Question 1

What is Persona?

Accepted Answer

Persona is a modern, 360-degree approach to health that focuses on having a complete understanding of the entire you - mind and body, so we can find and treat the root causes behind a condition instead of just treating the effects of it.

Many of today’s health issues are deeply connected to how we live our lives. Lifestyle choices can leave us feeling off balance, as if something is fundamentally wrong with us. Take mental health, for example—while it’s often said that anxiety or depression is "all in your head," the truth is that gut health, hormones, or even vitamin deficiencies can play a big role.

Conventional medicine often takes a narrow approach: therapy or a pill to lift your mood. While therapy can be incredibly valuable for addressing negative self-beliefs, it won’t resolve a vitamin deficiency. And medication? It might give you a temporary boost, but often leads to dependency or the need for higher doses over time, bringing side effects that can make you feel worse. Many people find themselves stuck in this cycle, wanting off the pills but unable to regain balance.

This is where Persona works differently. I take the time to explore your full health history, piecing together the connections between your symptoms and their triggers. I work in partnership with you, and once we identify the root cause, we craft a holistic, science-backed plan that addresses every part of your well-being—optimising sleep, nutrition, stress management, and daily movement. By blending Functional Medicine with practical wellness strategies, I help you create positive changes that stick.

I combine the latest insights from Functional Medicine with practical, everyday strategies to help you not only feel better but also thrive. This isn’t just about short-term relief—it’s about empowering you to take control of your health so your lifestyle works for you, not against you.

Question 2

How does Functional Medicine work?

Accepted Answer

Your health is shaped by both your genes and your environment—things like what you eat, how you manage stress, and how active you are. While your genes might make you more likely to develop certain issues, it’s often your lifestyle that “switches them on.” The good news? Many of today’s health problems can be improved—or even prevented—by making the right changes to your daily habits. This is where Functional Medicine stands out. It takes a deep dive into your health, connecting every symptom to uncover the root cause. Using science-backed approaches focused on lifestyle changes, we help you find a path to feeling better.

For example, acne isn’t just about what's on your face. The real cause behind your acne could be linked to gut health, an imbalanced microbiome, or hormonal issues. Functional Medicine identifies the root cause and creates a personalised plan to address it with practical steps—like eating the right foods, managing stress, staying active in ways that you like, and supporting your body with supplements, herbs, and skincare to treat you from the inside out. I take it step by step, helping you build habits that feel natural and sustainable. My goal is to empower you, so when life throws you off balance, you’ll know exactly how to get back on track and feel like yourself again.

Question 3

What makes Functional Medicine different from Conventional Medicine?

Accepted Answer

Functional Medicine looks at the body as an interconnected whole, focusing on understanding why you feel the way you do. For example, if you’re feeling low or struggling to sleep, a Functional Medicine practitioner won’t just focus on the symptom—they’ll dive into your health history, daily habits, and overall lifestyle to uncover the root cause.

Conventional medicine, on the other hand, often treats one issue at a time. For instance, if you’re diagnosed with depression, the focus might be solely on your mental health, without considering whether something like digestive issues or nutrient deficiencies could be contributing. Conventional medicine also relies heavily on medication or procedures, which can be life-saving and absolutely essential for certain conditions. However, for chronic, lifestyle-driven issues, it might not always address the deeper "why" behind the problem.

Functional Medicine stands out by addressing these root causes, particularly for long-term health concerns. It considers factors like vitamin deficiencies, lifestyle habits (like too much coffee or irregular eating), and even emotional triggers such as past trauma. Instead of masking symptoms, Functional Medicine uses holistic, science-backed strategies—such as optimising nutrition, introducing movement that works for you, and managing stress—to create a sustainable path to better health. It's about treating the whole person, not just the symptom.

Question 4

Is there evidence behind Functional Medicine?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Functional medicine is an evolving field, and recent studies show its benefits over typical primary care. Research shows that patients under Functional Medicine experience significantly better physical health improvements at 6 and 12 months. For details, check the study by Beidelschies M, Alejandro-Rodriguez M, Ji X, Lapin B, Hanaway P, Rothberg MB. Association of the functional medicine modelofcarewithpatient-reported health-related quality-of-life outcomes. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(10):e1914017.

Question 5

How do you investigate the root cause of my symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Our root-cause investigation is like being a health detective. I dive deep into health history, daily habits, lifestyle, and even your family background through a detailed questionnaire and our first consultation. I look for meaningful connections between your physical and emotional history and the patterns in your life. From there, I identify how lifestyle habits—such as diet, sleep, stress, and movement—may be influencing your health. If needed, I may recommend further lab tests to give us more insights, and I’ll guide you every step of the way. All the information we gather is then used to create a personalised plan tailored just for you in a practical way for your day to day.
Please note, the cost of any lab tests is not included in your plan.

Question 6

How quickly will I see results?

