Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during the initial assessment?
The initial assessment is a space to discuss an in-depth medical history, weight history, eating behaviours and current dietary intake. It provides an opportunity for your Dietitian to get to know you and best understand your current challenges and goals. At the end of the consultation your Dietitian write a comprehensive dietetic assessment letter with recommendations for support and discuss the treatment options with you.
What happens during the follow-up session?
During follow-up sessions your Dietitian will review your progress since which might include food & thought diaries or homework tasks. You will work together to build your toolbox of strategies to manage your eating issues and work towards your goals.
How many sessions will I need?
Recovery from an eating disorder/disordered eating takes time. The number of sessions needed vary from person to person and range from weekly support to less intensive sessions every 4-6 weeks depending on your goals and progress. In our experience, at least 8-12 sessions are required on average to make sustainable change. Some people might work with us for a few months and others a few years. There is no judgement here. Change takes time and we will be here to support you for as long as you need.
Will I receive a meal plan?
It is important to remember that meal planning is a life skill to assist with budgeting, shopping, minimising food waste and to help support your nutritional needs. Meal planning can be used as a tool to provide structure in the absence of hunger and fullness cues, and as a way to ensure that your body receives the energy it needs.
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We understand that your experience of having a "meal plan" in the past might not have been a positive one, or it might have been used in a way that was not supportive to your recovery (e.g. it was inflexible).
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Whether you require support for weight restoration or not, developing a structured pattern of eating is often the first step in re-establishing normal eating. Your dietitian will assess if a structured meal plan is suitable, and if it is, collaborate with you to decide what exactly this will look like and how it is used as a helpful tool.
It might be more like a template of what to eat in a day and include suggestions for the types and amounts of food which is needed to improve your health, but it will not be so specific to tell you exactly what to eat for every meal and snack. Your Dietitian will educate you on how to build balanced meals and snacks to help you to achieve your goals. And just so you know... we won't be talking calories.
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We follow the RAVES approach to normalising eating, which means that for some people a more structured way of eating is required before transitioning into intuitive eating. Our recommendations will be based on where your current relationship with food and difficulties are. In other words, we won't recommend intuitive eating as the first step for every person in our clinic, but for others this will be an appropriate first step.
I don't live in the UK, can I still receive support?
Yes! All consultations are online so we can support you anywhere across the globe. In saying that, due to insurance cover, only some dietitians in the team can support you if you live in the USA & Canada.
Will I need to take any tests prior to an appointment?
Your Dietitian might request blood tests and a physical health check with your GP prior to/after the initial assessment or after depending on your medical history.
What is the difference between a Dietitian and Nutritionist?
The British Dietetic Association has a brilliant summary which you can read over on their website
How much does a session cost?
Assessment 60 min + 40 min (minimum) of clinical administration time - £170
Follow up 50 min + 20 min (minimum) of clinical administration time - £140
Follow up 30 min + 20 min (minimum) of clinical administration time - £95
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Clinical administration time includes planning before the session, documentation after the session, liaising with other members of your support team, emails between sessions, research and writing letters to your medical team.
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Note: prices listed above are live as of the 1st of February, 2024.
Are your consultations covered by health insurance?
If you have medical/health insurance, your appointment must be paid in full in advance. This cost can then be claimed back with your insurer, however we can not guarantee this will be possible so please check with your insurance company before booking.
Currently, none of our team are providers of insurance companies (e.g. BUPA, AXA, Vitality).