Temple Vie Team

I have worked as a GP since 1997 and began specialising in aesthetics in 2004. My interest in weight management deepened in 2011 when I became increasingly dissatisfied with the way most programmes focused almost entirely on rapid weight loss rather than long-term health.

In clinical practice it became clear that many people could lose weight — but very few were given the knowledge, skills or support needed to maintain that loss. The result was an endless cycle of dieting, weight regain and frustration.

This insight led me to develop the Temple Vie programme, which I launched at Temple Clinic in 2019. My aim was to create a programme that helps people lose weight safely and effectively while equipping them with the tools, understanding and confidence to maintain those results for life.

For most people, the real challenge is not losing weight — it is learning how to manage day-to-day eating afterwards. Navigating temptation, social occasions and the constant stream of conflicting nutritional advice requires education as much as motivation.

At Temple Vie we believe weight management should not rely on willpower alone. With the right structure, support and understanding, people can regain control of their health and develop habits that last a lifetime.

That philosophy sits at the heart of everything we do.

I’m John, Non-Executive Director at Temple. I've worked as a psychiatrist in Aberdeen, being a consultant at Royal Cornhill Hospital and an Honorary Professor of Mental Health with Aberdeen University. I had both a clinical and a research interest in people with eating problems. I have since retired, and have helped Sam to develop and write the Temple Vie and Temple Vitality programmes. It has been a pleasure to be involved in a programmes that are multi-facetted, looking at all the elements involved in successful weight loss, keeping off that lost weight and focussing on important lifestyle factors.

In other weight loss programmes, psychological, educational and social factors are usually ignored. So I have been very happy, as a doctor, psychiatrist and educationalist, to help with these appropriately holistic approaches to weight loss, health and well-being.

Natasha is a dedicated therapist who has fully embraced the education provided to her during her Temple Vie training. She is passionate about integrating this knowledge into her own life, where she strives to provide a healthy lifestyle for her young family. In her role as a therapist, Natasha's skills are continually evolving, enabling her to offer a wide range of skin and body treatments. She is a highly valued member of the clinical team, known for her enthusiasm and commitment.

Beyond her work, Natasha's heart belongs to her young son, Koby, whom she lavishes with love and attention. In her precious moments of free time, she indulges her passion for organisation by undertaking various projects to enhance her home.

Natasha derives immense satisfaction from sharing the success stories of her patients on Temple Vie. She finds it truly rewarding to guide and support individuals in their journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Furthermore, Natasha enjoys imparting her knowledge of lifestyle and skincare to her family and friends, further contributing to the well-being of those around her.

Marina is a passionate and committed therapist who has wholeheartedly embraced the principles of the Temple Vie programme. Drawing on her in-depth training, she integrates this knowledge into her practice every day, finding real fulfilment in supporting patients on their journey to improved health and wellbeing. Outside the clinic, she shares her life with her partner Szymon and their two dogs, Juke and Da Vinci, often heading off on spontaneous outdoor adventures and discovering hidden gems together. Her warmth, energy and dedication make her an inspiring and trusted member of the Temple Vie team.

Kirsten joined the Temple team this year with 10 years experience as a complementary therapist. Kirsten has had a long standing interest in the application of therapeutic massage as a way to support weight loss and so leapt at the chance to join the Temple Team.

Having tried various weight loss strategies herself, Kirsten is well aware of the challenges Temple Vie patients can face and is particularly interested in how stress and low emotional wellbeing impacts food choices and habits. She has always been passionate about a holistic approach to health and wellbeing and so she is excited to continue her education in all the elements of the programme and loves that it proports a holistic, nutrient rich, gut friendly, muscle building approach to weight loss under safe medical supervision. She has already had the pleasure of witnessing how new Temple Vie patients are experiencing an improvement in energy levels and general vitality as well as losing weight and cant wait to meet more Temple Vie clients and support them on their journey.

Kirsten has a background in dance & movement instruction and is finding lots of joy in getting plugged into the Aberdeen dance scene. Outside of work you might find her looking sweaty and happy in the dance studio or taking in nature with walking, cycling or a dip in the sea.