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/ What is and How to Become a Naturopath
Natural Therapists treat patients with physical, mental, spiritual and emotional needs by considering the whole person rather than focusing on specific symptoms and by using various therapies, techniques and practices.
| Job Outlook | Average Salary | Work Hours | Age Groups |
| Education Level | Skills Trends | Interview with a Pro |
The graph shows historical and projected (to 2019) employment levels (thousands) for this occupation.
Source: *Job Outlook Government website. ABS Labour Force Survey, DEEWR trend data to November 2014 and DEEWR projections to 2019. Estimates have been rounded.
Complementary Health Therapists have a relatively low proportion of full-time jobs (44.4 per cent). For Complementary Health Therapists working full-time, average weekly hours are 40.5 (compared to 40.9 for all occupations). Unemployment for Complementary Health Therapists is below average.
Payscale.com lists the wage for a Naturopath with five years’ experience as being between an average of $58 000 to a maximum salary of $76 000.
Employment for Complementary Health Therapists to November 2017 is expected to grow very strongly. Employment in this small occupation (8100 in November 2012) remained relatively steady in the past five years, in the long-term (ten years), although with small occupations employment estimates can fluctuate.
The graph shows the average weekly hours (by gender and full-time and part-time) worked for this occupation, compared with all occupations.
Pay may be lower than the national average but the workplace culture and total number of hours worked per week encourage a healthier work/life balance.
Source: *Job Outlook Government website. ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2014.
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2014.
The health and wellness industry is booming, now estimated to be worth an annual $2.5 billion, providing more opportunities for job-seekers beyond traditional natural and beauty therapy practice and into business management, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
According to industry expert, Janet Olliver, "Therapies such as massage, complementary medicine and aromatherapy, are sought after by an increasing number of people every year. With fewer than 6,000 naturopaths Australia-wide, the demand for skilled practitioners will continue to climb in the next few years."
Source: *Job Outlook Government website. ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2014.
In two sentences, tell us what a bit about your company and role as a homeopath.
The Remedy Group currently consists of 2 fantastic clinics offering the services of an amazing range of natural therapy practitioners, including Naturopaths, Homeopaths, Kinesiologists, Acupuncture/TCM practitioners, Massage therapists, Bowen therapists, Reflexologists, Ayurvedic consultants, Counsellors, Hypnotherapists, Reiki practitioners and Psychologists. My role as one of the Homeopaths allows me to consult with clients suffering from a wide range of conditions (mainly chronic complaints) and assist them to restore a state of health and balance to their lives.
What does a typical homeopath do on a day to day basis?
On my practitioner days, my full focus and attention is dedicated to consulting and client management. New clients can require up to 90 minutes for their initial consultation as cases are often complex and may include a long history. Client's returning for follow up consultations are assessed in terms of levels of improvement compared to their to prior state of health, with a clear treatment plan outlined in accordance to their response to the prescription given. Patient records are also thoroughly maintained throughout this process.
What are the best parts of working as a homeopath?
The most satisfying aspect of working as a homeopath, is being of service to others in need of assistance. Many people have suffered from very chronic conditions and ailments that often affect the freedom and enjoyment of their lives. To be able to offer a treatment that relieves someone's suffering and gives them back a quality of life that they may have given up hope of attaining is quite remarkable.
What skills/attributes do potential natural therapies practitioners have to have?
The essential attribute for any natural therapy practitioner would be an intrinsic desire to help others. A dedication and commitment to continued learning will also be invaluable as there is always more to learn.
What’re your favourite things about working in the natural therapies industry?
Some of the appealing aspects of working in the natural therapies industry include working with genuinely warm hearted individuals who are dedicated to being of service. Working in an industry where most individuals work for themselves is also liberating, as you are able to have the freedom to create a workspace and atmosphere that supports the way you work as well as working the hours and days that fit in with the other parts of your life.
Thanks, Janine, for sharing your story with Open Colleges.
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