Practitioner Interview: Ute Allison
How did you first find out about naturopathy?
I found out about naturopathy in 1987 by talking to an elderly lady who had just finished a naturopathy course. I was intrigued by the idea to study naturopathy just to know more about my own body.
What was your purpose when you decided to become a naturopath?
I wanted to become a medical doctor which did not happen for different reasons. Naturopathy gave me the ability to find solutions for people who were suffering with their body.
How did you become a naturopath?
In Germany I studied naturopathy in 3 different places for 4 years.
How has being a naturopath affected your life?
It changed my life because I’m now doing a job with a lot of passion and without any plans to ever retire.
Why would you recommend becoming a naturopath?
To give your life a purpose and a passion.
Describe a typical day as a naturopath at your practice.
The clinic day starts by preparing cases, then going to the clinic and seeing lots of patients. And before you know it the day is over. Then go home, continue work on cases.
Describe an experience you had treating a patient.
Last year in June a man came to see me, aged 41. He had been suffering form daily diarrhea for the last 8 -10 years after he had caught a bad tummy bug in Tunisia. His GP had kept him on codeine phosphate for all these years. Being a handyman he was always worried to go out in the morning as then he had the worst urges. I then put him on a program and when he came back 6 weeks later, he had no diarrhea problem any more. Now I have seen all his family.
What was the reaction of patients who are new to naturopathic treatment?
They are very astonished when you look at different body areas from where their problem actually occurs.
Are your patients usually health orientated?
Yes, otherwise they would not be prepared to spend money on a visit.
How do you usually get new patients?
Word of mouth is the major source.
Would you recommend people to open their own practice, and if yes, what advice would you give them on starting up a practice?
Do not expect to get rich. Expect to do your fulfilling work well. The rest will come later on its own. Patients smell if a therapist is just a money maker.
What do you hope to achieve with naturopathy in the future?
Limit chronic problems in people and give them a better quality of life.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
Studying Naturopathy will be very beneficial for each student, no matter if they will ever practice or not. It opens up a complete new world and gives very rewarding contacts.
Practice details:
Ute Marie Allison, ND
Ashington
West Sussex
Tel: 01903 893591
E-mail: ute.allison@btopenworld.com
Website: www.biots.btinternet.co.uk
Sarah said,
June 15, 2007 at 1:34 pm
Wow that’s really cool. I think Ute is a great looking lady and obviously practices what she preaches.