Anne Bergman,
Functional Medicine Health Coach

About Me: A Journey of Healing and Brain Health
 

I have always been a healer at heart, but the road to becoming a functional medicine health coach has not been linear. Allow me to share some key moments that have shown me how the brain and the gut are deeply connected. Some experiences also taught me that emotional well-being and unresolved trauma influence health and how we choose to heal. 

A Global Perspective on Health

Born in Vancouver to French immigrant parents, I grew up in a bilingual and well-traveled family. By 18, I had lived in France, rural Indonesia, and Canada. I lived in Ottawa and Montreal and then my 20s took me to rural China, Tokyo, Boston and back home to Toronto. These experiences shaped my deep appreciation for cultural differences, especially in how we care for our health.

My first lessons in wellness came from my maternal grandmother in France. She taught me my first botanical remedies, the importance of rest, and how to make simple, nourishing meals. Later, in rural China, I expanded my understanding of natural remedies and witnessed a dramatic example of how what we eat can affect the brain when a traveller experimented with a hallucinogenic plant.

My Path to Functional Medicine

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Studies at McGill University and later a Master of Public Health at Boston University, specializing in international health. This education gave me a thorough understanding of the complexities of public health, and showed me I wanted to work more closely with individuals to help them take the lead on their personal health.

Raising my family in Canada provided the first opportunity to do so and food was my entry point into health. I soon realized how complex the challenges were in my own household, raising two very different kids. I constantly adapted to their changing needs as competitive athletes, growing teenagers, working through mental health struggles, concussions, autoimmune diseases, and food sensitivities. As the proud mother of a Trans young adult I have also learned how to discuss and validate profoundly different perspectives about health and healing.

My own ADHD and anxiety diagnoses in my late 40s further taught me how physical, emotional, and brain health are all connected. Although I did try pharmaceutical intervention with some benefit, the most sustainable supports were lifestyle and behaviour changes. Hunger increases my anxiety and my focus is lost with processed foods. It comes back when I sleep well and move my body. These, along with awareness, mindset, and stress management strategies, keep the struggles manageable and have supported me in my next chapter.

 

Finding My Path To Functional Medicine Health Coaching

In March of 2020, one week before the beginning of the pandemic, I began my studies with the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA). During this time, I apprenticed with a functional medicine doctor, gaining real-world experience working with diverse patients—some of whom became my clients. This hands-on work with a medical doctor was invaluable, allowing me to see how deeply individual stories and experiences shape health outcomes.

My training at FMCA, paired with this apprenticeship, helped me recognize the profound role of trauma in chronic illness. I learned how unresolved trauma can manifest as stress, physical symptoms, and mental health challenges, and deeply affects how people interpret their health and wellbeing. This understanding is a cornerstone of my coaching. I create a compassionate, safe space where clients can explore their current health without any shame or gaslighting; allowing them to move toward greater awareness, resilience, and healing on their terms.

My Coaching Philosophy

I offer deep listening, care, and safe exploration. Together we uncover strengths, clarify goals, and build sustainable strategies for healing. My clients decide on the focus, the definition of health that suits them, and are empowered.

Healing is never one-size-fits-all. My approach integrates science, intuition, and compassion; honouring each person’s unique journey. I help clients trust themselves, rather than relying solely on external sources. And through our relationship, they experience clarity, hope and the confidence to take their next steps.