Frequently asked questions
-
First steps
Our journey together will start with a brief discovery call, to introduce ourselves and discuss how we can work together to help you. During this call you’ll have a chance to tell me a little bit about your health concerns and I can tell you a little bit about how I work. This call gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you might have about what’s involved and for me to see whether I’m the right person to help your with your current situation or if we need to work alongside another professional.
I’ll follow up this call by sending you a link to make your first booking. Once your initial consultation is booked, I’ll send you a health questionnaire and 3 day food diary for you to fill in prior to our first appointment.
Your first consultation
The first consultation for all new clients will be a longer session of around 90 minutes. During this session we will look at your health concerns and symptoms in depth, and delve into your recent and past medical history, right back to the day you were born to create your personal medical timeline. We’ll paint a full picture of you, to find out what works for you and what you’d like to achieve.
After this initial consultation you’ll receive a personalised, achievable dietary and lifestyle plan that will be crafted specifically for you and your situation. Suggestions for functional tests or specific supplements may be discussed and recommended as part of your plan as necessary. All recommendations and suggestions will have been thoroughly researched and backed by the most up-to-date science.
Over the course of 6 - 8 weeks, you’ll be able to put your plan into practice and carry out any functional tests that I may have recommended for you. I’ll be available to support you via email if you need during this time.
Your follow up consultation
We’ll come back together for a follow up appointment after 6 - 8 weeks and review changes in your health, your symptoms and any functional test results that you’ve had.It takes time for the body to readjust and to begin healing, addressing the root of the problem is never a quick fix, but will be a long term one. It’s for this reason that I include a follow up consultation into your starting package and why it’s important that we work together for a minimum of 3 months ideally. This allows us time to monitor your progress, see if the plan is working and make any necessary adjustments if needed.
-
During a personalised diet MOT we will take a look at your current diet, shopping and cooking habits, likes and dislikes, limitations and what mealtimes usually look like in your house.
I will offer you manageable, realistic and hopefully enjoyable suggestions to help you work toward your goal.
We’ll discuss ways in which you can easily improve or alter things to benefit yours and your family’s health.
This offer is not suitable for those who need to discuss personal health conditions.
This offering is suitable for those who would like support in improving their diet.
Maybe you’re a busy parent with little time to prepare healthy meals but wanting to keep your family healthy, or a student learning to cook and wanting to know what to choose, or maybe you’re embarking on a fitness journey and want to know how to support your progress by eating the right foods. -
For all new clients we will start with a brief call, to introduce ourselves and discuss how we can work together to help you. I’ll follow up this call by sending you a link to make your first booking.
For returning clients, we will either schedule your next appointment before you leave your consultation or you can easily get in touch to book your next appointment when you’re ready.
-
Every body is different, every condition is different.
It takes time for the body to readjust and to begin healing, addressing the root of the problem is never a quick fix, but will be a long term one.
It’s for this reason that I include a follow up consultation into your starting package and why it’s important that we work together for a minimum of 3 months ideally. This allows us time to monitor your progress, see if the plan is working and make any necessary adjustments if needed. This time frame might include just one or multiple follow up appointments.
After your first follow up appointment, it is your choice how many or how few subsequent appointments you need, depending on your progress and how much continued support you’d like to have. I will never suggest that you need follow up appointments unnecessarily, but will make recommendations with your best interest at heart.
-
Single appointments & appointment bundles
You can purchase my offerings as single appointments or as a bundle (where applicable).
Bundles allow you to save money by purchasing multiple appointments at once, and also offer you the addition of email support between these appointments.Visit the consultations page to see all prices & bundles.
Pay in full or with a payment plan
All single appointments and bundles can be purchased in full or on a payment plan (over 3 or 6 months) if paying in full is not a manageable option for you at this time.
During our complementary intro call we can book your initial consultation, I’ll then send you a link to pay for a single appoinment or an appointment bundle. The default payment method will be to pay in full, if you would prefer to pay using a payment plan just let me know during our intro call or via email.
If you haven’t decided which price or bundle option will suit you best, we can talk this through during our intro call. -
My prices are standard for all clients, bundle discounts and payment plan options are available to all.
If you are still unable to meet these, please email me directly. I have an intention to not let this prevent my clients from getting the support that they need. Get in touch and we will discuss how to make my offerings accessible. -
Consultations are available online via Zoom as well as in-person.
