--- title: "Patient Care" entity: "page" canonical_url: "https://www.drlovink.com/patient-care" markdown_url: "https://www.drlovink.com/llms/page/patient-care" lastmod: "2026-10-31T03:09:23.726Z" --- # Naturopathic Digestive Care for BC Patients ## Personalized, evidence-based care for constipation, bloating, unpredictable bowel movements, diarrhea, and other chronic digestive symptoms that deserve more than "everything's normal" or "just eat more fibre." Virtual appointments across British Columbia, or in-person in Victoria. Book an Initial Consultation ## When You Know Something's Off, But No One's Listening Maybe you've been told your labs are normal, or that it's "just IBS." Maybe you've tried elimination diets, SIBO testing, and every approach that was supposed to help, and nothing has stuck. You're more restricted around food than you've ever been, and it feels exhausting and impossible to plan your life around a gut that is so unreliable. You're starting to wonder if something real is being missed or if this is just how your life is going to be. ### You may be experiencing: Chronic constipation, diarrhea/loose stools, bloating or abdominal discomfort Bloating that gets worse as the day goes on, or never fully goes away Incomplete bowel movements or never feeling "done" Fatigue that isn't explained by anything else and/or feeling heavy in your body Brain fog (that often gets better when you finally poop) Headaches or migraines that seem connected to your gut symptoms Moods that shift with how your gut is feeling that day Anxiety and stress that often make gut symptoms worse Cramping or discomfort tied to bloating or bowel movements Feeling scared to travel or eat out When your symptoms are real but you keep being told "everything's normal" or "you'll just have to learn to live with it", it may be time for a more complete approach to your care. Book an Initial Consultation EVIDENCE-BASED GUT CARE ## Why a Different Approach Matters You've probably been told your labs are normal, then handed advice with no real direction: eat more fibre, manage your stress, take a laxative if you need to. The problem is that none of that comes with the context or nuance to actually make it work. And the wellness side (yes, including other Naturopathic treatments) often isn't any better. Chasing the one "root cause", elimination diets, supplements or protocols that promises to fix everything. But when symptoms return, you're left feeling like you're back at square one, looking for answers elsewhere...or worse, feeling like you're the problem. My approach fills that gap. We look at your gut as a full system: your gut, brain, microbiome, pelvic floor, and nervous system, and build a plan that actually honours that, focusing on evidence-based treatments, your values, your capacity and integrating into yoru real life. The goal isn't a lifetime of "treating" your gut. It's building a toolkit you feel confident using, so you can get back in the driver's seat of your gut and your life, not just managing symptoms, but actually learning how to live well. ## Areas of Clinical Focus ### Chronic Constipation Personalized care for chronic constipation when the standard advice hasn't worked. We go beyond basic fibre and laxative support to offer a comprehensive approach that helps you poop with ease. ### IBS & IBS-type Symptoms Helping you make sense of your IBS diagnosis & symptoms, and building a plan that puts you back in the driver's seat of your life again. ### Gut & Hormonal Health Support for women in mid-life who feel like their bodies & gut are changing and want a more comprehensive, personalized approach to their health ## What Working Together Looks Like ### 1. Discovery Call (Optional) A free, no-pressure call to see if this is the right fit and learn more about how we work together. ### 2. Initial Visit (75 minutes) A full review of your history, prior testing, and what you've already tried, so we can, not only, get the right diagnosis, but also build a plan that reflects where you are on your journey. Because all of it helps inform us as to where we need to support you next. ### 3. Your Personalized Plan A diagnosis & explanation that validates and provides context for your symptoms A dietary approach that optimizes gut function & your microbiome, that identifies problem foods, but that ultimately fits your life and avoids unnecessary restriction Empowering you with a toolkit of dietary, lifestyle, behavioural, mindset, supplement and medications (when needed) that supports gut function & improves your quality of life Specific support around stress management & nervous system health Coordination of care with other healthcare professionals (pelvic physio, dietitian, GP, counsellor, etc) as needed to support a team-based approach to your health ### 4. Ongoing Support Most patients complete initial care across 5 to 6 visits over 4-6 months. But care doesn't end there: many patients continue with ongoing support as life changes, including hormone-related concerns like perimenopause and menopause, if