Prior to the initial assessment, a new client will be asked to fill out a brief questionnaire answering questions about their physical and mental health, food intake & behaviors, physical activity, and body image.
In the initial assessment, we will review & dig deeper into the responses so I have a firmer understanding of the client’s health history and their relationship with food, movement, and your body. Together, we set goals for and establish an initial plan for our work together, including my clinical recommendations and session frequency. Sometimes it takes more than one time meeting to complete the assessment, establish goals, and to really get the ball rolling. For adolescent clients, I recommend at least one parent or guardian be present for part of the initial assessment.
In follow-up sessions, we will let the goals we established guide us. My clients leave each session with a goal or set of goals that we follow-up on the next session. In exploring challenges and successes, what I often remind clients is that we are scientists, conducting little experiments which we cannot pass or fail; results are data and light the path forward and that path is not a straight line. I encourage my clients’ curiosity about the reasons underlying their thoughts & behaviors.
I consider the work I do to be “nutrition therapy” because what I’m most passionate about is guiding my clients in unpacking their often very complicated, layered relationships with food, movement, and their bodies.
My approach can vary from lighthearted with a touch of humor and playfulness to direct and firm based on what is needed and appropriate for each individual client during a session.