Accepted Answer

It really depends on your specific health concerns and goals, as everyone’s journey is different. For example, if you're dealing with chronic fatigue and sleep issues, you might notice small wins fairly quickly—a bit more energy or a lighter mood within just a week or two. Bigger changes, like more consistent sleep, clearer thinking, and steady energy, usually start to show after 2 to 3 months, as we work towards lasting improvements. True transformation, where you feel consistently better and more energised, takes time, and it may take closer to 6 to 12 months to fully integrate these healthy habits into your everyday life, making them second nature.

Question 7

How is your approach to food supplements?

Accepted Answer

I recommend food supplements as a complement to a tailored nutritional plan, not as a replacement for healthy eating. Supplements help fill critical gaps in vitamins and minerals, especially when your body has been under prolonged stress.
Modern food chains often lack the nutrient density they once had due to soil depletion, fast farming practices, and the prevalence of processed foods in our diets. While a nourishing diet is foundational, supplements can accelerate recovery and restore balance more effectively.
That’s why I prescribe targeted premium supplements during treatment to address deficiencies and recommend core supplements for ongoing maintenance, helping you achieve and sustain optimal health.

Question 8

What kind of food supplements do you recommend?

Accepted Answer

I recommend only high-quality supplements that your body can easily absorb and use. These supplements contain nutrients in the right ratios, free from additives that could hinder your healing. I prioritise natural, ethically-sourced ingredients over synthetic alternatives.
My choice of supplements is backed by clinical evidence, ensuring they are effective and aligned with your health goals. I work with trusted brands that stand by the science behind their products, so you can feel confident in the supplements we recommend.

Question 9

What is your approach to cosmetics in the treatment plan?

Accepted Answer

My approach to cosmetics is unique. While most functional medicine practitioners don’t include skincare in their treatment plans, I do — because I recognise that many health conditions directly affect your skin. I take a truly holistic approach - treating both inside and out.
I also recognise that healthy, glowing skin boosts confidence and helps you feel your best. My goal is for you to feel beautiful, inside and out. However, I understand how overwhelming it can be to choose the right skincare products with so many options out there. That's why I only recommend brands backed by evidence, ensuring that what I suggest is both effective and aligned with your overall wellness journey.

Question 10

What if I need medical assistance?

Accepted Answer

If I identify complex issues requiring medical intervention, I’ll refer you to an appropriate specialist , preferably with a Functional or Integrative Medicine background. If ongoing work with me is not suitable, I’ll refund any unused sessions or remaining months of your membership if you purchased the yearly plan.

Question 11

Can you help me if I’m already seeing a doctor specialist?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I am here to complement your care, working alongside your doctor to create a unified approach. Collaboration with other health professionals often leads to more effective and lasting results. Together, we can support your journey to better health.

Question 12

Which plans do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Every health journey is unique, and that’s why I tailor my plans to fit your individual goals and needs. At the heart of this service is a relationship built on care and trust—a partnership designed to truly understand and support you.
You can choose from several options:
 • Single consultations: Perfect if you need guidance to get started on the right path or address a specific concern.
 • Memberships for 4, 6, or 12 months, offering a comprehensive, long-term, and holistic approach to your health, in a more economic way.

These memberships are rooted in a deep, ongoing connection, giving you the time and space to create meaningful change and achieve sustainable results. Together, we’ll focus on understanding the underlying causes of your concerns and building a foundation for long-term healing.

Question 13

What is included in my membership?

Accepted Answer

The membership is more than just a service—it’s a partnership built on trust, care, and ongoing support. It's designed for those who want personalised, continuous guidance to address the root causes of their health challenges and optimize their well-being over time.
Here’s what’s included:
 • Pre-consultation Questionnaire: Before our first session, you’ll complete an in-depth questionnaire to help me better understand your health history, current concerns, lifestyle, and unique needs.
 • First 75-minute session: We’ll dive into your health journey, establishing a foundation for your personalised plan.
 • Follow-up sessions (60 minutes): Regular check-ins to track progress, adjust the plan, and provide the ongoing care and support you need. The number of sessions depends on your chosen membership option.
 • Holistic, personalised treatment plan: A comprehensive approach that covers nutrition, sleep optimization, stress management, exercise, supplements, and skincare—all tailored to you.
 • Convenient online scheduling: Easily book sessions to fit your daily life.
 • Unlimited messaging: Need support between sessions? You’ll have direct access to me for any questions, guidance, or insights.

Question 14

Do you provide consultations in person?

Accepted Answer

All of my consultations are online, so whether you’re at home, travelling, or just need flexibility, I am here wherever you are.

Question 15

In which language are your consultations?

Accepted Answer

I understand how important it is to express yourself clearly and feel truly understood, especially when discussing your health. That’s why I offer consultations in English, Portuguese, and French—so you can communicate comfortably and confidently in the language that feels most natural to you.

Question 16

How secure is my personal data?

Accepted Answer

Your privacy is my top priority. All health information is securely stored, giving you complete peace of mind as you focus on your health and wellness journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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