-
What is Integrative and Functional Nutrition Therapy?
Integrative and Functional Nutrition Therapy is a relatively new advanced practice that centers on optimizing nutritional status and correcting underlying system imbalances by establishing nutritional therapies that enable the body to function optimally (source: Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy; Ed. Noland, Drisko, Wagner).
It focuses on a "food as medicine" approach while incorporating scientifically supported dietary supplement plans and lifestyle recommendations to promote healing and disease prevention. The patient and practitioner work as a team to develop a path towards better health.
-
How is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist different from a nutritionist?
Anyone can call themselves a "nutritionist" without having formal training in nutritional sciences or dietetics. A person may read a few books on nutrition and claim he or she has the knowledge to provide dietary prescriptions or supplement programs.
A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) is required to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics or Nutrition from an accredited 4-year university program; participate in a 1-year clinical internship (or equivalent); successfully pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Registration Exam; and complete 75 hours of continuing education every 5-year registration period to maintain credentials. RDNs and RDs are the most qualified health professionals to provide dietary and supplement prescriptions because they have a deep knowledge of how nutrients work at the cellular level and in the various systems of the body.
-
What is an Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner (IFNCP)?
The IFNCP certification is an advanced practice credential in Integrative and Functional Nutrition therapy provided by the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy (IFNA). It may be earned by healthcare practitioners who complete the IFNA comprehensive training program (approximately 220 hours of education) and successfully pass the IFNCP Credential Exam. Fifty hours of continuing education are required every 5-year period to maintain this credential. The IFNCP credential requires advanced training beyond that obtained from the education required to become an RDN or RD.
-
How do I know which package to purchase?
A brief description of each package is included on the Services page of this website. I recommend scheduling an Introductory Call to discuss your health goals and determine the most appropriate path to better health. You may book your Introductory Call on the Services page.
-
Why don't you offer a one-session option?
My goal is to help people be successful in achieving their health goals through nutrition and lifestyle modifications. Follow-up sessions are required for successful outcomes because...
-
nutrition heals the body gradually and results need to be assessed over time
-
changes may be introduced in steps, depending on treatment plan
-
time allows for modification of strategy to best meet your needs
-
this is teamwork...your feedback and ongoing results help determine our next step
-
Do you offer in-person sessions?
I am currently meeting with clients virtually via HIPPA compliant video sessions. I follow Covid-19 safety standards by providing my services in a socially distant manor. I am willing to collaborate with healthcare offices who follow strict Covid-19 safety protocols.
-
Do you accept health insurance?
I offer my services on a self-pay basis only. My mission is to help clients successfully achieve their personal health goals. Insurance limits who I can see and what I can help you accomplish. Investing in disease prevention, a slower rate of disease progression, or healing the body through nutrition therapy costs much less than paying medical costs for disease management. In addition to the dollars saved, one must also consider the savings in quality of life.
-
What is your cancellation policy?
You may reschedule a session up to 24 hours in advance of the appointment time. If you do not show up to our scheduled session, a "no show" fee will be charged. Arriving 15 minutes or later to a session will result in cancellation of the session and be treated as a "no show" with incurred fee. (Emergencies and bad weather may be exempt from "no show" fees and will be considered on a case-by-case basis). Client results are dependent on the effort we put forth together...this is teamwork! If half the team doesn't show up, then the team can't win. My goal is to win every time!
-
What if I want to continue once my package is complete?
We will discuss the best strategy for your success near the end of your package. If you will benefit from future sessions to help in your health improvement journey, a new package or maintenance plan may be purchased.