1. Getting to the root cause
Our bodies are constantly giving us feedback on how our internal worlds are going. If we look closely at, and listen to that feedback (which usually presents itself as symptoms), we can often trace them back to a root cause (or causes).
Once we have a clear idea of the root cause or in many cases causes (please note this process is often done in collaboration with other integrative practitioners), I am then able to develop highly individualised nutritional plans using various food based healing protocols, to help bring deep healing to the body.
2. Bio-Individuality
What we fuel our bodies with is incredibly important. In that regard I like to work on the basis of bio-individuality.
No matter what the dietary approach we decide to adopt, I always work from the basis that food can be the medicine that is able to both nourish and heal our bodies.
As a side note there are a few dietary approaches that I have worked with more often than others. They are the GAPS Nutritional Protocol (further details below), the FAILSAFE Diet (or RPAH Elimination Diet), the Paleo Diet, Auto-immune Protocol (AIP), the 8 Week Blood sugar Diet (8WBSD) (for those with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes or a fatty liver) and Microbiome enhancing eating. In every single case these approaches will always tailored to your individual needs.
3. Primary Food?
Typically, when we talk about food, we think about the actual food that we consume, the things we eat to nourish our physical bodies. What we fuel our bodies with is incredibly important, and when out of balance can lead to a myriad of health concerns. However, there are other aspects to who we are that are just as important to our health and overall sense of wellbeing.
Things like our relationships, how and where we experience joy, our career, creativity, finances, home environment, social life, education, physical activity and our spirituality. I like to call these things our ‘primary foods’ and the things we eat ‘secondary foods’.
In most circumstances when I start working with a client we start with nutrition, determining the best foods for your individual body and circumstances. However, more often than not, we soon move into these other areas of ‘primary food’ to address areas of imbalance, moving you to a place of more holistic well-being.
4. Guided change management
With IIN I received training in a number of key disciplines that means I am able to support you in making lasting changes. These include:
- Positive psychology – this means I will focus on your strengths (rather than your weaknesses) to make changes;
- Motivational interviewing – I will help you to link behavioural changes to your deepest needs and goals; and
- Habit formation and reversal – I will support you in making positive habits, or breaking negative ones.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT WHEN YOU WORK WITH ME?
A. Integrative Health Coaching Sessions
As your coach I use a collaborative approach, I act as your partner or ally, encouraging you to discover your own solutions and become your own advocate. I support you in developing the skills you need to embrace new behaviours that result in lasting change. This collaborative approach empowers you to become the primary driver of change. It will build your confidence, self-awareness, and self-actuation, all of which are crucial for long-term change.
Together we will:
- Identify and set your personal goals (SMART goals).
- Develop specific steps to reach each of your goals.
- Decipher your body’s unique needs.
- Troubleshoot any challenges that come up along the way.
- Work towards sustainable change.
- Celebrate when you reach your goals.
What you get:
- A health history form that I will get you to fill out and I will review before our first session together.
- One 50-minute session per week or fortnight.
- Email support between sessions.
- Simple healthy recipes and/or tailored meal plans.
- Handouts or books specific to your needs and goals.
- Help to interpret test results or if required, help with determining the specifics of how to implement protocols provided by other practitioners such as functional GPs.
- Lots of encouragement, support and even some tough love along the way if needed.
B. Referrals
I have worked with a range of Integrative practitioners over the last 6 years, from integrative/functional GPs to osteopaths, chiropractors, naturopaths, kinesiologists and homeopaths. At times I may suggest that you consider consulting with another practitioner if I feel that it will it help you to achieve your health related goals. I have well established networks across Australia and in some cases Internationally and will usually be able to help you track down the right practitioner for your needs.
C. GAPS Consultations
If you are new to GAPS then the first consultation generally takes around 1-2 hours, as we work through a thorough health history (for you or your child) and work out your specific GAPS requirements. I will ask you to fill in a Health History Form before the appointment and send me any relevant test results etc.. I will review all of this information before the appointment, so that we can get straight into things in the consultation.
After the appointment you will receive:
A personalised GAPS Nutritional Plan that summarises your health history, the basis for the GAPS nutritional protocol, how you are to implement the protocol, specific supplements and detoxification strategies including links to products you may require, and additional helpful resources and fact sheets including recipes. You will also receive email support between sessions and gain access to both an online GAPS support Group and a group that meets in person in Canberra (we can dial you in from elsewhere if desired).
Follow-up sessions are usually shorter in duration as we talk through specific concerns that have arisen and any other GAPS related concerns. There is no set charge for follow-up sessions as I only charge you for the time these sessions take.
D. STENGTHENING SESSIONS FOR GAPS MUMS
This is something that is very close to my own heart. Whilst GAPS is an incredibly healing and wonderful protocol that was, in our case, absolutely life changing, it is also gruelling, at times confusing and requires incredible strength, determination and courage. Because GAPS is more like an endurance marathon than a sprint, there are times where you may grow weary and wonder how you can keep up all that is required of you. You may have periods where you feel utterly confused about how to move forward or just be struggling under the weight of managing GAPS and all of the other ‘hats’ that you wear (mum, wife, sister, brother, daughter, carer, cook, cleaner, educator, employee, entrepreneur……the list goes on).
A new and exciting service that I offer is exclusively for GAPS Mumma’s – these are special one on one sessions that are aimed exclusively at BUILDING YOU UP on your journey as the key healer of your child or children (or in your own healing journey). They are sessions where I will listen intently to YOU, be a sounding board for YOU (if needed) and only provide advice and encouragement as needed. It is your place to download, rant, cry, scream and laugh with someone who truely gets it.
The two main goals of these sessions are that you feel truely HEARD and come away more encouraged and STRENGTHENED for the journey ahead.
Because I have such a heart for other GAPS mums and I feel like this is such an important part of your self care – for the rest of 2019 I will be offering these sessions at 50 % off the usual rate for a consultation. There will be an opportunity to make an additional contribution after your session toward a session for a mum who desperately needs the extra support but for whom it may currently be beyond her means. A way of Paying it Forward.
E. Corporate Wellness
I offer a range of corporate wellness services ranging from seminars presented at your next team meeting, through to one on one or group coaching for personal wellness.
IF you think I may be a good fit as a companion and guide on your healing journey then I invite you to schedule a free initial consultation with me.
Let’s do this! CONTACT ME HERE
JUSTINE X