Dr. Cathy Picard is a licensed Naturopathic Physician, founder, and owner of Nature Cures Clinic which has been providing gentle, effective natural health care to Rhode Island and surrounding areas since 2005.  Cathy was born and raised in Northern Rhode Island and graduated from Mount St. Charles Academy with high honors.  Her undergraduate studies were initially focused on the arts, including writing, theater and film production.  After receiving her Bachelor's degree from Emerson College, she set out to experience the world, tavelling throughout Europe and the US, living and working in Boston, Seattle and San Francisco while developing and maintaining interests in the arts as well as herbal medicine and natural foods preparation.  

Dr. Cathy has always had a special place in her heart for children.  Working with preschoolers at the Cambridge Montessori School in the mid 1990's while doing prerequisites at Harvard in preparation to enter medical school filled her days with joy while laying a foundation for the work she now does with children. She loves how children remind us to maintain our sense of wonder and inspire us to keep on learning.

While attending Naturopathic Medical school in Oregon at the National College of Natural Medicine, Cathy had the opportunity to work with many inspiring physicians and was blessed to engage in close study and  clinical rotations with Dr Kim Windstar, loved and renowned for her work in women's health and Dr. Dickson Thom, a true pioneer who brought the art and science of Biotherapeutic Drainage to North America.  Biotherapeutic Drainage encompasses the heart of Naturopathic Medicine by addressing physical imbalance as well as emotional, spiritual and  energetic elements that are involved in many people's health concerns.  Her work with Dr Thom led Cathy to pursue post-graduate study with Dr. Gerard Gueniot; a Medical doctor from France who embraced natural medicine.  Dr. Gueniot was a gifted healer who synthesized the elements of anthroposophic medicine, chinese medicine and homeopathic medicine into a system that respects and treats the individual.  Since taking his post graduate course "Homeopathy for the Individual Terrain" in 2005, Cathy has dedicated herself to integrating this powerful system of treating people into her practice, with the goal of bringing them back to true balance and health.

Dr. Cathy's doctoral thesis was written on the treatment of children with autism and how they may be helped by naturopathic medicine, and a ground-breaking treatment that reharmonizes the glandular, immune and nervous systems, developed by Dr. Gueniot.  Her thesis work led her to study with the Autism research institute and learn about Biomedical treatments useful in treating children diagnosed with autism and other developmental disorders.  Dr. Cathy has completed Levels One and Two of the clinician trainings presented by the Autism Research Institute at "Defeat Autism Now!" conferences and is a member of the Pediatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

 The focus of Dr. Cathy's practice is on chronic conditions and wellness in all populations as well as care and support for pediatric patients, including those with behavioral and developmental concerns.

   Naturopathic care as provided by Dr. Cathy is very different than what you may be accustomed to when visiting a doctor.  Ill health, or "dis-ease" is a manifestation of imbalance, often years in the making, in the realms of the physical, emotional, and energetic elements of existence. Your visit will involve an in-depth discussion of all elements of your life so we may begin to discover where we may intervene to change things for the better.  It is important to understand that the restoration of health is a journey of discovery.  Your care will involve education and empowerment so that you will be able to eventually maintain radiant health with little intervention.  

     At the heart of her practice is the belief that the human body can heal when obstacles are identified and removed and the proper care and support are provided.  It is Dr. Cathy's hope that supporting her patients on their healing journeys will translate into a healthier community, and increased well being for all.