What is the difference between a Registered Dietitian and a nutritionist?

A Registered Dietitian, also known as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD or RDN - both mean the same thing) is a credentialed healthcare professional that has completed specialized education (master’s degree required as of 2024) and training (1200+ hour dietetic internship), has passed a national credentialling exam, and maintains their credential through continuing educational experiences. In many states, RDs must also maintain a license to practice. RDs are considered experts in nutrition science and nutrition-related behavior change counseling, and are the primary professional providing Medical Nutrition Therapy (the nutrition-based treatment of health conditions) in healthcare settings. There is no legal definition of the term “nutritionist” and therefore, no requirement for education or training to use the term.

What is the weight-inclusive (also commonly known as Health at Every Size®) approach?

A weight-inclusive approach to healthcare is holistic in nature and shifts the focus away from controlling weight and BMI onto cultivating other health-promoting behaviors such as a nutrient-dense dietary pattern, mind-body connection, joyful movement, stress management, and other self care behaviors. It is an alternative to the weight-centered approach that is conventional in our healthcare system and that pathologizes certain body sizes and weight ranges and prescribes weight loss as a intervention to manage or improve health. I align myself with a weight-inclusive approach because:

1. Weight and BMI are poor proxies for health; the connection between weight and health is nuanced and correlational (not causal) with research in this area highly biased by weight stigma

2. The evidence shows that for most people, sustainable weight loss maintenance is not feasible, regardless of the type of intervention used

3. The repeated attempts at weight loss (e.g. chronic dieting) and regain (weight cycling) actually lead to worse health outcomes, higher rates of eating disorders and disordered eating, and typically higher weights long term

4. When we make weight loss the primary focus of health improvement, we may be missing out on other avenues for healthy living that are accessible, meaningful, and enjoyable. It is possible to improve health and well-being without losing weight or attempting to lose weight.

What is trauma-informed care?

Trauma-informed care considers the role that the nervous system plays in how we engage with health-promoting behavior changes and self-care. Trauma is typically defined as the physiological and psychological response to a deeply distressing or threatening event or series of events that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope and causes feelings of helplessness. In response to the threat, trauma responses are developed in an attempt to seek safety and can result in lasting changes to the way a person engages with themself, others, and the world around them. As an example, we might think of the child who is consistently bullied at school who then comes home and seeks comfort and safety in eating sweets alone in her bedroom, creating a “safe escape” she can turn to when stress or emotions overwhelm her throughout her life.

A clinician who practices trauma-informed care:

• Prioritizes creating a trusting therapeutic alliance by listening, validating, not judging or jumping in to “fix” the problem or feelings

• Facilitates acceptance and understanding by getting to know a client’s story, and exploring the “why” behind distressing behaviors

• Consistently seeks opportunities to cultivate the client’s sense of autonomy within the realm of taking care of themselves and making decisions about their body

Who do you work with?

I work with adults of all genders, ages 18 & up seeking support for eating disorders and disordered eating especially in the context of co-occuring conditions like diabetes (type 1 and type 2) and OCD. That said, you do not have to have a diagnosis of an eating disorder to work on your relationship with food!

In addition to providing weight-inclusive care, my practice is neurodiversity- and LGBTQ+-affirming.

I am licensed in PA, GA, MD, NC, MT, and OR. I can provide services to folks in those states, no matter what part. I can also see clients in NY, NJ, CA, CO, and VA as those states do not currently have prohibitive licensure statutes.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes! Please visit the Insurance and Rates page for more details.