Frequently asked questions

Because I believe in client autonomy, yes I do, although I don't promote intentional weight loss.  It's impossible for me to know exactly how another person feels in their own skin. Therefore, it's not for me to decide whether or not these drugs are right for someone. And, since many people using these medications are not getting adequate nutrition, I feel compelled to help reduce, and potentially avoid some of the unintended consequences, such as loss of muscle mass and decreased bone density. (Note: I use a validated nutrient intake analysis tool to do this, called VioScreen™.) It's also important to me that those who have endured the pain of weight stigma have a safe, non judgmental space to explore how they can improve their relationship with food and body, and develop values-driven health habits - whatever that looks likes for them.  My pledge, is that there's no shaming here, ever - just compassion, honest, accurate, and complete information, plus a generous helping of encouragement.

A Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor is a professional who has undergone specific training and certification in the principles and practices of intuitive eating. We have to practice Intuitive Eating ourselves, and must agree to refrain from representing Intuitive Eating as a weight loss tool or method. 

Intuitive Eating is NOT a weight loss program. It is an approach to health and nutrition that emphasizes tuning into one's body cues, emotions, and hunger signals to guide eating habits rather than following externally dictated rules, diets, or "lifestyle" plans.

Certified Intuitive Eating Counselors are typically trained to help individuals develop a healthier relationship with food, eating, and their bodies. We work with clients to:

1. Understand, recognize, and trust internal hunger and fullness cues.
2. Reject, challenge and reframe dieting mentality and beliefs.
3. Cultivate body acceptance and respect.
4. Address and overcome emotional eating patterns.
5. Encourage food enjoyment and mindful eating practices.
6. Learn to make peace with food and approach nutrition from a place of self-care instead of self-control. 

Like me, many Certified Intuitive Eating Counselors have backgrounds in nutrition. In addition, many have training as psychotherapists, psychologists, or other related healthcare fields. Regardless of background, we have all completed specific training programs and certification exams from the original founders of Intuitive Eating. We can be found in private practice setting, as well as clinics, wellness centers, or as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a professional who has met specific academic and professional requirements to provide nutrition counseling and expertise. The term "dietitian" is often used interchangeably with "nutritionist" in many countries, including the United States. Here's what distinguishes an RDN:

1. Education: RDNs typically hold at least a bachelor's degree in nutrition, dietetics, food science, or a related field. Many also pursue advanced degrees or certifications in specialized areas of nutrition.
2. Internship or Supervised Practice: Following completion of their academic coursework, aspiring RDNs must complete an accredited supervised practice program, often called a dietetic internship. This typically involves over nine hundred hours of supervised clinical, community, and foodservice experience.
3. Passing a National Examination: After completing their internship, individuals must pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.
4. Licensure or Certification: In addition to national registration, some states require dietitians to obtain a state-specific license to practice. This ensures that practitioners meet certain standards of competence and professionalism.
5. Continuing Education: To maintain our registration and stay current with the latest developments in the field, RDNs must complete continuing education requirements on an ongoing basis.

RDNs are trained to provide evidence-based nutrition counseling and education to individuals and groups across various settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, community health centers, sports nutrition programs, and private practice. We assess individual nutritional needs, develop personalized meal plans, provide guidance on healthy eating habits, and address specific dietary concerns or conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, food allergies, and weight management.

Overall, RDNs play a crucial role in promoting health and wellness through nutrition education, counseling, and advocacy, and are recognized as the trusted experts in the field of nutrition and dietetics.

Yes! I am currently accpting AEtna and United Healthcare (commercial plans). If you are covered by another carrier, you may be able to use HSA funds for my services, if allowed by your plan. 

For those with no insurance or HSA benefits, I do keep my fees reasonable, in comparison with many others in the industry. I also offer group programs which require a lower financial investment while still providing many valuable benefits. 

Yes, for cash-pay clients. My hourly rate is less when you purchase a package that includes several sessions. I also find that my clients are most successful in making sustained lifestyle changes when they commit to several sessions, whether those are individual one-on-one or group coaching. 

You still have to eat, right? I will always meet you where you are. If you don't like to cook, we'll leverage convenience items, show you lots of time saving tips, and hold your hand so that it's fun. Unless you can hire a personal chef, the reality is that if you want to improve your health through nutrition, some basic cooking skills will make the difference between achieving and sustaining your goals, or not. 

I don't focus on weight and i don't put people on diets, because for ninety five percent of people diets don't work long term. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, I use a non-diet, weight-neutral, Health At Every Size approach to nutrition - it's about self-care, not self-control. I help people cultivate a healthy relationship to food and their bodies, and teach them to use nutrition in a gentle, balanced, enjoyable, and sustainable way. And, being a card-carrying foodie who's been cooking most of my life, I can teach you to reclaim your right to enjoy delicious food, and how to get meals to the table with minimal stress, and maximal satisfaction!

I'm also a practicing Physician Associate. To be clear, when you work with me as a Nutritionist and/or Course Facilitator, I won't be functioning as your medical care provider. However, having this experience and knowledge base means I have a deeper understanding of the health conditions you may be dealing with, compared to someone without this training.