What is virtual private practice?
Virtual private practice is a newer method of seeing clients, but is quickly gaining in popularity! We will 'meet' on the phone instead of face-to-face for our appointments.
This provides a number of benefits:
♥ No time is lost driving to your appointments.
♥ You can 'see' me from the comfort of your own home.
♥ We can work together, no matter where you live in the United States, even if you're traveling!
♥ All communication will be via electronic format, reducing environmental impact and lost papers.
♥ Appointment times can be more flexible.
♥ We can continue to work together even if you move!
I do not use Skype currently, as it is not considered a secure means to communicate; I take protection of your information very seriously. Although I'm not offering Skype as an option for our sessions, I do understand that being able to 'meet' (see) someone is important, especially as we are planning on embarking a journey together - so I do offer a 30 minute friendly session (totally FREE) for us to chat if we have already completed a 'Getting Acquainted' session.
What is the difference between a RDN and a nutritionist?
A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist or RDN is a nutritionist accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist has completed an undergraduate program in nutrition and also a one year clinical internship program. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists must pass a national exam administered by the American Dietetic Association. Registered Dietitians must also maintain their registered status through continuing education and advanced degrees/certifications for areas of specialization. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are experts in areas of food and nutrition. If you need nutrition advice, seek the advice of a registered dietitian nutritionist.
A nutritionist is typically someone who completes an undergraduate or graduate degree in nutrition. They may be working as a research scientist, health and wellness educator, professor at a university etc. Be aware that there are individuals who market themselves as “nutritionists” with very little or no training whatsoever in nutrition. They may be selling “nutrition products”at a health or fitness center . Before you take “nutrition advice,” be sure to check out the professional background and training of the individual giving it.
(source: http://www.clinicalnutritioncenter.com/meet-our-medical-weight-loss-professionals/registered-dietitians-nutritionists/registered-dietitian-vs-nutritionist)
What is Integrative and Functional Nutrition?
The DIFM (Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine) philosophy centers around a holistic, "Food as Medicine" approach to wellness, and is based firmly in the Integrative Medicine model. Whole-food therapies, targeted supplements, and mind-body modalities form the basis of "Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy" (IFMNT). Integrative Nutrition RDNs apply this model to the nutrition care process in clinical practice and are also instrumental in reshaping healthcare.
(source: http://www.eatrightpro.org/resource/membership/academy-groups/dietetic-practice-groups/dietitians-in-integrative-and-functional-medicine-difm-dpg)
Do you accept insurance?
I do not accept insurance at this time. My programs are a fee-for-service. Thank you for your understanding on this!
What clients/specialty areas do you work with?
I currently work with:
♥ Infertility (helping increase fertility in both women AND men)
♥ Preconception (getting healthy BEFORE getting pregnant, to start pregnancy off on the right foot)
♥ Prenatal (nutrition to deliver the right nutrients at the right time for Baby to develop properly)
♥ Gestational Diabetes (helping control blood sugar through proper nutrition and timing/delivery of nutrients)
♥ Post-pregnancy healing (helping you get back to baseline as quickly/safely as possible)
♥ Lactation/Nursing (proper nutrition coupled with strategies for establishing and maintaining a good milk supply)
♥ Infant (babies up to starting solid foods)
♥ Toddlers (from starting of solid foods to the start of school)
For more information please visit my "Specialties" page
Do you work with people outside of these areas?
For special cases - yes; but the majority of the time - no. Although dietitians are licensed to work with people of all age groups I choose to limit the lifecycle stages I work with for three reasons:
One: This is the area I'm passionate about. I constantly seek out information about getting pregnant, health during pregnancy, new ideas to combat picky eaters, etc. When I say I >>LOVE<< early family nutrition I mean it.
Two: Have you heard the saying "Jack of all trades, master of none"? Being focused on fewer areas helps me to better serve the clients I see. If you were having a triple bypass would you rather have a cardiac surgeon or an orthopedic surgeon? Both are doctors, right? Same idea here. We place greater trust in those who specialize in the area we need - why? - because it's all they do. (Don't get me wrong I really admire all doctors. I could've made the same analogy about lawyers or CPAs).
Three: I live this every day. Yep, I've been there and done that - in fact, I'm still doing it. With two toddlers at home, what I do is also who I am. The suggestions I give you aren't just ideals from a textbook - I'm doing the same things! My advice is realistic.
Why do you work in 'packages'?
Life transformations don't happen overnight (no matter what the latest fad diet book or supplement leads the public to believe). There is no magic bullet. I normally don't allow single sessions, as most of my clients need more than one session. However, I do tailor packages based on the help you're needing and where you're starting from. This will be discussed during the Getting Acquainted session.
What packages do you offer?
At this time I offer 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-month packages. In these packages we meet twice monthly for 60 minutes. There is some variability in these if needed; we can discuss this in your Get Acquainted session.
Why should I hire you when I can buy books or find free info on the internet?
Yep - there's a ton of good info on the internet these days! However, in regards to nutrition there are more conflicting points of view than ever before. So, you've found your way to my website for one of two reasons: you are unsure which advice out there is real, or is right for you; or, you have the knowledge, but need the coaching! I'm here to not only provide you with answers, clear up any misconceptions about diet/nutrition, but also to help you implement all of this! My goal is to not only help you be successful while we work together but also to empower you with the tools to continue long after our sessions.
Do you still have questions? Contact me HERE
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