MEET NATALIE
Two years later, I’d had enough and knew the only way out was to understand my brain better. I attended a course in neuroplasticity — how the brain rewires itself. For me, the shift was profound. Within a week, I felt 70% better. It was profound. I was excited. Three weeks later, I returned to work. When I returned, I knew I wanted to integrate this new knowledge into my musculoskeletal physio practice. I continued studying neuroscience and pain science through a more clinical lens and Refocus was born.
Refocus is a blend of physiotherapy, neuroscience, pain science, neuroplasticity and personal experience. It is built on an understanding of how the brain and autonomic nervous system function, and how we can rewire, heal and return to a more adaptive state. The aim is to help people move through life with more ease, resilience and capacity — even under high pressure.
Understanding the brain and autonomic nervous system is powerful. It allows us to end suffering, restore wellbeing and bring a sense of possibility and joy back to life.
My passion is sharing this information and showing you how you, too, can learn to understand your brain.
If this resonates with you, or you’re curious about how this approach could help, I’d love to hear from you.
My childhood was busy — just the way I liked it. I danced six days a week, learned three instruments, and threw myself into every sport I could — from soccer and competitive road cycling to surfing, snowboarding, wakeboarding and, later, endurance running.
I didn’t know how to slow down. I was driven, hardworking and competitive — always pushing to do more. I thought all of these traits made me resilient, and they allowed me to achieve things I was really proud of. Little did I know, I was working against my brain and autonomic nervous system, not with it. I was constantly pushing, but my system was pushing back. It was like trying to drive with the handbrake on — I was working hard, but not accessing my true potential.
In 2012, I sustained a concussion that was different from the ones before it. This time, I didn’t bounce back. Symptoms got worse with time, not better. I couldn’t exercise, socialise, drive or even sit in a café. My world got smaller, and I felt isolated. Over time, anxiety, depression and even panic attacks developed. I tried everything I could find to get better. I sought excellent medical treatment, did what I was told, tried the medications and, over time, ventured into alternative treatments. Nothing worked. I felt like I would never overcome it.
CREDENTIALS & CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Health Science - Physiotherapy
Dean Watson Headache Approach
Explain Pain - David Butler
Graded Motor Imagery- David Butler
Integrated Dry Needling Level 1 - Andrew Hutton
Integrated Dry Needling Level 2 - Andrew Hutton
Know Pain- Mike Stewart
Integrating Mindfulness into Clinical Practice. Tara Brach, PhD
Neurolink- Module A- Dr Allan Phillips
Neurolink- Module B. Dr Allan Phillips
Pelvic Pain- Dr Andry Vleeming
Phil Parker Lightning Process Training Seminar – Dr Phil Parker
Positive Neuroplasticity – Dr Rick Hanson, PhD