If you would prefer a Zoom consultation you’ll be sent a meeting within 12 hours of your appointment. All you’ll need is a tablet, laptop or smartphone with a camera and microphone, a good internet connection, and a quiet room. -
My goal is to provide quality care to all of my clients. When you book an appointment, you are holding a space in our calendar that is no longer available to other clients. In order to be respectful and fair to others, please cancel as soon as you know you cannot make your appointment.
Simply email me to reschedule or cancel your appointment.
Read my cancellation policy for more details.
-
Ahead of your appointment I will send you a 3-day food diary and a brief form to collect your details. You can return these via email before your appointment or bring them with you on the day.
If you are taking medications and/or supplements prescribed to you by another healthcare professional, it is helpful for you to bring them with you. Alternatively, a photo of the front and back of the packaging will work fine.
If you have any recent medical test results that are relevant to your consultation, it is helpful for you to bring them with you.
Other than that, there is nothing else that you need to bring along, only yourself.
-
The clinic room is above Yogasara yoga studio and is accessed through the blue door. The clinic room address is:
Bristol Therapy Rooms
10-12 Picton Street
Bristol
BS6 5QA -
There is street parking (on the meter, Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm) available on Picton Street and surrounding streets.
There is also a rear entrance to the garden, with secure bike racks for use by those who wish to cycle. To access the garden you will need the back gate code – let me know in advance if you will be cycling so I can send you this code and acces instructions.
Consultation FAQs
Nutritional Therapy FAQs
-
Naturopathic nutritional therapy focuses on finding and resolving the root of the issue rather than only treating symptoms, this is what is referred to as "root-cause resolution". It's the distinction between shutting off the tap of an overflowing bath rather than merely mopping up the puddles, continuously.
Naturopathic nutritional therapists help clients to improve their health through diet and lifestyle interventions. We focus on preventative healthcare, the optimisation of physical and mental health and improving chronic health conditions.
Through consultations, dietary and lifestyle analysis and optional biochemical testing, we aim to understand the underlying causes of your health issues which we will seek to address through personalised dietary therapy, nutraceutical prescription (supplements) and lifestyle advice.
I use various practices during consultations including nutritional therapy, biomedicine, naturopathy, herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and the root cause protocol.
Our current health service system is a blessing for acute care and emergencies. But nowadays, the majority of illnesses in both adults and children are chronic, and often unsupported or undiagnosable. The present system focuses on diagnosis followed by medication to reduce symptoms; it tells us what the issue is, but not why the issue came about in the first place and therefore, how it can be resolved.
In naturopathic medicine, we are in search of the bigger picture. By taking the time to understand you as an individual and paying attention to what is happening in your life, we can gain an all-round holistic approach to supporting you. Finding the root of the issue is more important to us than making a diagnosis.
The process of restoring health appears differently when viewed through a naturopathic medicine lens. In order to deliver long-lasting, sustainable recovery, we're trying to figure out how we can assist the body in repairing itself and regaining optimal function for all the systems that make up the body. -
First steps
Our journey together will start with a brief discovery call, to introduce ourselves and discuss how we can work together to help you. During this call you’ll have a chance to tell me a little bit about your health concerns and I can tell you a little bit about how I work. This call gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you might have about what’s involved and for me to see whether I’m the right person to help your with your current situation or if we need to work alongside another professional.
I’ll follow up this call by sending you a link to make your first booking. Once your initial consultation is booked, I’ll send you a health questionnaire and 3 day food diary for you to fill in prior to our first appointment.
Your first consultation
The first consultation for all new clients will be a longer session of around 90 minutes. During this session we will look at your health concerns and symptoms in depth, and delve into your recent and past medical history, right back to the day you were born to create your personal medical timeline. We’ll paint a full picture of you, to find out what works for you and what you’d like to achieve.
After this initial consultation you’ll receive a personalised, achievable dietary and lifestyle plan that will be crafted specifically for you and your situation. Suggestions for functional tests or specific supplements may be discussed and recommended as part of your plan as necessary. All recommendations and suggestions will have been thoroughly researched and backed by the most up-to-date science.
