Scope of Practice
Scope of Practice
Nutrition Therapy
As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I provide evidence-based Medical Nutrition Therapy, nutritional counseling, and nutrition education for a wide range of health concerns. My experience working with eating disorders, mental health, substance use disorders, and complex health conditions allows me to support clients whose challenges extend beyond basic nutrition recommendations. In addition to addressing the practical aspects of nourishment, I help clients explore the thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and life circumstances that can make eating difficult. To support this work, I have completed advanced training in Mindful Self-Compassion, mind-body therapeutics, and philosophical counseling. These disciplines inform my approach and allow me to work at the intersection of nutrition, behavior change, self-care, and the relationship people have with their bodies. While these additional trainings broaden the lens through which I practice, nutrition remains my primary scope of practice and area of expertise, subject to the limitations described below.
Professional Boundaries
As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I do not diagnose medical or mental health conditions. Such diagnoses must be made by an appropriately licensed healthcare provider. I am qualified to provide nutrition assessment, Medical Nutrition Therapy, nutrition counseling, and nutrition education for diagnosed medical and mental health conditions when nutrition is an appropriate part of treatment. While psychological factors often play an important role in eating behaviors, body image concerns, and self-care, I do not provide psychotherapy or treatment for mental health conditions independent of nutrition care. When concerns arise that fall outside my scope of practice, I will help connect you with appropriate resources. I maintain a robust referral network of physicians, psychotherapists, and treatment programs, and regularly collaborate with other professionals to ensure clients receive comprehensive care.
Approach
While my work often touches on emotions, behavior, self-care, and the relationship people have with food and their bodies, it is not psychotherapy. My role is to help clients better understand the factors influencing their eating, nourishment, and quality of life, while developing practical skills and sustainable strategies for change. Our work is grounded in present-day experience and focused on helping you move forward in a way that feels realistic, compassionate, and aligned with your values. Many of my clients work with both a psychotherapist and a dietitian. In these situations, our roles are complementary. Nutrition therapy supports psychotherapy, and psychotherapy supports nutrition therapy. Together, these approaches can provide a more complete picture of recovery and self-care. Not everyone requires psychotherapy, however. It is often appropriate for us to work together on concerns related to nutrition, eating behavior, body image, self-care, intuitive eating, or philosophical inquiry without additional mental health treatment. Should concerns arise that fall outside my scope of practice, I will discuss them with you and help connect you with appropriate resources and providers.
Educational Services
In addition to nutrition education, I provide educational guidance related to self-care, behavior change, stress management, and the relationship between food, body, and mind. Topics may include nutrition for health and disease management, Mindful Self-Compassion, mindfulness and mind-body practices like yoga, and a range of philosophical perspectives from both Western and Eastern traditions that support reflection, meaning-making, and intentional living. Educational counseling is intended to provide information, skills, and frameworks for understanding. It is not psychotherapy, medical treatment, or mental health counseling.
Food, Emotions, and Self-Care
While I do not provide psychotherapy or treatment for mental health conditions, emotions and the relationship people have with themselves are often closely connected to eating behaviors, self-care, and overall health. As part of nutrition counseling, we may explore how emotions, thoughts, beliefs, values, and life experiences influence your relationship with food, your body, and your ability to nourish yourself consistently.
Drawing from philosophical inquiry, Mindful Self-Compassion, and mind-body approaches, I may help you develop greater self-understanding and a different relationship to difficult thoughts, emotions, and body sensations. This work is intended to support nutrition and self-care, not replace psychotherapy or mental health treatment. My approach is compassion-centered and trauma-informed, emphasizing safety, collaboration, and moving at a pace that feels appropriate for each individual. Should concerns arise that fall outside my scope of practice, I will discuss them with you and help connect you with appropriate resources and providers.