FAQ: Frequently asked questions

What does integrative nutrition mean?

You'll get a different answer depending on who you ask, but to me, integrative nutrition involves consideration of the whole person using a combination of dietary & lifestyle counseling, behavior change coaching, nutrition education, coordination of care with other healthcare providers, and customized recommendations made in partnership with you to suit your life - all with an understanding that food is only part of your nourishment story.

What should I know about working with you?

A lot of things! But first and foremost, I offer a respite from what most people probably think of when they hear the word nutritionist. I'm not here to judge you for what's on your plate or to tell you to take up less space - guilt & shame are not on the menu. I aim to provide a safe environment so that I can learn more about you to best guide you towards your health & wellness goals.

Hear me when I say that I believe in biochemical individuality, respect bodily autonomy, and celebrate body diversity: health is not a clothing size, a simple mathematical calculation, or a look. With all of the diet culture messaging & misinformation in the media, I get why people may want to shrink themselves: it's unfortunately easier to exist in a thinner body. Know that I'm here as your healthcare advocate to empower the fullest expression of you! I provide whole-person, gender, and life-affirming nutrition care; therefore, weight management & body modification through nutrition care are not on my menu of services or list of specialties.

An exclusive focus on intentional weight loss without consideration of one's relationship with food, eating patterns, sleep hygiene, joyful movement, resilience, trauma history, spiritual practices, and support network is not holistic care. Existing to manipulate a number on the scale is exhausting, unsustainable, and only makes you beholden to it while perpetuating our society's unrealistic body standards. Ditch the scale! Perhaps we can't hate and shame ourselves into bodies we love? There are gentle, compassionate, and sustainable ways to nourish the body you're in right now if you're interested in walking that path with me.

Do you take insurance?

Yes! I am in network with CareFirst/Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna. Check your carrier's provider directory for me! I am currently scheduling discovery video calls for new clients with nutrition counseling benefits. If your insurance isn't listed above, fear not; I also accept self-pay clients. If you are interested in working with me, please send me a message or schedule a discovery video call so we can get started!

How long does the nutrition care process take?

The duration of our time together depends upon your goals & health concerns, your schedule, and your capacity. Have you been struggling with a health issue for several years? Is your calendar always full? How many spoons do you have on any given day? It's not a race; making realistic, sustainable, long-term changes to your life takes time. If you're looking for the nutrition "secrets", that one thing that will "fix" you quickly, or just a meal plan, we may not be a good fit for each other. Remember: you're not an appliance, you're a human.

What does the nutrition care process look like?

• Let's chat! Schedule a free, no-obligation, HIPAA-compliant discovery video call via Zoom by clicking the big blue button below. You'll need to create an account with my electronic health records platform Practice Better for this, which ensures our discussion stays secure. I schedule discovery video calls with all potential clients to confirm a good client-clinician match.

• Insurance check (if applicable): If you plan to use nutrition-related insurance benefits, you will verify them before scheduling your first appointment. This minimizes any unforeseen out-of-pocket expenses and familiarizes you with your insurance policy benefits. I will provide you with an insurance verification guide that outlines the questions to ask. If you are a self-pay client, I can schedule you at your convenience.

• Book your first session: Once you're ready, we'll schedule your initial consultation. All sessions are conducted virtually for your convenience & comfort.

• Tell me more: You'll complete some intake forms beforehand. Look out for my reminder emails to let you know they're ready.

• See you soon! Just show up as you are for your initial consultation. Sessions are held virtually by appointment only.

• Following up: Your insurance benefits (if applicable) and schedule will determine nutrition session pacing & duration. New clients have more frequent sessions, while established clients may have shorter sessions less often.