Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. I hold a Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathy and am a professional member of the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) and the Naturopaths & Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA).

This means I follow recognised standards for training, safety, and essential continuing education. You can feel confident that your care is guided by current best practice, the highest evidence-based solutions and a genuine commitment to your wellbeing.

Seeing a naturopath is never about replacing your GP; it is about complementing your medical care. Your GP plays a vital role in managing diagnostics, prescribing pharmaceutical medication, and addressing both non-urgent and urgent health issues.

As a naturopath, I take a different but supportive role. Your first consultation with me is 75 minutes, giving us the time and space to explore your full health story in depth. Together, we look beyond isolated symptoms to uncover underlying patterns and contributing factors. This includes your physical health and medical history, as well as your nutrition, lifestyle habits, sleep, stress, mental and emotional wellbeing, environmental exposures, and social influences.

My focus is whole-person care, understanding how the physiological, emotional, and medical aspects of your health are interconnected. With this broader picture, I create a personalised treatment plan that may include nutrition, herbal medicine, lifestyle guidance, and other natural supports designed to restore balance and build lasting resilience.

While GPs often work within shorter appointments to address immediate medical needs, my role is to connect the dots, provide continuity, and empower you with practical strategies for long-term health. If at any point I feel your health requires urgent medical attention, I will refer you to your GP. With your consent, I am happy to liaise and collaborate with your GP and other healthcare providers to ensure your care is safe, integrated, and comprehensive.

Your safety is always my top priority. During our consultation, I take the time to thoroughly understand your health history and any current medications you are taking. I carefully consider potential interactions and select treatments that complement, rather than conflict with, your existing care.

If an option is not suitable, I will always let you know and provide a safer alternative. With your consent, I can also communicate with your GP or specialist to ensure your care remains safe, coordinated, and well-integrated.

A naturopath considers a person’s overall health rather than focusing only on symptoms. They take the time to understand a person's health history, lifestyle, goals, and personal context to identify underlying contributors to a concern.

Based on this assessment, they develop a personalised plan that may include nutrition, herbal medicine, and practical lifestyle strategies to support healing and restore balance, with recommendations tailored to be realistic and sustainable.

Naturopathy employs a whole-person approach, examining the connections between physical, emotional, and environmental well-being rather than treating systems in isolation.

Naturopaths also collaborate with GPs and other healthcare providers, referring when something falls outside their scope, to help ensure care that is safe, integrated, and comprehensive.

Naturopathy can support a wide range of health concerns by addressing the underlying factors that influence wellbeing. Many people seek naturopathic care for gut and liver health, hormonal balance (including perimenopause and menopause), skin concerns, immune support, stress, anxiety, fatigue, and men’s health. It can also be helpful in areas such as sleep, energy, cardiovascular health, healthy aging, and general wellness.

Every person is unique, which is why I take a whole-person approach and create a plan tailored specifically to your needs, lifestyle, and goals. My role is to support your body’s natural ability to restore balance and resilience. And if your condition requires care outside my scope, I will always be upfront and refer you to the most appropriate practitioner, ensuring your safety and best outcomes

Yes, and I see incredible results with women. Naturopathy takes a personalised approach to hormone balance and symptom management, addressing the root causes of perimenopause and menopause rather than just masking symptoms.

Through functional testing, herbal medicine, nutrition and lifestyle strategies, I can identify hormone imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and metabolic patterns that influence symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and low energy.

Many of my clients notice improved energy, reduced hot flushes, better mood, and overall vitality when we combine testing with tailored treatment plans. By supporting your body’s natural hormone rhythms and overall health naturopathy can make this life stage much more manageable and empowering.

It’s not just about symptom relief. it’s about helping your body adapt to this significant change, restore balance and feel like yourself again.

Absolutely. In my naturopathic practice I see first-hand how much improvement is possible when we take a personalised, root-cause approach to gut health. Using functional testing we receive a blueprint of your personal gut function, highlighting potential imbalances as the intestinal barrier, function and motility. Inflammation markers, digestive secretions, microbial diversity, possible pathogens and many other metabolites that have an impact on your overall gut health.

From there, I design tailored treatment plans using herbal medicine, nutrition and lifestyle strategies that specifically address your gut concerns. Many of my clients notice significant improvements in digestion, reduced bloating, better energy and even enhanced mood and hormone balance.

Naturopathy isn’t just about managing symptoms – it’s about restoring your gut to its healthiest state so your body can function optimally. The results I’ve seen with gut testing are often life-changing for those who have struggled with digestive issues for years.

