From Psychology to Naturopathy: Why the Two Belong Together
- philippawilliams13
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 28
"For as long as I can remember, animals have been my greatest teachers. From the horses I cared for and competed with from the age of six, who later became my colleagues and co-therapists, to the dogs who have been my companions since my teens — they’ve shaped not only my life, but my approach to health and healing".
The Early Seeds of Naturopathy
My early career revolved around horses — training, judging, and competing internationally. Horses taught me discipline, patience, and how to listen and communicate, regulate and ground beyond words. Dogs taught me loyalty, intuition, and the importance of presence and play. Both showed me how responsive animals are to the environments we create for them.
Around 15 years ago, my curiosity about the body’s ability to heal naturally began to grow. I started exploring medicinal herbalism, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and other naturopathic techniques — initially to support my own animals, friends, and family. These practices quickly became part of my daily life, not just a toolkit for occasional use.
I’ve seen herbal remedies ease viral symptoms at immense speed, homeopathy bring relief to intoxicated dogs on the brink of survival, and anxiety and pain in humans dissipate within hours, days, or weeks. These weren’t flukes — they were consistent results that shaped my belief in the power of natural medicine. Animals reinforced this belief in a way no textbook could: there is no placebo effect with them. When they improved, it was because something was working.
A Professional Evolution
Professionally, my path led me to become a registered equine-facilitated psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, underpinned by doctoral-level training in Counselling Psychology with a specialism in somatic, equine, and nature-based practice. Over the years, I have designed and led therapeutic programmes for complex trauma, EUPD/BPD, and addiction; trained psychiatrists, multidisciplinary teams, and equine therapy professionals; and delivered trauma-informed care and supervision across NHS England, private practice, charitable organisations, and internationally, including Europe and the Caribbean.
Over time, my clinical work and naturopathic practice began to overlap in meaningful ways. I saw, again and again, that we don’t exist in isolation:
The systems in our body influence our mind — and our mind influences our body.
We are shaped by our environments, relationships, and daily habits.
Lifestyle factors such as nutrition, water quality, sleep, and movement are not “extras” — they are the foundation of mental and physical health.
The gut is a perfect example. We know pharmaceuticals are metabolised there before entering the bloodstream — so why wouldn’t the food and drink we consume have the same power to influence our brain and emotional state?
Why Integrating Naturopathy and Psychotherapy Matters
When we address physical, emotional, and environmental factors together, we create the conditions for genuine, lasting change. That’s why I now integrate naturopathic care into my work with people, dogs, and horses.
Naturopathy is not “less than” conventional medicine — in many cases, it’s the original medicine. For thousands of years, humans have used plants, minerals, water, and lifestyle to restore health. Modern pharmaceuticals have only existed for just over a century, and many are synthesised versions of natural compounds — often with added side effects.
Bringing It All Together
Today, I offer an integrated approach drawing on:
Professional registrations in psychotherapy and clinical supervision
Formal naturopathic training and professional registration
15+ years of applied practice in herbal medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and animal-assisted work
Evidence-based, trauma-informed psychological models
Expertise in somatic processes and nervous system healing
30+ years of lived and professional experience with horses and dogs
Academic publications showcasing applied knowledge and contributions to the field
This integration allows me to work with individuals, practitioners, and animals in a way that honours the whole being — mind, body, and environment.
It’s an absolute privilege to offer this work. You can explore my services, from psychotherapy and naturopathy to retreats, CPD training, supervision, and animal-assisted interventions, all in one place:
