Crystel Poggioli
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Occupational Therapist (B. Occ Thy. Hons.)
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Certified Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) Practitioner
Devoted to health... passionate about childhood.
Ever since I can remember I loved children. I was always the neighbourhood babysitter. And as a teenager I became deeply passionate about natural health. These two worlds have gradually merged... and I'm an occupational therapist with a bent towards natural health solutions.
Occupational Therapist, GAPS Practitioner
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Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, First Class Honours, University Medal
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Certified Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) Practitioner
Natural health solutions have long been a passion for Crystel. She raises her own 6 children using simple, natural health solutions and is a strong support for families seeking natural alternatives for their child’s difficulties. This keen interest led Crystel to train with Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride to become a Certified GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) Practitioner. Crystel utilises GAPS related strategies in her practice where relevant, and finds these strategies pair well to magnify the benefits of traditional occupational therapy techniques.
Crystel has strong networks within medical, allied health, natural health and education communities and is highly respected among her colleagues
I often feel as though I stand on the bridge between the medical, educational and natural health worlds. For parents and teachers it can feel like a maze when you are trying to help a child. I'm lucky enough to be in a unique position where I can help shine light inside that maze.
I have been a paediatric occupational therapist for over 20 years now. I believe all children have their own unique pace of learning and developing. I love showing people how to embrace the stage a child is at, and lead them by their strengths to move forward step-by-step.
I'm also a mum to 6 children. I have been homeschooling them for more than 10 years now, so I have a deep appreciation of how unique each child is in their learning style and in the way they see the world. I also have the privelege of seeing children learn without schedules and external expectations. This gives me a fresh perspective when I work with other children, even when they are in the school system. I'm able to think outside the square about how to help a child with their challenges. My own children - and the children I work with - teach me something new every day!
I raise my family naturally. For me that means I nourish them with real food, and everything is made from scratch. It also means when health problems arise there is always a natural solution... I've never even given my children Panadol or antibiotics! And although I won't judge or pressure families in their choices, I'm here to walk alongside you if you are looking for some natural solutions to help your children overcome their tough times. Most of all, I'm supportive of families' right to choose the strategies that best suit them, whether from a conventional or natural perspective.