FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
+ WHY SHOULD I SEE A DIETITIAN?
If you are on this website, you likely invest a lot of time and money on your health, whether it’s a gym membership, health care provider, supplements, or skin care. Just as you seek a personal trainer for fitness or a doctor for medical issues, you should invest in a qualified nutrition practitioner who is capable of understanding the complex relationship between your nutrition and overall health. Dietitians have completed bachelor- and master-level training, in addition to a one-year internship, all of which includes nutritional biochemistry, nutritional pharmacology, chronic disease management, clinical nutrition, malnutrition assessment, and assessment for vitamin and mineral imbalances, among many other nutrition-related concerns. We are the only health practitioner with this training and most states require licenses to deliver dietetic and nutrition services. If you are looking for nutrition expertise, be sure to confirm the provider has an RD or RDN, and in states requiring a license, LD or LDN in their list of credentials.
+ WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY FIRST SESSION?
The first session is designed to accurately identify your short-term and long-term goals, needs, and factors that will support your success. I refer to this as a “deep dive” where you have the freedom and space to discover what optimal health and functioning looks like for you. In an ideal world, what would your daily routine be? How can you get there? What’s in your way now and what’s supporting you? What is your greatest fear related to your success? We also review in-depth any lab (blood) work and other testing from the last year. At least 90 minutes is needed for this appointment and some clients end up needing a full two hours. At the end of the session, we determine your needs for ongoing sessions and we assign “homework” for you to complete between sessions.
+ HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED TO SEE RESULTS?
The number of sessions varies substantially by client and is based on the extent of any underlying biochemical, behavioral, or other health issues/dysfunction. It may be that in the initial session we identify a more immediate need to see a doctor or behavioral health specialist, and in that instance, additional sessions would be postponed until the medical or behavioral issues are addressed. For many clients, we realize that ongoing sessions are needed to fully support healing.
In general, I recommend a minimum of six sessions over a six-month period to see the best results. The ultimate goal of our work is that you flow: your nutrition and physical activity supports the life that you want to live and decreases your stress, and that you are able to put your health and wellness first no matter what challenges life throws at you.
+ I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT, CAN YOU HELP ME?
Weight is a complicated measure, and it is not always directly related to your health. Someone could have an ideal weight/BMI yet be burdened with hormonal and skin issues, lack of energy, deficiencies, and have a very unhealthy relationship with food and exercise. Someone could be overweight yet living a balanced, active lifestyle that allows for flexibility, resilience when faced with major life changes, and healing. Additionally, weight loss typically involves restriction of some kind, which can lead to a multitude of issues including eating disorders and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Thus, with the majority of my clients, I do not use weight as a primary indicator of health or success. However, I understand the desire to achieve a healthy weight, and for those seeking to lose weight, I will support that with the understanding that it will be achieved through healthy, sustainable means and not interfere with your social, mental, professional, or long-term physical health.
+ DO YOU ACCEPT OR BILL INSURANCE?
At this time I do not accept insurance. However, for clients in Alaska, I will provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company.
+ DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?
Payment is required at the time of scheduling your appointment. I offer packages that significantly reduce the cost per visit.
+ WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
You may cancel for a refund up to 48 hours in advance of your appointment. If you cancel after that, you must reschedule your appointment and will not receive a refund.