Naturopathy Graduate ~ Life after Study
The 3 years that our Naturopathy students spend studying for their degree – Bachelor of Naturopathic and Herbal Medicine is a journey of education and self-discovery, but this learning journey continues long after Graduation. Naturopath Christabel Ritson talked to us about what life has been like since she graduated from Wellpark College and set up her own practice The Holistic Naturopath
You graduated from Wellpark College’s Bachelor of Naturopathic and Herbal Medicine Programme 6 years ago. You have since set up your own Naturopathic, Nutrition and Reiki practice, presented short courses, taught Yoga, sold wellness products on and offline and have set up a mentoring programme.
What have been the biggest lessons you have learned since leaving Wellpark College and starting your career in Health and Wellbeing?
“Over the last 4 years, I have learnt that there is an enormous need for naturopaths, and for natural health education on a grander scale. Everyone I meet would love to learn more about how their mind and body function and most are amazed that Mother Earth can provide us with the nutrients, sustenance and healing we need to live and thrive. Since starting ‘The Holistic Naturopath’ as a sole trader, I have learnt lots of new business skills and how to complement that with naturopathic principles. A big lesson mixing business with naturopathy is learning how to balance energy levels, support mental health and become aware of the self-development required for the evolution of a business. Health and wellbeing in business are needed more and more as we move into a world of more technology and screen time – this is actually another sector naturopaths are becoming more in high demand for, many are already consulting with corporate businesses for their wellbeing programmes or providing workshops”.
What have been the highlights of being a qualified Naturopath and Nutritionist, how have you been able to help people?
“There are so many highlights to being a naturopath, and how we help people, but to just share a couple of ways…
Providing space to share and process
“In naturopathic appointments, we provide time and space for clients to share their full health journey, which ensures that their wellness needs are really heard. Through posing questions and creating a spacious journey, a person can have their own realisations and “ah ha” moments that really empower their journey moving forward”.
Doctor as teacher
“I believe one of the greatest ways naturopaths can help people is following the naturopathic principle “doctor as teacher”. When we provide personalised education, we are also facilitating autonomy within a person’s healthcare. The more someone understands themselves and their internal environment, the more they can make positive choices that can really improve their wellbeing – autonomy in healthcare through education is very important to me as a practitioner”.
What advice would you give to someone just about to enter studying for a qualification in Naturopathy or Holistic Healthcare?
“My advice would be to energetically open yourself, and your life, to the process of the degree. The degree of Naturopathic & Herbal Medicine is deeply rich in education and experiences, were soaking in as much as possible will allow your connection to a whole new world. I would also suggest embodying as much of the practices as you can for personal real-life experiences. To experience this ‘alternative’ world of health and wellbeing, I would suggest going to lots of different workshops, talks, trying different styles of therapy, new foods, herbs, supplements and connecting with nature”.
What is your advice for supporting our mental health?
“Mental health is such a complex subject, and I always begin with what I call the ‘foundations of health’ which on a physical level includes evaluating lifestyle, nutrition, gut health, sleep, stress management and exercise routines – There are usually multiple foundations to improve on, which can really support our mental health. On a mental level, one of the most powerfultools I have found is the reframing of our ‘negative’ emotions through ‘acknowledgement, acceptance and non-attachment’. Difficult thoughts, feelings and emotions visit us on a regular basis, and it’s actually a very normal part of our psyche that everyone experiences. I also highly recommend counselling to help navigate through difficult situations and to understand our personal experiences on a deeper level. I like the mantra “this too shall pass” because every feeling will transform and evolve, but we can also practice some self-care in the meantime – do something you love, as often as you can”!
What Quote do you always revisit?
“This too shall pass”
What is your favourite Herb and why?
“I have a strong bond with Kava (Piper methysticum) and its relaxing action on the nervous system. Anxiety is a mental health epidemic of the 21st century, and for its work with mental health, this plant is a hero in my eyes”!
What Crystal do you always have nearby?
“Always rose quartz because of its affinity with the heart chakra and love frequency”.
What are you reading right now?
“Sapiens by Yohan Hari & Shelters of the Stone – Earths Children by Jean M Auel”
What is your go-to comfort food?
“Coconut ice cream with berries and dark chocolate”
Find out more about or book an appointment with Christabel Ritson ~ The Holistic Naturopath
Christabel teaches Wellpark Colleges short course in Nutrition
Interview with Nikki Morgan Copyright Ⓒ 2021 Wellpark College of Natural Therapies
