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Integrative Nutrition Specialty

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine thy your food." -Hippocrates

Integrative Medicine (IM) is an approach to care that puts the us at the center of healing and addresses the full range of physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and environmental influences that affect a person's physical and mental health. It takes a whole-body approach to decrease and potentially eliminate undesired physical and mental health concerns. As physical and mental health conditions/symptoms are directly connected, when one is addressed, the other is addressed; thus, improving our overall wellbeing. IM providers have a unique way of viewing physical and mental health related complaints: IM does not treat symptoms, it supports the whole self; it doesn’t treat disease, it supports health and healing by addressing "dis-ease" (Leslie Korn, PhD, MPH, LMHC, ACS, RPP, NTP, NCBTMB; 2019). IM can be used complementary (in addition to conventional medicine) or alternatively (in place of conventional medicine). In order to determine what is best for you, all of your providers (conventional and non), should collaborate to focus on the body system rather than individual pieces.

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The beauty of IM is that anyone can use it and feel benefits from it! Regardless if you’re experiencing mental health concerns (such as anxiety, depression, and stress) or a physical health concern (headache, bloating, body aches/pains, trouble sleeping, etc.), IM provides opportunities for other options for treatments.

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What is Integrative Medicine and Is It Right for Me?

*You should follow all medical advice and recommendations provided by your primary care physician; they can help you to determine if IM in conjunction with or in place of conventional medical care is appropriate for you. This service intended for informational and educational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a licensed medical professional or qualified healthcare professional prior to taking any supplements, herbs, or medications.

My focus on nutrition

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I have a special interest in the connection between our nutritional and dietary habits and the impacts on mental health and overall wellbeing. IM nutritional and dietary providers refer to the gut as our body’s “second brain” because of the huge role it plays in connections between physical and mental health. As a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP) as an Advanced Applications of Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Practitioner, I provide my clients psychoeducation in the many connections between nutritional/dietary habits and their mental health/overall wellbeing while supporting them in any adjustments my clients want to explore. I focus on helping clients gain insight to their mind-body experiences so they can make informed decisions about their food patterns and choices to improve mental health; my clients decide all adjustments while I offer education and support during the process. I'm also able to provide clients with a access to quality supplements at a discount.. I also discuss the importance of quality sleep, exercise/movement, spirituality, culture/community, relationships, and nature as directed by my clients. I also provide referral options for other IM providers in the area such as naturopaths, chiropractors, acupuncturists, functional medicine doctors, yoga instructors, reiki providers, massage therapists, and somatic energy practitioners. ​

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*Please note that I do not specialize in eating disorders. Eating Disorders requires a specific therapeutic approach with a provider who specializes in this treatment. Integrative nutrition is not a substitute for or treatment of an eating disorder. I focus my work with clients on the incorporation of nutrition as an approach to improving mental health, not as sole a form a treatment.  

*IM is not a treatment for weight loss, weight gain, or serious health related conditions as identified by your doctor. 

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Examples of how nutrition improves mental health 

  1. Stabilize blood sugar to decrease mood shifts

  2. Support quality sleep to decrease risk of depression, mood shifts, anxiety, and unhealthy eating patterns

  3. Decrease symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress by balancing healthy gut bacteria

  4. Develop healthy eating patterns to promote overall mental well-being

  5. Reducing stress can calm digestion resulting in a decrease in depression, anxiety, and stress

  6. Increase mind-body connection

  7. Balancing protein, fats, carbohydrates, sugar, glucose, and amino acids can positively impact mood and cognitive functioning

  8. Decrease symptoms of trauma by addressing digestive problems and physical discomfort of trauma stored in the body

  9. Gain a clearer understanding if symptoms felt are a result of organic mental health conditions or nutritional deficiencies

  10. Decrease body aches and pains

  11. Boost mood and calm anxiety naturally

  12. Reduce physical sensations associated with depression, anxiety, mood shifts, and trauma

  13. Tune into your "second brain" (your "gut instant") to help navigate coping with distress

  14. Promote healthy self-esteem, confidence and body image

  15. Potentially reduce or eliminate need for medications (*you should always consult with a medical professional prior to making any adjusting to your medications. Collaboration between your physician and yourself {and me if you want!} is crucial in helping you to reach your goals of wanting to adjust your medications). 

                                                                          What you can expect in your first session

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We will review your intake forms to assess your past and current relationship with food including emotional connections, mind-body awareness, and challenges in meeting your goals. We will develop a plan together to best approach and support your exploration of how nutrition can improve your mental/emotional health and well-being. 

I'm interested in exploring how nutrition will help my mental health; where do I start?

Prior to scheduling an appointment, I'd love to speak with you through a free 10 minute consultation to determine if my approach to Integrative Nutrition aligns with your needs so you can experience the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. We will also assess if integrating nutrition into psychotherapy is an option for you based on what you are looking for. This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about my practice and for us to get to know each other a bit!

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If we determine we are a good fit for each other, you will complete intake paperwork including consent forms and questionaries including a comprehensive form prior to scheduling an intake session. This helps me to review your areas of strength and need so we can dive more quickly into topics you'd like to focus on. 

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