Kia ora, hello! I'm Francesca.

I'm a lucky momma, nutritionist, lifelong writer, and survivor of 20 years of OCD. I live in Taranaki, on the west coast of New Zealand.

I believe all people seeking better mental health have a right:
  • to be listened to
  • to receive education on the links between nutrition and mental health
  • to have the latest scientific research explained to you in a way you can understand
  • to receive support with functional testing and thorough explanation of your results; and
  • to receive support with uncovering the root causes of your health issues. 

My experience of OCD and recovery is not just textbook; it is lived experience.

I developed mild symptoms of OCD around age 10. At age 14, OCD became severe. Metaphysical contamination was a big theme. I also experienced checking, counting, and other themes. Like many people, with OCD, I felt deeply ashamed of what I was experiencing. And there was no internet back then. I was very alone with OCD.

I also struggled for years with PMS, chronic insomnia, migraines, fatigue, hyperhidrosis, adult acne, dizziness, and other health issues.

In my late 20s, OCD began to worsen, and I was starting to struggle to leave my house. That's when I finally sought help. After living for over a decade with life-wrecking OCD.

Working online with a naturopath to learn about using nutritional and herbal medicine gave me my life back. Over 18 months, I made consistent changes and my symptoms of OCD reduced by 90%. I also no longer got migraines, I slept SO much better, and I felt energized and happy. My skin glowed. I laughed a lot more! And PMS...what PMS?

Healing took time though - which is understandable given I'd been unwell for SO LONG. I spent about 18 months committed to nutrition and lifestyle changes and developed a regular yoga practice too. I started playing piano again, after a 16-year hiatus. I went no contact with toxic people. And a kitty appeared on our doorstep. Healing came in many forms.

ERP therapy was another tool I added to my OCD tool kit, a few years later.

I became a qualified nutritionist in 2017 and since then, I've worked with clients in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the US, the UK, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Holland, Denmark, Egypt, Cambodia, and Tahiti.

My clients have a range of factors contributing to their OCD symptoms and other health issues, such as:
  • severe nutrient depletion
  • an MTHFR or COMT genetic variant and the associated compromised methylation and dopamine clearance
  • other genetic variants impacting B12, iron, and vitamin D status
  • drug-induced nutrient-depletion (e.g., deficiencies known to be caused by psychiatric medications, antacid medications, the oral contraceptive pill)
  • hyperhidrosis
  • traumatic life events, adverse childhood experiences
  • histamine intolerance
  • compromised liver detoxification
  • digestive conditions (e.g., Coeliac disease, dysbiosis)
  • compromised immune function (e.g., history of repeated illness, history of taking many courses of antibiotics)
  • streptococcus infection (PANDAS)
  • mold toxicity.

Looking for more information? There are articles and my ebook. And you can make a booking here or email me here.

I'm glad you're here!

Francesca

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