FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Registered Dietitian and a Nutritionist?

A Registered Dietitian (RD), also known as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), is a healthcare professional who has met academic and professional requirements. This includes completing a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or a related field from an accredited institution, followed by an accredited dietetic internship, which involves at least 1,200 hours of supervised practice. After completing this training, RDs must pass a national exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and maintain their credentials through continuing education. Registered Dietitians are uniquely qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and are trained to work with individuals managing chronic health conditions, such as eating disorders, diabetes, and heart disease.

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The term nutritionist is not regulated, meaning that anyone may use that title, regardless of their formal education, or certifications.

What is your approach as a Registered Dietitian?

My approach to nutrition counseling is grounded in compassion, inclusivity, and evidence-based practices. I incorporate the principles of Health at Every Size® (HAES) and Intuitive Eating into my work, focusing on whole-person health rather than weight or size. HAES promotes respect for all bodies, advocating for health-enhancing behaviors without centering on weight loss, and Intuitive Eating encourages a positive relationship with food, free from dieting rules and restrictions. I am committed to offering a supportive, non-judgmental space for clients of all races, genders, ethnicities, body sizes, and abilities. My goal is to help you reconnect with your body’s natural cues and develop a sustainable, healthy relationship with food, while honoring your unique experiences and needs.

Will you help me lose weight?

I do not focus on weight loss as a goal in my practice. Instead, I emphasize health-promoting behaviors like improving your relationship with food, learning to trust your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues, and supporting your overall well-being. By adopting these habits, your body’s weight will naturally settle where it is meant to be, without the need to center weight loss as the main objective. My approach encourages sustainable, long-term health that goes beyond numbers on a scale.

However, if you still have a desire to lose weight and understand that I don’t prescribe weight loss diets, I am happy to work with you. I’ll meet you where you are at and support you in exploring your focus on weight. It’s important to note that if weight loss remains at the forefront of your mind, it can be more challenging to fully learn to trust your hunger and fullness cues and to interrupt patterns of disordered eating.

What is Intuitive Eating?

Intuitive Eating is a non-diet approach that focuses on tuning into your body’s natural hunger, fullness cues, and movement needs. It is based on ten guiding principles that encourage you to reject diet mentality, make peace with food, and trust your body’s signals. These principles help you break free from restrictive diets and external food rules, promoting a healthier relationship with food and your body. By embracing Intuitive Eating, you learn to honor both your physical and emotional needs, leading to more balanced, sustainable health behaviors that prioritize overall well-being.

What is Health at Every Size® (HAES)?

Health at Every Size® (HAES) is an inclusive, weight-neutral approach to health that emphasizes well-being over weight. Rather than focusing on weight loss as a measure of health, HAES encourages individuals to adopt health-promoting behaviors—like balanced eating, joyful movement, and self-care—regardless of their body size. The HAES framework is rooted in the belief that bodies naturally come in diverse shapes and sizes and that people of all sizes deserve respectful, compassionate care without stigma or judgment.

HAES also promotes the idea that weight is not a reliable or sole indicator of health. Instead, it encourages improving health outcomes through sustainable behaviors, such as listening to your body’s needs, nourishing it, and finding movement that feels good. This approach seeks to dismantle weight discrimination and promote body diversity, making health care more accessible and equitable for everyone.

Do you also work with people who are not recovering from an Eating Disorder, or disordered eating?

Yes! I also work with clients who are managing a variety of health conditions, or are focused on preventative health. My approach remains consistent across all areas, emphasizing health-promoting behaviors such as balanced nutrition, mindful eating, and joyful movement. Whether you’re addressing specific health concerns or looking to prevent future issues, I support you in developing sustainable habits that nurture your health without centering weight as the primary goal.

Will you be in contact with the rest of my team?

Yes! I believe in a collaborative approach to care, especially when it comes to eating disorder recovery or managing complex health conditions. If you're working with other healthcare providers, such as therapists, doctors, or specialists, I’m happy to coordinate with them to ensure that we’re all working together to support your overall well-being. Before any communication with your treatment team, I will have you (or your parent/guardian if under 18) sign a Release of Information (ROI) form to ensure your privacy and confidentiality are protected. This allows us to work together to provide the best integrated care for you.

Do you provide meal plans?

This is a question that comes up often in my first sessions! I typically don’t provide rigid meal plans, as they can sometimes interfere with your ability to reconnect with your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues. Instead, I work with you during our sessions to help you build the skills needed to make food choices that feel nourishing and satisfying, while fitting seamlessly into your everyday life. If I find that you would benefit from a bit more structure—or even a lot more structure—I can absolutely provide that! Like I mentioned, my practice is definitely not one-size-fits-all. For those transitioning from a treatment center and currently following a meal plan, we can continue using that plan to ensure consistency and structure as you move into an outpatient setting.

What can I expect in sessions?

In our first session, I’ll conduct a comprehensive assessment, which includes exploring your medical and nutrition history, any available lab work, lifestyle, and overall relationship with food. This is my chance to get to know you holistically—your health concerns, goals, motivations, and any barriers that may stand in your way. Based on what we discuss, I’ll begin developing a personalized plan that addresses your unique needs. This may include recommendations for nutrition, movement, or lifestyle changes, all designed to support your well-being.

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In follow-up sessions, we’ll revisit your plan and reflect on your progress. I’ll provide any additional tools or resources you might need to stay on course. Together, we’ll adjust your goals as needed, explore any new challenges that arise, and continue to ensure that our approach is tailored to your evolving needs. These ongoing sessions are designed to support your growth, offering you the encouragement and guidance you need to move forward with confidence. Regular check-ins will help us maintain momentum and keep you on track toward lasting change.

Do you meet with people virtually or in person?

I am currently only offering virtual sessions at this time.

Do you accept insurance?

I do not accept insurance, but I will gladly provide a superbill after each session that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.

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