Naturally aligned
Clinical naturopath Bianca Tessarolo never knew she was destined for a career in natural health — and now, she can’t imagine her life without it. Here, she chats about her career, living seasonally and the importance of (literally) trusting your gut.
Q: What initially sparked your interest in natural health?
A: Growing up as a kid my mum used to see a naturopath, but I never thought becoming a naturopath was something I could do. It hadn’t ever crossed my mind as a career path, and I questioned if I had it in me to complete a health science degree. Initially, I was considering studying graphic design at a different college. I’d visited the college and was reviewing the course guide, but something just didn’t feel right. Having decided that I would think further about studying graphic design, I walked outside and a bus with Endeavour College advertising on its side passed by. It was a defining moment for me, as that’s when I thought, “That’s where I’m meant to go.” I put my fears aside, went to Endeavour the very next day, and enrolled.
Q: What did you study at Endeavour College of Natural Health?
A: I studied a Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathy at the Gold Coast Campus.
Q: What did you love the most about your degree?
A: My favourite part of the entire degree was getting real-life clinical practice experience in the student clinic. This was where everything really came together. I was provided with an experience that mimicked a real-life clinic and was taught valuable lessons in clinic operations, from reception to dispensary duties and everything in between. The student clinic at Endeavour made me realise how passionate I was and how much I wanted to practise. I had wonderful supervisors and got to experience it all with the friends I met along the way. Having the support of my fellow naturopaths both during and post-college was, and still is, something I am so grateful for.
Q: Did you face any challenges while studying and how did you overcome them?
A: I didn’t take science classes in my senior years at high school, so my first biochemistry subject had me feeling like I was in over my head. But even though I questioned my ability, with the help of lecturers and the support of other students, I was reassured and I persevered. Study sessions with other students were a big help. We were able to test each other, combine brains and help one another to understand the gaps in our knowledge.
Q: What are three tips you would give someone looking to start a career in natural health?
A: I’d encourage people to pick their niche. There are a lot of different avenues that you can go down when practising natural health, and while the information provided to students is extremely helpful, it can be overwhelming if you’re trying to be everything for everyone.
It’s also essential to build your support network. This is more for students who may be new to this area of learning, but it can also apply to graduates as they start down a new career path. It’s helpful to surround yourself with like-minded people who you can learn from, bounce ideas off and who understand some of the struggles or challenges you may be faced with early on in your journey.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself! Entering a career in natural health naturally involves taking care of others, but first and foremost, don’t neglect your own wellbeing.
Q: What does your wellness practice look like now?
A: Wellness for me now is very much focused on finding balance and allowing fluidity. I eat with the seasons and switch up meals to suit the weather, my appetite and my mood. I also change up my daily movement style depending on how I am feeling, I embrace the daily weather and I ensure my work–life balance is well managed.
Most importantly, I listen to my body and I nourish it the best that I can. This enables me to show up and be the best version of myself and provide the greatest care for the patients I see in clinical practice. Running a practice — the majority of which is online — has
its challenges. But overall, it is such a rewarding job to be able to help others on their wellness journeys.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: You know how they say dream big … I do! I have so many visions that I intend on making a reality. I’m still finding my footing, but I remind myself to not sit still and to take things one step at a time. Slowly but surely, things are coming together.
I’m busy building my brand and business, Aloka. That really is my passion project. I don’t want health and wellness to feel like a burden — I want it to be attainable and enjoyable. Health really is a journey, not a destination. I am working on creating resources and e-books, sourcing products and collaborating with other modalities to provide the greatest combination of care. Follow along for the journey on Instagram @aloka_wellness.
For more information, visit https://www.endeavour.edu.au/
