Mark has 40 years of experience in private practice as a Naturo­path-Homeopath & Counselling Psychotherapist*. Prior to graduating in Naturopathy, he completed a Biological Science Degree (Genetics and Zoology) at La Trobe Uni after which he worked in Special Education for five years, teaching and meeting the individual needs of students with disabilities.

Later, while maintaining a private practice and caring for his two children, he lectured at the Southern School of Natural Therapies (Melbourne), completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Qualitative Research and conducted formal research into Rescue Remedy^TM at Victoria University. He then completed his Master of Social Science (Coun­selling) at Swinburne Uni in which his placement experience included Family Counselling and co-facilitating Mindfulness groups as part of a Hospital Outpatients’ Chronic Pain Management programme. He has also qualified as a teacher of Stillness Meditation Therapy (SMT). He has six books published (see 'Published Books').

Consultation: a therapeutic alliance is developed that provides clients with a sense of safety, and allows them to be seen, heard, understood, and ‘feel felt’. Gaining their trust is crucial so they can feel safe and supported.  "My holistic view of a client is greatly enhanced through Iridology**, but also through my expertise and vast experience in other health modalities. I am able to identify the root causes of current health issues, address them, and enable clients to attain physical and emotional health and wellbe­ing." 

* I view the body & mind as being just '"different sides of the same coin" (Carl Jung). My consultations are not unique because I engage in Body/Mind medicine. They are unique because of my broad expertise, training and experience in health approaches and modalities that focus on the body (physical) and others that focus on the mind (mental & emotional), Naturopathy and Counselling Psychotherapy respectively."

Naturopathy: Naturopathy is a holistic system of healthcare that focuses on the body's inherent ability to heal itself - Nature Cure. Natural methods, such as adjusting diet & lifestyle, Iridology **, and prescribing natural medicines - homeopathic, herbal and flower essence - are all employed to enhance the individual's inherent ability to 'heal thy self'. While alleviating a client's presenting symptoms, the deeper causes of their illness are treated to prevent recurrence but also to achieve overall health and well-being.

Counselling Psychotherapy: "My approach is an eclectic one, combining Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Jungian Therapy techniques and understandings, and Positive Psychology. I remain flexible and don't rigidly adhere to a single method but instead draw from all these approaches according to the needs of the client. Natural medicines are also of great assistance."

** Iridology: the iris reveals a holistic view of a person – inborn characteristics that include their personality, their strengths and vulnerabilities, and ability to react and adapt physically, mentally and emotionally. "The iris gives me great ‘insight’ into the constitutional make up of an individual."  The iris not only displays inherent strengths and vulnerabilities but also the presence and location of inflammation, the state of the nervous system, acid/alkaline levels, mineral needs, etc., and so the pathway to overcome present health issues. Significant signs - predisposing factors to certain types of illness - can be recognised in the iris well (often years) before the symptoms of medically diagnosed illnesses develop.

'I have a special interest in the health and well-being of Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs). As an HSP himself, I gain much satisfaction from assisting other HSPs – adults and children – to live physically and mentally healthy, contented, and productive lives which make room for their sensitivity and respect their depth of feeling and perception.'