Over the course of 6 - 8 weeks, you’ll be able to put your plan into practice and carry out any functional tests that I may have recommended for you. I’ll be available to support you via email if you need during this time.
Your follow up consultation
We’ll come back together for a follow up appointment after 6 - 8 weeks and review changes in your health, your symptoms and any functional test results that you’ve had.It takes time for the body to readjust and to begin healing, addressing the root of the problem is never a quick fix, but will be a long term one. It’s for this reason that I include a follow up consultation into your starting package and why it’s important that we work together for a minimum of 3 months ideally. This allows us time to monitor your progress, see if the plan is working and make any necessary adjustments if needed.
-
During a personalised diet MOT we will take a look at your current diet, shopping and cooking habits, likes and dislikes, limitations and what mealtimes usually look like in your house.
I will offer you manageable, realistic and hopefully enjoyable suggestions to help you work toward your goal.
We’ll discuss ways in which you can easily improve or alter things to benefit yours and your family’s health.
This offer is not suitable for those who need to discuss personal health conditions.
This offering is suitable for those who would like support in improving their diet.
Maybe you’re a busy parent with little time to prepare healthy meals but wanting to keep your family healthy, or a student learning to cook and wanting to know what to choose, or maybe you’re embarking on a fitness journey and want to know how to support your progress by eating the right foods. -
Is your health holding you back?
Have you spent a lot of time and energy searching for a solution or effective treatment for your health condition, but can’t find the answer?
Would you like to better understand the reasons behind your condition and how you can support your own body’s ability to heal itself?
Do you feel like you’ve exhausted all other options and desire an alternative to mainstream medical approaches?
Are you feeling tired and exhausted all the time and you’re not sure why?
Or have you already taken steps toward healthier living but you’re confused about what’s true or what to do?
If any of these resonate with you, you may find great benefit from a nutritional therapy consultation.I would love to help you understand the power of food as medicine, to help you reach your full potential by taking back control of your health. I cherish every opportunity to enable people to feel empowered and achieve optimal health, by educating and providing the tools required for taking control of their health.
My specialist areas are in gut health, skin issues, women’s health and hormonal issues. However, I’m very happy supporting any health condition or “unexplained problem”.My approach to every patient is individualised and based on their own unique symptom picture.
Using the latest clinical research alongside alternative concepts from Ayurvedic traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine and herbal medicine, we can work together to find a long-term solution. Try a different way to resolve your health issues, permanently.
Yoga class FAQs
-
You can book directly from the booking page (dropin classes or using a class pass). Alternatively you can turn up and pay on arrival, card or cash accepted.
My clsses will also be available on MoveGB from February 2024.
-
Cancelling a drop-in class (no class pass or membership)?
If you need to cancel your place (at any time) you will lose your class credit - I recommend you reschedule!You can reschedule a class up to 1 hour before the class begins. Within 1 hour of the class you cannot reschedule. To reschedule, find the ‘reschedule’ button in your booking confirmation email.
To cancel your place, please email me to let me know. Unfortunately, cancelled drop-in classes are not refundable.
Cancelling using a class pass or membership?
If you booked using a class pass then your class credit will be returned to your account to use again, if you cancel outside of the 24 hour cancellation window.
To cancel your place, please email me to let me know.You can reschedule a class up to 1 hour before the class begins. Within 1 hour of the class you cannot reschedule. To reschedule, find the ‘reschedule’ button in your booking confirmation email.
See full Cancellation Policy -
Bristol School of Yoga is located on Backfields Lane, a small cobbled dead-ended street, the entrance to which is opposite Lakota nightclub.
There are 2 studios - Studio 16 and Studio 19, which are directly opposite one another.
Studio 16 has an illuminated ‘YOGA’ sign on the external wall, Studio 19 is opposite with wooden shutters between units 17 and 21.
Please make your way straight to Studio 19 and ensure you arrive at least 5 minutes before the start of the class. -
Coming by car
There is metered parking on Upper York Street and Wilder Street (view map) with a 2 hour maximum stay, charges apply Monday - Saturday 8am - Midnight (cheaper after 18.00). Please do not park in the spaces along Backfields Lane as unauthorised vehicles are often fined.
Outside the hours of 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday you are free to park in St. Pauls permit holders parking without having to display a permit.
Alternatively, the nearest car park to BSY that has no limit on the time you can stay is St James Barton, approximately 5 minutes walk from the school.
