Carla O'Brien - ATUNE Health Centres - Naturopath
Dip. Botanical Medicine / Dip. Nutrition / Adv. Dip. Naturopathy / B.HSc. (Naturopathy) (Uni of New England) / M.Adv.Nat.Med (Southern Cross Uni) / Member of NHAA
Carla began her career as a naturopath in 2001, obtaining Diplomas of Botanical Medicine and Nutrition, an Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy and being awarded a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy). More recently, completing a second degree and awarded a Master of Advanced Naturopathic Medicine. Carla has been a continuous member of the naturopathic community through the NHAA (Naturopaths and Herbalist Association of Australia) that promotes high standards and continual professional development.
Special Interests
Carla’s Master’s degree in Advanced Naturopathic medicine provided her deeper understanding and skills in the area of integrative care for both mental health, gastroenterology, and the human microbiome. Carla is now focused on the strong evidence that identifies the connection between the gut and mental health, which inspired her research project for naturopathic medicine.
Carla's passion is contributing to research on naturopathic medicine. Her current research project includes interviewing naturopaths across Australia to seek an understanding of their treatment options and priorities for people with symptoms related to mental health. In a separate research project, she has worked with other naturopaths worldwide in support of the World Naturopathic Federation to research natural therapies for COVID-19 and Long COVID, resulting in a published international peer-reviewed journal. (https://candjournal.ca/index.php/candj/article/view/163/293)
Carla aims to guide people in her care to make informed choices. These choices may help people achieve sustainable habits that improve their quality of life. Guiding options include lifestyle considerations, dietary guidance, nutritional and nutraceutical supplementation and herbal medicine. Carla values integrative health care principles, this may include consultations with other health care practitioners.
Naturopathic Medicine Focus Areas Include:
Mental Health and Wellbeing for both adults and children Gastroenterology Care with a focus on Disorders of Gut-Brain Interactions (DGBIs) COVID-19 and Long COVID
Personal Life
Outside all things naturopathic medicine, Carla enjoys the quiet, relaxing sounds of the Australian bush, camping and hiking with her loved ones and her miniature schnauzer, Jonty.