My Journey: From a Patient in Pain to Your Guide to Wellness
My first migraine hit when I was twelve. The pain was so overwhelming and debilitating that it sent me home from school, where I spent the afternoon vomiting, crying, and desperately attempting to find relief. Painkillers offered little help.
My teenage years brought a new kind of silent struggle with an eating disorder, severe OCD, and anxiety. I learned to use control as a way to navigate an emotional world that felt chaotic. Looking back, I now see that this immense mental and emotional stress most likely contributed to the constant headaches that followed me for years. It was a vicious cycle of physical and emotional pain that I, like many others, believed was just a part of my life.
The daily battle with headaches continued until my twenties. Everything changed when a partner, who was studying to be a chiropractor, convinced me to see one myself. This and ongoing chiropractic care completely changed my life. For the first time, my migraines and headaches largely disappeared, and I stopped relying on medication. More importantly, I fell in love with a different philosophy of health—one that focused not on masking symptoms but on understanding and addressing their root cause. I discovered that chiropractic is so much more than fixing back pain; it's about improving health and wellness from the inside out.
This revelation was so profound that I decided to change my entire career path. I switched my Bachelor of Science major from Earth Sciences and Geography to Psychology and Physiology, giving me a solid foundation for my Bachelor of Chiropractic Science degree, which I completed in 2001. My thirst for knowledge didn't stop there. I wanted to answer the deeper "why" questions about health, which led me to become certified in Applied Kinesiology and nutrition. Through years of dedicated postgraduate study and the privilege of working alongside incredible mentors, I built a comprehensive toolkit of chiropractic techniques and holistic health management. It was through great counseling and my own internal work that I finally found my way to a more balanced life.
The journey of understanding continued to unfold with my own late diagnosis of ADHD in my 40s. This brought a profound sense of clarity; suddenly, so much of my past struggles and experiences made sense within the framework of this neurological difference. This ignited a deep passion for helping others with neurodevelopmental challenges. Then came my next chapter: menopause. I had navigated perimenopause with natural support, but the drop in hormones brought on joint pain, hot flashes, and mood swings. This drove me to explore how many women receive late-stage ADHD diagnoses as the drop in estrogen can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. These personal experiences have deepened my empathy and shaped me into the practitioner I am today. My decision to use HRT to manage my own symptoms, alongside natural support, reinforced my belief in an integrated approach—one that honors both medical science and holistic principles. I am currently completing my post-graduate training in Functional Medicine, which will further my knowledge and allow me to become a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner (CFMP).
My Philosophy: Partnering With You on Your Health Journey
My personal and professional experiences have shaped my unique approach to care. I don’t just see symptoms; I see the whole person. I believe that true health comes from understanding the intricate relationship between the mind, body, and emotions. Prolonged physical and emotional stress can manifest in countless ways—digestive problems, sleep issues, fatigue, anxiety, headaches, and low immunity. My passion is to help you unravel these connections and find your way back to balance.
My professional philosophy centers on providing collaborative and personalised care for all ages. I believe in taking the time to truly listen to your unique story and working together to develop strategies that align with your specific needs. My care integrates a variety of gentle and effective techniques:
Specific Chiropractic Adjustments
Applied Kinesiology
Nutritional & Homeopathic Therapies
Acupressure & Mind-Body Strategies
A Glimpse into My Life
Beyond the clinic, my life is filled with passions that keep me grounded and energised. Like many others on the neurodiverse spectrum, I have a number of hobbies that I enjoy—often stopping and starting them as new interests emerge! You might find me snowboarding, sailing, horse riding, or at the gym. I am also incredibly grateful for the support of my partner, a fellow chiropractor who understands my work and helps me stay balanced. Above all, together we love spending time with our family, including my son, who is now 22, and his wonderful girlfriend.
I love working with young people, those on the spectrum, and anyone navigating hormonal and gut health challenges. My hope is that my journey can help make yours a little easier. I believe that proactive health check-ups are one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves, and that being proactive in life and health can reward us with many benefits in years to come.
Let's Begin Your Journey
If you’re looking for a health care practitioner who listens, understands, and has the expertise to guide you toward lasting wellness, I warmly invite you to book an appointment. Let’s explore how we can work together to help you thrive.
Dr. Angela Steventon
BSc (Psychology), BSc (Chiropractic), ICAK, ACNEM, MNZCA