World Tree Natural Medicine
About
We start working where your regular doctor stops--when you need more information, more time, or alternatives to care. We take the time to listen, investigate, and engage you. We help you work with your body to engage it's natural ability to heal and remove the obstacles in the way of that natural process. With our years of experience and variety of treatment options, we'll help you find your way to better health.
We work with each individual to find what works for them. Being treated like a real person who is empowered to make the decision that are right for them is unforunately not common enough in our healthcare system. We like being enough of the "outsiders" to conventional medicine that we are open to exploring alternatives with our patients, while having traditional medical knowledge to guide and educate properly. Most people need a combination of standard and complementary/alternative medicine, and we enjoy helping each patient find the right balance of those things for them.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We start with a comprehensive interview and exam. Naturopathic medicine takes a comprehensive view of health, and in order to do that effectively, we need to ask questions. This informs us about your main concerns but also your general health and lifestyle. Those first few visits lay the foundation for future care. Each patient receives an individually-created naturopathic plan of care, which may include lifestyle changes, diet, supplement, herbal, & homeopathic recommendations, and in-office or home care instructions. Education is a large part of this process--it's important that the patient understand their condition and treatment options.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
We are both naturopathic doctors who graduated from CNME-accredited (Council on Naturopathic Medical Education) naturopathic medical programs. These naturopathic medical programs have similar requirements for admission to conventional medical schools. They provide rigorous training in the first two years in the basic sciences, such as anatomy and pathology, along with some introductory courses in naturopathic theory and therapeutics. The last two years are focused on clinical training and clinical sciences, such as gynecology and pediatrics. In addition, students learn advanced naturopathic theory and therapeutics. Upon graduation, naturopathic physicians take board exams in order to be licensed.
In addition, Dr. Thor is a licensed massage therapist and Dr. Kristina is a licensed acupuncturist.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
Currently, we have 2 methods of pricing. One is per visit for ongoing care. The other is package price for a specific focus such as Winter Wellness or Digestive Health. These packages are designed to have a first office visit as well as follow up visits or nutritional counseling visits, and treatments like hydrotherapy or massage.
How did you get started in this business?
Dr. Kristina and Dr. Thor took very different routes to get where we are today. Dr. Kristina always wanted to be a doctor and focus on natural therapies and wellness. She went to naturopathic medical school at Bastyr University soon after college, graduated in 2001, and completed her residency at the University of Bridgeport before she started her first full-time practice in 2004. She has continued to practice and teach since then, adding a Masters degree in Oriental Medicine and becoming a licensed acupuncturist as well. Dr. Thor became a naturopathic doctor through a much more circuitous route. His undergraduate degree is in technical theatre, and he worked as a professional stagehand for over a decade before his career switch. While Kristina was completing her residency, Thor attended Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy and started working part time in retail supplement sales. He found he had a knack for sales and continued to work in the field. Eventually, he decided to continue his learning by attending National University of Health Sciences, obtaining his naturopathic medical degree in 2013. World Tree Natural Medicine was re-launched in 2014 now offering Traditional Chinese Medicine and massage along with naturopathic medical care.
What types of customers have you worked with?
We enjoy working with patients at all stages of their health and health journeys. The typical patients we work with are looking for alternatives to conventional care, or just want more information on their health and how to stay healthy. We often work with patients who may not fit the criteria for a specific diagnosis but know that something is off and they'd like to feel better.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Naturopathic care is based on a strong relationship between the patient and pracititioner, so you must be comfortable and communicate well with your practitioner. We always suggest meeting or speaking with us first to make it's going to be a good fit. It also helps to know what you're looking for in terms of specific treatments, diagnostic tests, or therapies. If you are looking for something specific, be sure they can offer that so you won't be disappointed with the results.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
Ask yourself what you want to get out of treatment--a solution to your health problem, a different perspective on your condition, a friendly and knowledgeable second opinion? These are all valid reasons to see a naturopathic doctor but lead to different courses of action, and it's good for both parties to know this ahead of time. Another thing to have some idea about is how much you're willing to commit in money, time, effort, and other resources. It's best to be honest with yourself on these issues at the start so your expectations are reasonable.