that wasn't already addressed during the gut care phase. Book an Initial Consultation SUPPORT THAT MEETS YOU WHERE YOU ARE ## Ways to Work Together If you live in BC ### 1:1 Naturopathic Care Personalized 1:1 care for chronic constipation, IBS, other chronic gut symptoms and hormone-related concerns. Delivered in-person in Victoria or virtual across BC. Learn More If you live outside BC ### Gut Health Coaching Education-based coaching drawing on 10+ years of clinical experience. These calls are meant to help you understand your symptoms and think through your options with more clarity. Includes guidance on what's worth focusing on and how to advocate for the testing or care needed. Learn More If you want to fast-track things ### VIP Gut Care Intensive A focused, in-person intensive in Victoria. Especially valuable if you're travelling from outside BC, but just as useful for locals who want to move quickly. Learn More ## What Makes This Different ### A Real Diagnosis, Not Another Dead End You've probably already been told your labs are normal, with no real explanation for what you're feeling. Before we build anything, we make sure you actually understand what's happening in your gut, and why the answers you've gotten so far haven't held up. ### A Plan That Adjusts With You, Not a One-Time Handout A protocol you're handed once and left to manage alone doesn't hold up once life changes: a flare, a trip, a stressful month. Your plan is staged and revisited, so it keeps working even when things shift, instead of falling apart the first time something does. ### Medication, Nervous System Support, and Lifestyle, Working Together You shouldn't have to pick a camp: "natural" or "medical." Those pieces work together here, not as competing philosophies, so you get whatever combination actually helps your gut, without guilt over needing medication or skepticism toward the lifestyle piece. ### Years of Experience, Applied to Your Specific Case This isn't a script built for "IBS" in general. Patterns in chronic gut symptoms get recognized quickly after years of seeing them, which means your case gets treated as yours: your history, your triggers, your life, not a generic checklist. Book an Initial Consultation RESOURCES TO SUPPORT YOU ## Get to Know Dr. Rachael's Work Not ready to book? Start with one of these resources. #### FREE MASTERCLASS Why Nothing Has Worked For Your Constipation Learn what's been keeping you stuck and how to move forward with clarity & strategy. #### FREE CHECKLIST The Constipation Clarity Checklist. Questions to guide you towards a named diagnosis, plus the explanation you've never been given after "all your tests are normal". #### A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO MORNINGS The Morning Motility Reset ($22) This guide gives you insight in how to set up your mornings to help you poop with more ease, plus a mini-clear out strategy. #### MINI COURSE How to Use Laxatives to Get Things Moving ($197) This will help you understand the role laxatives play in your care, how to use them strategically & safely, and what to advocate for if things aren't working. ## You Deserve Clear Answers and a Plan That Works If chronic constipation, IBS, or gut-brain symptoms have taken over your life, support is available. Book an Initial Consultation ## Frequently Asked Questions Do I need a diagnosis to book? No. Many patients book because they are dealing with chronic constipation, bloating, diarrhea or reflux-like symptoms without a diagnosis. Or they have been told "it's just IBS" and given over-simplified advice, and want real answers and a more comprehensive plan that helps them feel more in control of their gut & improves their quality of life.  Can Dr. Rachael help if I've already tried fibre, elimination diets, SIBO treatment and/or laxatives? Yes. Most of the patients Dr. Rachael works with have tried multiple treatments without success. The difference in working with her is the level of personalization, strategic direction and support with troubleshooting when treatments are working like they're supposed to.   Are appointments virtual or in person? Both. Virtual appointments are available across BC, with in-person visits in Victoria. Is naturopathic care right for IBS, chronic constipation or other chornic gut symptoms? Absolutely. Dr. Rachael's expertise bridges the gap between conventional and wellness, with an evidence-based approach that helps patients understand what's happening in their body and build a plan that gives them back confidence and quality of life. She addresses everything from diagnosis, to testing, to diet & lifestyle, and even prescribing medication where appropriate. How long does it take to see improvement? Most people notice improvements in the first few weeks working together. But lasting change often requires several appointments to navigate personalization, troubleshooting and shared decision making around next steps. Is this covered by insurance? Many extended health plans cover naturopathic care. Check with your provider directly.