About Dr Natascha Van Zyl
Health Psychologist | Lifestyle Medicine Specialist | Naturopath | Educator | Motivational Speaker
'An empathic healthcare professional, senior academic and researcher, passionate about supporting people with health optimisation and psychological well-being.'
Your health in my hands – Naturally
I founded my practice in 1995 in South Africa. Now based in the UK, I specialise in delivering a range of treatments designed to meet your healthcare needs.
I'm also a Senior Teaching Fellow in Health Psychology at the University of Portsmouth. Previously, I headed the Graduate Diploma in Integrative Functional Nutrition, led year six of the Nutritional Practice qualification (BSc), and led the Behaviour Change Module (BSc & Grad Dip) at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION). I write articles for Healthcare Publications and academic journals and host my own Radio Show called Health Naturally.
It’s all about you and getting things ‘RIGHT’
If you want to get your life back on track and manage your health in an integrative way, then I can help you.
As a healthcare professional, senior academic and researcher, I am passionate about health optimisation and psychological well-being. I offer support for people living with obesity or depression, or those managing chronic long-term health conditions, like diabetes or pain.
To consolidate my interest in these areas, I have completed Doctoral studies at the University of West England and am a registered and Chartered Health Psychologist.
My goal is to continue to develop as a scholar-practitioner and deliver effective evidence-based treatments and interventions that have an impact on my clients and improve their quality of life.
My treatment ethos
'Integrative, personalised, whole-person, person-centred healthcare that is accessible, achievable and sustainable.'
You are in the driving set - let's work together to find the best route for you!
My own health journey and quest for knowledge have been instrumental in developing my unique integration of Eastern, Western and African therapeutic approaches.
I apply this learning to my practice, share my insights and deliver a therapeutic experience as unique as you are!
I look forward to meeting you and working with you
If you like to work collaboratively towards the realisation and achievement of your health goals, be they physical or psychological, and value the benefits of an integrative and personalised approach to healthcare, then get in touch.
I am registered with The British Psychological Society (BPS), The Healthcare Professions Council (HCPC), The Complementary Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) and The Complementary Therapists Association (CThA).
Having a ‘balanced view’ sets a good foundation for healthcare practice
My prior work in the Medical and Pharmaceutical sectors, within the NHS and the Private sector, has provided me with a deep appreciation of the human body and how to support the health of my clients.
I now work actively in the Integrative Lifestyle Medicine and Higher Education space – delivering one-to-one consultations or group interventions, and presenting lectures, seminars, and workshops.
I also train and mentor students and healthcare professionals in behaviour change, providing support for professional practice.
My passion is helping you on your journey to good health and success
I work extensively within the field of Health Psychology and Lifestyle Medicine and have been greatly influenced by the work done by many of the leading pioneers within these fields, like Dr Alfred Vogel (Bioforce International); Dr Jan de Vries (Jan de Vries Healthcare); Dr Marilyn Glenville (Nutritionist and Psychologist), James Wong (Ethnobotanist), Dr Jason Fung (Nephrologist), Dr Jeff Bland (Personalised Lifestyle Medicine), Professor Giles Yeo (Molecular Geneticist), Professor Jane Ogden (Health Psychologist), Dr Michael Murray (Naturopath) and Dr Joseph Pizzorno (Naturopath).
In the beginning
I am of Dutch-British descent and was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. My passion for practising Naturopathic & Lifestyle Medicine was driven by my personal experience with illness and my desire to help alleviate suffering. My experiences fuelled my exploration into 'Mind-Body Medicine', and so my studies began…
My motivation to explore healing traditions started in my youth
I met my first mentor, Swami Mataji Narayani (Guru and Homeopath), at Sohum Sanctuary in South Africa at age ten. During the years that followed, I received teachings from several leading experts and was trained both traditionally and non-traditionally in Eastern and Western healing practices, namely: Naturopathy, Mindfulness, Meditation and Self-awareness.
The 'scholar practitioner' - an integrated way of learning
I studied Biological and Social Sciences (including counselling and coaching), completing my degree with Psychology Honours at the University of South Africa and Vista University.
It was at Vista University that I was introduced to the Traditional African Healing Arts through collaboration with peers. I was given the honorary name 'Palesa' (meaning flower) by my African contemporaries – a great privilege – and was further praised for being a true representative of the 'Rainbow Nation'.
I also undertook professional training at various bespoke training institutions in South Africa for Naturopathic studies (i.e., Naturopathy was not available as a single course at that time). Studies included therapeutic massage, reflexology, herbalism, nutrition and aromatherapy.
As a passionate health educator and completed my Post Graduate Certificate in Education at Greenwich University in London, so I could share my knowledge and teach the next generation of healthcare professionals in further and higher educational settings.