, binder therapy to eliminate mycotoxins, liver support, anti-inflammatory protocols, and addressing secondary infections. Recovery typically takes 6-12 months, but you cannot heal while still exposed to mould." Lisa Anderson, Naturopath - Nutritionist & Medical Herbalist @ Holistic Practice.
Quick tip: Check behind furniture, under sinks, in your daily drinking water bottle, and around windows for hidden mould growth. Our damp Bay of Plenty climate makes older homes particularly vulnerable.
How can naturopathy help with long COVID & post viral syndrome symptoms?
Naturopathy excels at treating long COVID because it addresses the underlying mechanisms such as mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and immune dysregulation. Research published in Molecular Psychiatry found that Long COVID, post-viral chronic fatigue is associated with oxidative damage, lowered antioxidant defences and inflammation.
"I treat long COVID with mitochondrial support nutrients, anti-inflammatory herbs, immune-modulating medicinal mushrooms, and Rongoa rākau. Recovery is gradual but very possible, most clients see meaningful improvement over 3-6 months." Lisa Anderson, Naturopath - Nutritionist & Medical Herbalist @ Holistic Practice.
Quick tip: Pace yourself carefully during recovery. Pushing too hard too soon can trigger setbacks, so listen to your body and increase activity very slowly.
Can you help with anxiety and stress affecting my memory and concentration?
Absolutely. Research published in The Journal of Neuroscience confirms that chronic stress and anxiety impair memory formation and focus through elevated cortisol, reduced prefrontal cortex blood flow, and depleted neurotransmitters, but these effects are reversible.
"I use nervine herbs, adaptogens to normalise cortisol, cognitive-enhancing herbs, neurotransmitter support, and Rongoa rākau for nervous system regulation. Most clients notice reduced anxiety and better mental clarity within 2-4 weeks." Lisa Anderson, Naturopath - Nutritionist & Medical Herbalist @ Holistic Practice.
Quick tip: Practice 'box breathing' when anxious. Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. This activates your calming parasympathetic nervous system immediately.
Research References -
Mosconi, L., et al. (2021). Menopause impacts human brain structure, connectivity, energy metabolism, and amyloid-beta deposition. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 10867. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-90084-y
Al-Hakeim, H. K., et al. (2022). Long-COVID post-viral chronic fatigue and affective symptoms are associated with oxidative damage, lowered antioxidant defences and inflammation: a proof of concept and mechanism study. Molecular Psychiatry, 28(2), 564-578. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-022-01836-9
Castro-Marrero, J., et al. (2021). A systematic review of nutraceutical interventions for mitochondrial dysfunctions in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Journal of Translational Medicine, 19, 81. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-021-02742-4
Berndtson, K. (2024). Chronic inflammatory response syndrome: a review of the evidence of clinical efficacy of treatment. Medical Research Archives, 12(11). https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v12i11.6000
Cerqueira, J. J., et al. (2007). The prefrontal cortex as a key target of the maladaptive response to stress. Journal of Neuroscience, 27(11), 2781-2787. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4372-06.2007