" Perimenopause and menopause. It hit me hard and fast. "
I first went to Karen about 9 years ago for support with my brain and mind, but also preventatively, as I had a heart attack with no warning in my 30s. At the time, I was struggling to focus, wasn’t retaining information, was forgetting what I wanted to say part way through a sentence and had terrible brain fog. We did some testing, worked out what we were dealing with, made some changes - and I saw results very quickly. Since then, Karen has been my go-to for most things health-related.
Then came perimenopause and menopause. It hit me hard and fast. I’m not sure how I would have navigated that time in my life without Karen. I am out the other side now and genuinely feel the best I have in some time, and Karen has played a huge part in getting me here.
Karen has an incredible depth of knowledge and experience, but what I really value is that she never stops learning. As new research emerges or she learns more about something, she’s happy to revisit her thinking..
She’s also very caring, incredibly real and understands that life is busy and messy! She educates you, suggests practical changes you can make, and recommends natural medicine supplements where they can genuinely help.
I consider myself very lucky that our paths crossed 9 years ago. It’s been quite the journey, and I am very grateful to have had Karen beside me for it!
— Sherie, North Shore
" I’m in the best place to embrace what’s next "
“What a special journey with Karen her programs and support over the last few years has been so important. Starting with brain fog and extreme high levels of stress and I discovered I was in perimenopause. I had cardiovascular risk with my history which was in the back of my mind and it took some time for me to make the big change which I look back now and think why did I wait & Karen was so patient with me. Menopause and rebuilding my health – I got fit, started weightlifting which I now love and made time for the things that I love in my life. Karen laughs when I say I don’t have any stress, but it’s true & I feel privileged to live this life. I lost my mum last year and that was an immense time of loss and grief – I know the coaching, natural medicine & functional lab testing along the way have kept me motivated to stay the course and now a couple of years into menopause I feel I’m in the best place to embrace what’s next.”
—Judith, St Mary’s Bay.
" Thanks Karen for helping me connect the dots "
“I met with Karen firstly because I was worried about hair loss and anxiety – I was in the late stages or perimenopause and liked the sound of what Karen offered. I learnt a lot about myself in our conversations particularly how I kept myself in mind loops driving the anxiety but not understanding how to release it. I have said for years my emotions just sit on the surface – well that’s just me but Karen taught me that it was ok to feel these emotions, in fact quite important if I wanted to let them go instead of storing them in my body. My hair loss was connected to my gut, nutrition, stress and few other things and over the last year it is improving but so are a lot of things my inner critic, my emotions, my feeling at ease in my body are important. My adult life has all been about family and now my children are off to do their lives I can question what next for me, so that is a joy to observe. I learnt our symptoms and emotions can be huge opportunities for a bigger life thanks Karen for helping me connect the dots jump in it is worth it.”
—Jackie, Pt Chev.
" The herbal tonics were like magic "
“I was keen to seek out Karen’s help after breaking up with my life partner, which seemed to come out of the blue and rocked me off balance. My sleep and ability to feel fun & calm were out the window, unusual for me. Karen’s coaching allowed me to build a new view of how I saw myself menopause had me feeling like I didn’t know me, I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror the puffy face the sad person looking back, now I can be thankful I feel myself again with much more confidence in who I want to be and attract in my next relationship. The herbal tonics were like magic – the natural medicine always made me feel stronger in my ability to know I could do this. Still moving forward but with gratitude rather than dread and loss.”
—Sharyn, Christchurch.
" The brain fog has lifted "
“I was stuck in a state of chronic overwhelm, experiencing severe brain fog, and struggling with my changing hormones. Through targeted herbal protocols and practical NLP sessions, my nervous system finally feels balanced. The brain fog has lifted, and my hormone-related symptoms are a thing of the past. I finally feel like myself again — and I know how to be calm, focused, and resilient.”
— Stephanie, Mt Roskill, Auckland
" My skin has never looked better "
“Working together completely transformed my approach to long-term health span! By addressing my gut health and making sustainable metabolic changes, my digestive issues are a thing of the past, and my skin has never looked better. The naturopathic and herbal support gave my body exactly what it needed, while the NLP work and our conversations helped me break old, self-sabotaging habits. I feel incredibly vibrant.”
— Lucy, Ponsonby, Auckland
" I feel physically stronger and mentally at peace "
“Midlife brought unexpected joint pain and elevated cardiovascular markers that deeply concerned me. This holistic approach went far beyond just treating symptoms; we addressed my whole cardiovascular profile, musculoskeletal health, and daily stress. The natural medicines you prescribed reduced my aches and overall inflammation, and you helped me build true emotional resilience. I feel physically stronger and mentally at peace. And ready for my second chapter.”
— Christine, Papakura, Auckland
" I now feel so much more balanced and resilient "
“Thank you — you certainly look after me, and I really appreciate that! What a journey, I don't know what I would have done with all the change pre and post menopause without your support. I now feel so much more balanced and resilient to cope with LIFE! I have always loved and appreciated how real you are Karen, the depth of our conversations within my consultations, the clarity for me around priorities, your immense knowledge around natural medicine and functional lab testing has really laid the foundations for our work together. My cardiologist and menopause hormone prescriber are so thrilled with where I am at.”
