My friend saw a dietician recently; do you do the same thing?

Nutritional Therapists, dieticians and nutritionists share a number of commonalities, but each has their own methods of practise and governing bodies. BANT, the professional body for nutritional therapy practitioners, has outlined these similarities and differences and you can read these descriptions here: http://www.bant.org.uk/bant/jsp/nutritionTitles.faces

How do I know if I can benefit from nutritional therapy?

I am happy to discuss what nutritional therapy can offer you before booking an appointment. If I do not think it has the potential to help I will tell you, I will let you know and may instead recommend an alternative approach.

Is the Exeter Natural Health Centre wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately the ENHC is not accessible by wheelchair, but I am happy to discuss the possibility of home visits or alternative venues within Exeter and the surrounding area. Please contact me on 07968 752032 if you would like to explore this option.

I am on lots of medication from my GP, will you be advising me about changes I need to make? Do you speak to my GP?

Any changes to your medication can only be carried out by your GP. I will, however, examine potential contraindications with your medication and any food or supplements that I may recommend. I will always encourage you to keep your GP informed about any changes you make following my assessment.

In some circumstances, with your permission, I will make contact with your GP. This is particularly relevant if you are being treated by them for an existing condition. I will always recommend that you see your GP if you report any ‘red flag’ symptoms either on your case history form or during your consultation.

Will I be expected to pay additional costs for things like allergy testing?

I sometimes recommend functional testing to help build a clearer picture of your current health status. Any testing is voluntary on your part and will be charged separately with payment being made to an independent laboratory. Where testing has taken place, I will support you with the interpretation of results and any follow-on recommendations.

Do you recommend ‘exclusion diets’, such as non-lactose?

In most cases exclusion or ‘challenge’ diets should not be necessary. Removing or reducing ‘trigger’ foods temporarily can, however, often give the body time to heal. This would be explored on a case by case basis, but is not something that would be necessary for everyone.

Can you advise my children?

Nutritional therapy can be a positive intervention for people of any age, including children. I see children with their parents on a regular basis.

I am quite a fussy eater, will I be expected to eat things I don’t like?

Your individual tastes will always be taken into account and I will always try to identify foods that you should be able to introduce easily. Sometimes I will suggest foods you might not have tried so you should give these a go too.

What information do you provide at the consultation?

You will receive written recommendations at the end of your consultation. I may provide additional written material in more complicated situations, in order to help you fully understand the rationale for the advice given.

How often can I contact you without incurring a cost after the initial consultation?

Email communication can be helpful in the initial stages while you still have questions and are getting used to new habits and I am happy for you to contact me in this way within reason. If I feel you require additional support or your health picture changes then I will recommend that you make a follow-up appointment.

How many consultations will I need?

This can vary. For straightforward dietary advice only one session may be required.

For more complex health problems I usually recommend at least one follow-up session; the first taking place 4-6 weeks after the initial consultation to check on progress and make any further adjustments. Sometimes clients find benefit from ongoing support as they seek to address longer standing issues.

Remember I am happy to have phone or email contact after a consultation if you need advice clarifying my recommendations or want to check something out. I do not make an additional charge for this.

Do you belong to a professional body?

I am registered as a Nutritional Therapist with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). I am a member of the British Association of Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT); the professional body for nutritional therapists. I am also a Member of the Naturopathic Nutrition Association (NNA); the professional association for nutritional therapists who practise in accordance with naturopathic principles.

I am committed to promoting and maintaining the highest professional standards in nutritional therapy practice, that is both accountable and evidence-based. This includes adherence to my associations codes of practice and ethics.

Are you independent?

I am an independent practitioner and abide by the BANT Professional Practice Handbook. I am also committed to continuing professional development (CPD) and regularly review up to date research and journals, and attend accredited seminars and national conferences; while maintaining links with my peers to reflect on practise issues.