Torrens University Naturopathy academic spotlight: Jenny Adams

Alongside her work as a learning facilitator and clinic supervisor at Torrens University Australia's Flinders Street campus, Jenny brings her expertise in natural therapies to her role at Foundation House, a not-for-profit organisation focused on supporting refugees, their families and communities.

“Foundation House has a complementary therapies program in the understanding that people who have experienced trauma really need a mind-body approach in addition to counselling,” she says.

“It is really fantastic – I see people from all over the globe. I learn about their culture and their use of traditional medicines, proactively asking what kind of traditional medicines or practices they use at home.

“It’s fascinating work. I then draw on their strengths to formulate healthcare plans for them.”

Since starting her studies in naturopathy at the Southern School of Natural Therapies (now part of Torrens University) in 1985, Jenny’s life’s work has been focused on supporting patients with a range of chronic health conditions, from digestive issues to fertility and autoimmune conditions.

Watching individuals have breakthroughs in their health is the best thing about her work.

“Some of the people I have seen I have been working with, no kidding, for 30 years. Seeing their development and improved health over time is a highlight.”

A career of lifelong learning in Naturopathy

Students in the Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) benefit from Jenny’s wealth of experience as they enter the clinic to work with patients for the first time.

The Practice Wellbeing Centre, Torrens University’s student clinics offers care to the public while also preparing the next generation of complementary medicine practitioners for working one-on-one with clients.

In her role as a clinic supervisor, Jenny witnesses her students gain confidence and develop their own unique style of practice.

“The journey that I see students go on is one of being a ‘rabbit in the headlights’ to gaining confidence and showing their individual approach. It is lovely to see the different approaches that students take,” she says.

Under the supervision of experts like Jenny, Torrens University students can gain confidence and develop their own style when working with patients.

“We don’t channel them all to be the same type of practitioner, we support them to be the best practitioner that they can be by using their existing skills or experience.”

The strong focus on clinical experience aims to prepare students for a long career in Naturopathy – a profession, which has transformed enormously since Jenny began her career.

As awareness of the evidence behind natural therapies has grown across the country, the diversity of roles available to students upon graduation has also increased.

Beyond working one-on-one with clients, naturopaths can take up industry roles in research and development for healthcare products or work in a variety of education roles.

Social media has opened yet another avenue for graduates to share their knowledge and build communities online.

Jenny believes that being open to learning and building communities is key to finding success in the industry,

“Don’t expect to know it all when you graduate – I’m still learning and doing research even today, and I love that,” she says.

As a people-focused profession, a career in Naturopathy also allows you to build networks and communities with other health practitioners.

Focusing on maintaining relationships with lecturers, supervisors and peers will only help boost graduates’ chances of success, Jenny says.

“It can provide a bit of scaffolding for when you go out there into the big wide world.”

Even with her decades of experience, Jenny says there is always more to learn in this sector. It’s one of the biggest benefits of starting a Naturopathy career.

“It’s what keeps my work interesting. Be prepared for a journey of lifelong learning.”