Frequently Asked Questions
What is nutritional therapy?
A registered nutritional therapist (RNT) uses nutrition science to recommend diet, supplementation, and functional testing to support a client’s health goals. We are trained to look beyond single symptoms and identify patterns to get to root causes: the drivers of an imbalance or blocker to you feeling your best.
Who can benefit from nutritional therapy?
Anyone who wants to feel better in their body and is curious to use diet (and sometimes supplementation or testing) as a tool for change. Common reasons for seeking the support of an RNT include: hormonal transitions or imbalances (perimenopause, andropause, PCOS); low energy; digestive discomfort; healthy aging (cholesterol and blood sugar regulation); weight management; feelings of low mood and nervous system support. See here for more detail (link to ‘how I can help’ page)
What can I expect on a discovery call?
In your free 20-minute discovery call, we'll talk through your current symptoms and health goals. I'll share an honest sense of how nutritional therapy could help and what it might involve. There is no pressure or commitment. The call is a space for you to talk, for me to listen, and for you to get a feel for my approach. If you want to take it further, we’ll work out together which package and level of support is right for you.
What happens in a first consultation?
Our first session is normally 90 minutes but before we meet you will be asked to complete a detailed questionnaire. Please fill this in as honestly as you can. This enables me to understand your health history, current diet/lifestyle and what you are hoping to change. In this way I can see any patterns emerging and we can get off to a flying start.
Will I have to follow a strict or restrictive diet?
Most people are missing vital nutrients, so often my priority is to add these into a diet rather than taking things out. I’ve also seen that too much restriction is neither sustainable nor good for our long-term health. But to be real, because of the food environment we live in, most of us are eating too much sugar and ultra-processed foods. And these do not promote health. Also, some people may have sensitivities to certain foods which means that excluding them, even for a short time, gives their body a chance to recover and support symptoms.
But if this is the case for you, we will take time to discuss why I’m recommending cutting back, what the potential benefits are, and what feels like a realistic way for you to manage this. The ultimate goal is always to bring both nourishment and joy to your food again.
How will I action any changes?
It is important to me that whatever we agree feels practical and actionable for you and your lifestyle. During a session we will develop an action plan together. After the consultation, you will receive summary notes, key recommendations and sometimes links to recipes, guides, etc. You can also check in via messages with questions between sessions.
Will I need to buy supplements or special foods?
Supplements can be helpful, but they are not always necessary. Recommendations are tailored to you and your health issues. We will always discuss any recommendations and if they don’t fit with your values or circumstances then we can look at alternatives.
Will I need any testing?
In some cases, testing provides useful evidence to act upon. I may ask you to contact your GP to discuss testing if your symptoms point to, for example, a nutrient deficiency or dysfunction. Some functional tests are not available on the NHS so these can be commissioned privately. I will always explain the reason for a test recommendation, the potential benefits, what is involved (blood draw, pin prick, urine or stool test, etc.) and how it might inform our approach. The final choice is always yours.
Do you see people in person, online, or both?
I see people nationally and internationally online (via Zoom) or in a lovely private practice room in rural Herefordshire.
Which package is right for me?
Please book in for a discovery call or see XX page for more detail, prices, etc.
How long before I start to see changes?
Depending on your starting point, you can feel changes remarkably quickly – for example no more afternoon energy slumps, improved sleep or less bloating. Sometimes we have to work to support several areas (for example, thyroid, stress response, detoxification pathways) to leverage lasting change.
This comes down to the issue/s that we are supporting, how long they have been in place and your capacity for change. I’m only interested in sustainable change for my clients which is why my packages start with a minimum of three consultations (with the exception of the X package and X).
Book the free discovery call where we can look at what is going on for you and get a better sense of what kind of support you may need.
Are you qualified and regulated?
Yes. I have a level 6 (under graduate degree) diploma from the Institute of Optimum Nutrition. I'm registered with both the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and the CNHC. This means I am regulated and obliged to follow professional standards of practice and undertake annual continual professional development (CPD).
Can you diagnose or treat medical conditions?
No. RNT is a regulated profession, and I am not permitted to diagnose or treat disease – that is for your medical professionals. I help you understand how nutrition and lifestyle can support your body alongside any medical care you are receiving. Where relevant and with your permission, I may contact your GP or consultant to align our approaches.
Is what I share confidential?
Yes, completely. Anything you tell me stays between us. See privacy policy here.
What's your cancellation policy?
All sessions are paid for in advance. Please allow a minimum of 48 hours’ notice to cancel a session or they will be charged for. Otherwise, I’m happy to move sessions to fit in with your schedule.