— Janice, Auckland
" I've never felt more in control of my health and my future "
“This journey has been nothing short of life-changing. Karen's skills in naturopathy, herbalism, and functional lab testing pinpointed exactly what was going on so I could gain insight into my hormones, digestion, and metabolic health. Meanwhile, the NLP coaching rewired my mind to handle daily stress beautifully. My nervous system is calm, my energy is steady, and I feel equipped to handle whatever comes my way. I've never felt more in control of my health and my future.”
— Pauline, Hamilton
" The Foundation gave me my first real answer "
“I'd honestly started thinking my exhaustion was just what midlife looked like for me. Waking up already tired, feeling foggy, snapping at my daughter over nothing — I thought I was just failing at willpower. The Foundation gave me my first real answer. Seeing my actual blood markers explained in plain language was honestly emotional — there was real proof something was going on, not just me getting older or not trying hard enough. But knowing that wasn't enough to actually change anything day to day, so I moved into The Breakthrough. The gut mapping was the piece that connected everything — my bloating, my mood swings, the brain fog — it was all tied to inflammation coming from my gut. Meeting every two weeks meant I couldn't just let it slide the way I would have on my own. Ninety days on, my energy isn't up and down anymore, my digestion has settled, and I actually feel clear-headed again. My daughter's noticed I'm more present. It's not a miracle, it just finally feels sustainable.”
— Rebecca, Wellington
" I thoroughly recommend Karen and her skills "
“I started working with Karen some years ago and I am all the better for it. When we first met I was very mentally low and my health in a poor state. I felt confused as to where to start and thankfully Karen addresses the whole body and the mind and supported me in developing healthy habits and simple practices into my life. She connected to my 'why' and gave me the 'how' steps and I can hear her saying 'it's got to work for you right?'. I thoroughly recommend Karen and her skills are a healthy addition to anyone seeking anything from a tune up to a recovery from a break down.”
— Helen, Stanmore Bay
" Karen is warm, friendly, compassionate "
“I have been working with Karen on my health particularly around my brain and mind but also preventatively as I had a heart attack with no warning in my 30s. Karen is warm, friendly, compassionate, real and has a great sense of humour. I feel I can talk to her about anything. I went to Karen for multiple reasons, the key one being brain function — I was struggling to focus, I wasn't retaining information, I was forgetting what I wanted to say part way through a sentence and had terrible brain fog. I had results very quickly; initially I saw her regularly every 2 weeks and then progressed to monthly sessions and now 2 years on my health in general is in a much better place. I would have no hesitation in recommending Karen.”
— Sherie, Parnell
" Our conversations are always a highlight "
“Three years ago, at the age of 40, I felt as if no matter what I tried or did I was still hitting wall after wall with my health. I met Karen, who after our first meeting I really felt had a full understanding of my issues and frustrations from a body, wellbeing and mental perspective. Through her knowledge, guidance and advice I have been able to improve and maintain my health both physically and mentally. Our conversations are always a highlight and I feel Karen is always genuinely dedicated to me and what I have been going through.”
— Marina, Remuera
" I have struggled long-term "
“I have struggled long-term with compromised health, receiving sporadic assistance from the public system and trying various holistic routes, all without avail. Just over a year and a half ago that all turned around with my amazing fortune of meeting Karen. She is an unquestionable wealth of information, and tirelessly takes the time to ensure the steps along the way make sense to you. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Karen — a truly lovely professional with a heart of gold.”
— Kirsty, Hamilton
" My life has more balance "
“Before meeting Karen I was working too much, eating on the run and didn't really know how to put my health first. My cortisol was high and my hormones were out of whack. I was so burned out that I couldn't even go for a short walk without collapsing on the couch. I'm so thankful to have found Karen — she just 'gets it', she's intuitive and has guided me to being more aware of my wellbeing. I have so much more energy now and I feel that my life has more balance. Working with Karen offers so much more than getting your supplements and your diet right, she works with you to achieve a truly integrated outcome.”
— Kirsten, Nelson
" Overwhelm & anxiety "
“I am so thankful I made the choice to be seeing Karen as my health and wellness coach. I was feeling out of sorts and struggling with overwhelm and anxiety. Since menopause I have felt older and grumpier and somewhat stuck in how to feel more alive. Karen is amazing at listening and giving the right advice that seems the best fit for me on each part of the wellness journey. I highly recommend Karen as a partner on your journey of health and reclaiming your life over 60.”
— Lisa, Christchurch
" Lost and Hopeless "
“I had worked with other health practitioners, quite a few, and never really felt like I was winning. I had been prescribed antidepressants a few years ago and didn't feel any positive lift, so was feeling pretty lost and hopeless. When I met Karen, to be honest I didn't hold out much belief she could help, but I had a glimmer that just maybe she was the one. Slowly I felt the fog lift from my brain. It was a few months before I knew for sure I was on the right path. I am now signing off from our catchups because I feel I have got to an amazing place where I love my life.”
— Sam, Auckland
Ready to write your own story?
Whether you're ready to book straight into a program or want to talk it through first, the first step is the same: complete a short enquiry form and let us know what's going on for you. From there, choose a complimentary 15-minute Clarity Call, or go straight ahead and book. Prefer to email first? Reach me directly at karen@brainbodylife.co.nz — I'll reply personally.