Counseling/Coaching

Finding the obstacle to cure is an essential premise of Naturopathic Medicine. Many of us do not make the best decisions for our health with regard to our lifestyle choices. Because lifestyle, (what we do with our time, how we move our bodies, how we eat and drink, the spiritually connecting experiences we attune to)  has everything to do with our health, Dr. Sierra greatly values spending time helping others connect with their reasons they do the things they do. If there is unaddressed sadness or depression, dissatisfaction, and limiting assumptions, these will foster self-neglect and perpetuate poor choices.  
 
Dr. Sierra works with strategies as simple as listening and empathy, and mirroring, and compassionate communication, in order to draw out the patients’ underlying assumptions with the hopes of “clearing the air” and creating space to be whole and healthy, and to have our lifestyle choices shift in a positive direction.  
 
Sometimes spending time with Dr. Sierra this way looks like counseling, and sometimes it looks like coaching. However it looks, it is the nuts and bolts for why Dr. Sierra chose to become a naturopath. Before there were disease names, websites for researching disease, medicine, or even nutriceuticals, there has been trusting human relationships and a steady commitment to be available for one another. Dr. Sierra started practicing in 1997 and with her trajectory strongly in place, she will carry on with her professional commitments here at the Methow Valley Wellness Center for many years to come.

Neurotransmitter Testing, Individualized Treatment for Depression & Anxiety

Dr. Sierra finds testing for neurotransmitters and for amino acids (the most common building block for neurotransmitters in the brain) to be especially helpful in tailoring an individual plan for treatment of depression, anxiety, premenstrual dysphoria, OCD. These same methods of testing help greatly to support those who are on anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication.

Dr. Sierra uses a line of nutraceutical formulas that specifically target the spectrum of neurotransmitter imbalances. These products, with combinations of brain chemical building blocks, modulators and enzymatic cofactors provide effective options for many of today’s most common mental health conditions. When paired with an improved diet and lifestyle, and support for detoxification, this is a powerful way to support holistic emotional health.

NeuroScience, Inc. is a leader in the field of neurotransmitter testing and their website provides extensive education.

The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

1.   First, do no harm.
2.   Act in co-operation with the healing power of nature.
3.   Address the fundamental causes of disease.
4.   Heal the whole person through individualized treatment.
5.   Teach the principles of healthy living and preventive medicine.