Hilltops Holistic Osteopathy
Integrating Osteopathy and Psychotherapy to Heal Body, Mind, and Spirit
Hello, I am Dr. Patricia Ortiz
Integrating my dual credentials as an AHPRA-registered Osteopath and a PACFA-registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist.
My practice is built on a holistic model, enhanced by training in functional medicine, neuroscience-informed approaches and nutrition, dedicated to providing comprehensive and lasting healing
Why work with me
Holistic & Dual Qualified
As an AHPRA-registered Osteopath and PACFA-registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist, I bring together physical and mental health care in one safe, integrated approach. This unique combination allows me to support healing of the whole person — body, mind, and spirit.
Trauma-Informed & Personalised
I reject the “one-size-fits-all” approach. Every treatment plan is individually tailored to your story, your needs, and your nervous system. Grounded in an understanding of how early experiences and trauma shape long-term wellbeing, I offer compassionate, neuroscience-informed care that supports both healing and resilience."
Science-Backed
My work is rooted in leading-edge, evidence-based models that address both the brain and physiology, enhanced by training in functional medicine and the BioBalance protocol. In my osteopathic practice, I draw on gentle, evidence-based techniques such as myofascial release, joint mobilization, craniosacral, visceral manipulation and dry needling—always guided by collaboration, compassion, and care.
Osteopathy
Osteopaths treat many conditions, including but not limited to:
Neck and back pain
Sciatica
TMJ disorders
Shoulder, elbow and wrist/hands pain
Hip, knee, ankle and foot pain
Headaches and migraine
Whiplash
Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Strains and sprains
Postural issues
Muscle and joint pain
Tennis and golfer & elbow
Carpal tunnel
Plantar fasciitis
Pregnancy-related discomfort
Tendonitis
Sport injuries
Osteopathy may also, through the work on the musculoskeletal system, help with a wider range of disorders such as digestive issues, overactive bladder, digestive issues, endometriosis, respiratory conditions, anxiety and much more.
Psychotherapy
I offer both online and in-person trauma-focused psychotherapy, grounded in the understanding that trauma is a brain injury that creates cascading physiological effects throughout the body.
Processing and healing trauma
Anxiety and stress reduction
Depression and mood regulation
Sleep difficulties and nightmares
Rebuilding safety and trust in the body
Chronic pain linked to trauma
Relationship and attachment issues
Psychotherapy can support with many areas, including but not limited to:
Grief and loss
Emotional regulation
Dissociation and flashbacks
Self-esteem and identity
Working through triggers
Nervous system regulation
Building resilience and confidence
Finding meaning and purpose
Post-traumatic stress
Psychotherapy may also, through the integration of advanced trauma therapies and neuroscience, help with wider challenges such as improving overall wellbeing, enhancing daily functioning, and restoring a sense of hope and connection.
“Trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body”
— Bessel van der Kolk., The Body Keeps the Score
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My Education
Master of Osteopathic Medicine & Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies)
Southern Cross University
This dual pathway gave me a deep grounding in anatomy, physiology, neuroscience and hands-on osteopathic practice
Postgraduate Diploma of Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy
Metavision Institute
Here I trained in counselling and psychotherapy — developing skills to support emotional and psychological healing.
Foundations of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine & Fellowship Candidate (current)
Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (ACNEM)
This study expands my work into functional medicine, addressing the nutritional and environmental factors that influence health and trauma recovery.
"The BioBalance protocol deepens my work by addressing biochemical imbalances that affect mood, cognition, and stress regulation. By integrating this approach, I can support the brain and body at a cellular level, enhancing trauma recovery and overall wellbeing
Deep Brain Reorienting is a powerful and advanced approach for addressing trauma. It allows me to directly access and resolve the shock and survival patterns stored deep within the nervous system. By working at the brainstem level, where these primal responses originate, this method helps to resolve trauma at its source. This fosters profound and lasting improvements in emotional regulation, resilience, and overall well-being.
Ericksonian Hypnosis complements my work by utilising a permissive and tailored approach that respects your individual psyche. Through indirect suggestions and language patterns, it accesses the unconscious mind gently and effectively, helping to reframe limitations and mobilise your innate capacity for healing and growth. This allows us to create change that feels natural, respectful, and enduring.
I integrate EMDR into my practice because it provides a structured and effective method to heal from overwhelming life experiences. It helps the brain successfully process memories that are causing current distress, leading to a significant reduction in symptoms and a renewed sense of control.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) offers a practical and strategic framework for change. It provides a unique toolkit to identify and reshape the unconscious patterns of thought, communication, and behavior that limit potential. By reframing limiting beliefs and modeling effective strategies, NLP facilitates rapid and lasting change, allowing you to achieve your goals with greater clarity and efficiency.
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