Your first consultation is a 75-minute in-depth exploration of your entire health story. We explore your symptoms, medical history, diet, sleep patterns, stress levels, lifestyle, environmental factors, and emotional wellbeing to understand the root causes of any imbalances.

From there, I create a personalised plan with practical, achievable steps that are sustainable for you. This can include nutrition and lifestyle adjustments, targeted herbal or nutritional support where needed, pathology or functional testing if required and a clear pathway for follow-ups, ensuring you feel fully supported and guided every step of the way.

Every person’s journey is unique, and the timeframe for change depends on your specific health concerns and how long they’ve been present. Many people notice meaningful improvements, such as increased energy, improved sleep, clearer skin, or a calmer mind, within the first few weeks. These early wins can be encouraging signs that your body is responding.

Deeper or long-standing issues often take 8 to 12 weeks or longer to shift, as healing usually requires gradual, sustainable adjustments to nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted therapies. Together, we set achievable milestones, celebrate progress along the way, and fine-tune your plan if something isn’t working. You’ll have guidance, support, and a clear pathway at every step, empowering you to restore balance, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.

I keep pricing simple and transparent so you can plan with ease.

Initial Consultation: 75 mins | $175

Return Consultation: 45 mins | $125

Extended Return Consultation: 60 mins | $145

Acute Consultation: 30 mins | $65. For current patients who need a quick check-in.

Flower Essences Consultation: 30 mins | $75, including a tailored remedy and simple plan.

Any testing or products are discussed first, so there are no surprises.

No, you are never required to purchase anything from me. If I recommend supplements or herbal remedies, I will explain why they may be helpful and keep your plan simple and practical. You are free to purchase them through my dispensary or from any retailer of your choice. Please note, however, that some practitioner-only products are not always available in health food stores.

At the heart of my approach is the concept of food as medicine, combined with practical lifestyle adjustments, providing you with tools that are sustainable in the long term. I also regularly review any supplements you take to ensure you are not taking more than necessary, always prioritising natural, foundational strategies before supplementation.

Yes. I provide secure telehealth consultations across Australia. You will receive a link before your session and a clear personalised treatment plan afterwards. If any testing or remedies are required, they will be posted directly to your door with clear instructions. Many people find online care convenient, private, and easy to fit into a busy day.

I am based on the Sunshine Coast and operate online for convenience. If in-person sessions become available, I will list times and location on the booking page.

Functional tests can provide deeper insights into what is going on, but I only recommend them when the results will directly inform or change your treatment plan. Where possible, we prioritise GP-ordered tests to help keep costs manageable.

If private functional testing, such as comprehensive microbiome analysis or hormone panels, may provide additional insights, I will clearly explain the potential benefits, limitations, costs, and alternative options so you can make an informed decision before proceeding.

Absolutely. Your first consultation lasts 75 minutes, allowing us to thoroughly explore your story, understand your unique challenges, and uncover what matters most to you. You will be heard, validated, and supported throughout our conversation, with no rush or judgment.

Together, we will create a personalised plan that is realistic, achievable, and tailored to your goals, empowering you to take practical steps toward improved health and wellbeing.

Yes. The Australian Government has accepted the 2024 Natural Therapies Review and has restored the option for private health insurers to offer rebates for Naturopathy and Western Herbal Medicine.

From July 1, 2025, funds may again cover these therapies, but coverage depends on your insurer and policy. Please check with your health fund to confirm eligibility, waiting periods, annual limits, and provider requirements. I can supply invoices with the details your fund needs.

Changes to appointments require a 24-hour notice to avoid cancellation fees. If cancellation occurs within 24 hours, 100% of the booking fee is retained. You will receive a text and email reminder 48 hours prior to your appointment, allowing you time to reschedule if needed.

To cancel, please email marinacooper@earthflowhealth.com.au, and I will respond promptly. Thank you for understanding that significant preparation occurs before each visit.

All payments are due in full before your scheduled appointment to secure your booking. If a booking is cancelled within the 24-hour window, the cancellation policy above applies.

Absolutely. You’re welcome to a complimentary 15-minute Discovery Call - a relaxed, pressure-free chat where you can ask questions, share what’s important to you, and get a feel for how I can support you. There is no obligation, just an opportunity to explore together what might help you feel your best.

For severe or urgent symptoms, please call 000 or seek emergency care. Naturopathy does not replace medical treatment in an emergency. Your safety is always the top priority, and I will refer you immediately if I feel you need urgent care.