Description
About Dr. Smith
Dr. Laura Colleen Smith is a dedicated Naturopathic Doctor, ND. Practicing at Bloom Integrative Health - Stittsville in Stittsville, ON, Dr. Smith is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered naturopathic care, adhering to the standards set by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.
Dr. Smith's role involves providing comprehensive naturopathic care for a broad spectrum of health concerns in individuals of various ages. This includes preventative health strategies, management of chronic conditions, and acute illness support through a holistic and individualized approach, utilizing core naturopathic therapies like clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, and lifestyle counseling. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, tailoring her treatments to meet their unique needs and promote lasting wellness.
Having completed her ND, Dr. Smith brings clinical experience and a commitment to ongoing professional development, ensuring her practice is grounded in evidence-informed naturopathic principles. She has developed a strong interest and advanced skills in areas such as general naturopathic practice, continually enhancing her expertise to better serve her community. Her practice philosophy emphasizes empowering patients through education (Docere), prioritizing preventative medicine (Preventare), and integrating traditional wisdom with modern scientific understanding. Dr. Smith offers consultations in English to facilitate clear and compassionate communication with her patients.
Common Health Concerns Dr. Laura Colleen Smith Addresses
Dr. Laura Colleen Smith provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Hormone Endocrine
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) & Menstrual Irregularities: Natural solutions for managing challenging periods and achieving better hormonal health.
- Thyroid Disorders (e.g., Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's Support): Addressing underlying immune dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, and stress factors contributing to thyroid imbalances.
- Fertility Optimization & Preconception Care: Comprehensive preconception planning to optimize health for both partners before trying to conceive.
Digestive Health
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) & Functional Bowel Disorders: Holistic support for improving gut health, reducing inflammation, and restoring normal bowel function in individuals with IBS.
- Acid Reflux (GERD) & Heartburn: Naturopathic strategies to manage GERD without long-term reliance on acid-blocking medications, focusing on root causes.
Pain Musculoskeletal
- Sports Injuries (Naturopathic Recovery & Performance): Optimizing nutrition, utilizing natural anti-inflammatories, and therapies like acupuncture or IV nutrients to support athletes.
- Chronic Joint Pain & Osteoarthritis Support: Naturopathic approaches to reduce joint pain and inflammation, improve mobility, and support cartilage health in osteoarthritis and other chronic joint conditions.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Smith can assess your needs.
Dr. Laura Colleen Smith's Naturopathic Services
- Conventional & Specialized Lab Test Analysis: Analysis of laboratory findings to identify nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, metabolic dysfunctions, or other underlying issues.
- Physical Examinations (Naturopathic): Clinical physical examination tailored to your concerns, which may include specific naturopathic assessment methods.
- Comprehensive Naturopathic Health Intake: A detailed initial consultation to understand your complete health history, lifestyle factors, diet, stress levels, and specific health concerns.
- Lifestyle Counseling & Health Promotion: Guidance on stress management techniques, sleep hygiene, exercise recommendations, and healthy habit formation to support lasting wellness.
- Detoxification Support: Guided programs and therapies to support your body’s natural detoxification pathways, helping to eliminate metabolic wastes and environmental toxins.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Smith. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.
All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Naturopathic Doctors in ON and the standards set by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.
Achieving Your Health Goals with Naturopathic Care
At Bloom Integrative Health - Stittsville, naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Smith frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Dr. Smith frequently helps patients overcome managing symptoms of an autoimmune condition with holistic support by identifying underlying imbalances. A tailored naturopathic program targeting a noticeable improvement in their hair and nail health supports your journey back to health and enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match with improved endurance.
- With Dr. Smith, a Naturopathic Doctor, individuals with sugar cravings or signs of blood sugar imbalance are guided towards successfully managing their weight in a healthy way. The focus is on empowering your body's innate healing ability so you can once again participate fully in activities you enjoy, such as resuming their weightlifting routine at the gym safely and with progress.
- Struggling with the frustration of suspecting certain foods are making me feel unwell? Dr. Smith develops individualized naturopathic protocols aimed at achieving finally losing those stubborn pounds and feeling lighter and more energetic, key to helping you get back to doing enjoying a wider variety of foods without adverse reactions or digestive distress with confidence and significantly improved health.
- Patients struggling with wanting to explore options like IV vitamin therapy or prolotherapy find compassionate and comprehensive support with Dr. Smith. The therapeutic focus is on achieving navigating the challenges of perimenopause with greater ease and fewer symptoms, using a range of naturopathic modalities to facilitate a return to a fulfilling life, including activities such as safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace with good form.
Your personalized naturopathic treatment plan, developed with Dr. Smith, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic approach.
Clinic Location & Accessibility
Dr. Smith's practice at Bloom Integrative Health - Stittsville is situated in a welcoming naturopathic clinic located in the central neighborhood of Stittsville. The clinic is conveniently positioned near local health food stores and community wellness centers, making it easy for patients to incorporate their appointments into their daily routines. Accessibility is further enhanced by nearby public transit routes, allowing patients to reach their appointments with ease. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions about Naturopathic Medicine in Stittsville
- Approximately how many Naturopathic sessions will I need?
- This is very individual. Some acute issues might resolve relatively quickly, while chronic or complex conditions may require a longer period of care and support to achieve lasting results. Your Naturopathic Doctor will give you a better idea after your first comprehensive visit and will regularly discuss your progress and adjust the plan as needed.
- What is Naturopathic Medicine and how can it help me?
- Naturopathic Medicine, practiced by a qualified Naturopathic Doctor, focuses on holistic, patient-centered care. It emphasizes prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of natural therapies that support and stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself. Your Naturopathic Doctor (or Naturopathe) will work with you to understand your unique health picture and develop a personalized plan to address your concerns, improve your vitality, and help you achieve your wellness goals.
- Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Naturopathic services provided by a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in a private clinic are generally NOT covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is advisable to check your private or extended health insurance plan, as many offer coverage for services provided by registered/licensed Naturopathic Doctors. Coverage levels vary significantly between plans.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor in ON?
- In Ontario, patients can generally see a Naturopathic Doctor directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. It is recommended to verify the requirements of your insurance policy before your first appointment.
- What should I expect during my first Naturopathic appointment?
- Your initial appointment typically lasts between 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Smith will conduct a thorough discussion about your health concerns, medical history (including family history), lifestyle, diet, stress levels, sleep patterns, and environmental exposures. A physical examination may also be performed. The goal is to gather comprehensive information to identify root causes and develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include dietary and lifestyle recommendations, herbal or supplement suggestions, and further testing if needed.
- What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) and a Medical Doctor (MD)?
- Medical Doctors (MDs) primarily use conventional medicine, including prescription drugs and surgery, to treat specific diseases and symptoms. Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) focus on holistic care, aiming to identify and treat the underlying causes of health issues through natural therapies such as nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, and lifestyle modifications. Both professions aim to support health, and they can work together to provide comprehensive care.
- How long do Naturopathic appointments typically last?
- Initial consultations usually last between 60 to 90 minutes to allow for a thorough health assessment. Follow-up appointments tend to be shorter, generally 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your case and the therapies involved.
Clinic Contact & Licensing Information
Bloom Integrative Health - Stittsville
101-120 Iber Road
Stittsville, ON, K2S 1E7
Dr. Laura Colleen Smith is regulated by the Naturopathy Act, 2007 in ON and is a member of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.
Registration Number: 3245
Registration can typically be verified with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.
Naturopathic medicine aims to support overall health and well-being. It is recommended to maintain a relationship with your medical doctor for conventional medical care, diagnosis of serious conditions, and emergencies. Naturopathic care can often complement conventional treatments.