There are also some great mobile apps such as Just Park and Your Parking Space for reserving parking spaces ahead of time that are nearby the studio.
PLEASE NOTE: Bristol now has a Clean Air Zone in the city centre. The studio is located just outside of the zone, but please check your route and vehicle exemption before travelling.Coming by bike
There are lots of bike stands along Backfields Lane.
Unfortunately there is not space inside the studio to bring bikes inside.
There is a secure bike shed on the lane, please ask for the key to the bike shed if you’re unable to securely lock your bike outside the studio.
-
Drop-in classes are £12.
These can be booked in advance or upon arrival.You can save money by purchasing a class pass: 5 x classes for £50 (equal to £10 per class).
-
In every yoga class, I offer concession discounts for anyone with low / no income and one community space entirely FREE for anyone who needs it as I believe that money should not be a barrier to anyone accessing the benefits of yoga.
Please email me to discuss a concession or community space.
-
I recommend arriving a minimum of 5-10 minutes before class begins to allow you time to settle in.
Please arrive no more than 15 minutes before the start of the class. If you arrive early and the door is locked please wait outside quietly (as the windows may be open). Once the previous class has ended, you can come and be checked in.
If you need to get changed before the class, arrive with enough time to do so and settle in.
-
You are welcome to bring any of your own yoga kit that you’d like to use.
Alternatively, there is lots yoga equipment available for you to use at the studio, which is cleaned regularly.
A water bottle filled with water.
Waterproofs or an umbrella - you may have to wait outside to get into the studio - don’t get caught in the rain!
Layers / warm clothing - the studio can sometimes get cold in the winter months, so bring an extra layer for a cosy Savasana! -
Wear comfortable clothes – leggings, shorts or jogging bottoms are all fine, and a comfortable top plus a warm layer for relaxation.
-
You may feel nauseous if you eat in the few hours before class. I recommend you don’t eat 2 - 3 hours before coming to yoga. If that isn’t possible for you, then snacking on light food would be better than eating a heavy meal.
-
Studio 19 has 1 toilet cubicle that can be used for private changing.
Due to the limited changing room availability, I recommend arriving ready to practice or you’re welcome to change on your mat. -
Studio 19 has hooks for your items inside the studio entrance.
During your class, the studio doors will be locked to keep your belongings safe.Please leave your shoes as well as your coats and bags in the designated areas if possible, or if you prefer you can put them next to your mat.
-
It is recommended that you inform me about any injuries/conditions that you have, or if you are pregnant before every class so that helpful adjustments/alternatives can be offered during class.
Most yoga postures can be adapted to suit injuries and chronic conditions, or alternatives can be given which will have a similar or more therapeutic effect.
You are responsible for looking after yourself and your body in class, do not push yourself beyond your limits and always ask if you are unsure of what you are doing.
Do not come to class if you are in the early (infectious) stages of an illness – resting is more beneficial and you don’t want to infect other students.
If you are unsure, get in touch and I will advise you.
-
If you are pregnant, (congratulations!) please consult your doctor or medical practitioner before going to a yoga class.
This is not a pregnancy yoga class, however I can recommend some wonderful Bristol based pregnancy yoga teachers, just get in touch.
If you are an experienced yogi and confident with modifications you need to do while pregnant, please do come along, letting me know before class begins.
Please note, Yin Yoga is not recommended for anyone during the final trimester of pregnancy, due to the natural loosening of tendons and ligaments in preparation for birth.
-
If you're new to yoga and too nervous to come, remember that everyone had to start somewhere at some point, you might be suprised to find other people in the class who are also quite new and nervous. Most people feel a little nervous before class, but you'll leave feeling great.
I also offer one to one sessions for individuals or small groups. This can be a great way to build your confidence and learn the basics.Get in touch to find out more.
-
Definitely! Yoga is for everyone, and although at the beginning some of the postures might seem hard, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can feel the benefits.
I always offer modifications or alternatives that you may prefer to poses which feel difficult, in yoga the idea is not to ‘push’ the body as hard as you may do in a fitness class for example. You can take rest - such as lying down - at any time during the class, there’s no shame in taking a rest.
General FAQs
-
It’s very easy to get in touch, visit my contact page for details.
Kind words
