Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during an assessment?
Although we have a single session called "initial assessment," we like to view this as a getting to know you session, which sometimes takes up to three sessions to hear your story. The assessment (and following sessions) are an opportunity for your Dietitian to best understand your current challenges and goals. At the end of these sessions, your Dietitian will write a comprehensive dietetic assessment letter with recommendations for support and discuss the treatment options with you.
What happens during the follow-up sessions?
Follow-up sessions (aka getting started and consolidation sessions) are where your dietitian will review your progress since the last session which might include food & thought diaries or in-between tasks. You will work collaboratively to build your toolbox of strategies to manage your eating challenges and work towards your goals. Please remember that change takes time, and some weeks there might not be many wins. That's okay. This is where the learning happens and these weeks are just as important to review with your Dietitian, compared to weeks full of recovery wins.
How many sessions will I need?
Recovery from an eating disorder/disordered eating takes time and isn't linear. The frequency of sessions will vary and range from weekly support to less intensive sessions every 4-6 weeks depending on your goals and progress. Most of our clients start with either weekly or fortnightly sessions.
Overall, we find that most people we work with is over a period of 3-6 months. Some people might work with us for a couple of months and others a few years. 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.
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 or referred to calories).
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 meal plan framework 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.
We often refer to the RAVES Model when supporting clients, helping them to improve their nutritional wellbeing aligned with the five core principles, before working on natural eating practices or intuitive eating.
I don't live in the UK, can I still receive support?
Yes! All consultations are online so we can support you if you don't live in the UK. In saying that, online support isn't suitable for everyone, so there will be occasions that we might not be able to support you.
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?
Specialist Dietitians:
Extended Assessment/One-off session (90 minutes) - £220
Assessment (60 minutes) - £170
Follow up (50 minutes) - £140
Follow up (30 minutes) - £95
Note: prices listed above are live as of the 1st of February, 2024.
What does the appointment fee cover?
The appointment fee doesn't just cover the length of the appointment. It includes so many things outside of that:
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planning prior to the session
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clinical documentation time
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session summary sent via email following every session with your goals, relevant resources and in between session activities
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emails between sessions as appropriate
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liaison with other members of your support team between sessions via email or phone call
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medical letters as appropriate
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treatment plan research and ongoing professional development
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supervision and insurance
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software fees (e.g. Zoom)
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.
We have two dietitians on the team registered with some insurance companies:
Talia is a WPA provider
Nicola is a WPA and BUPA provider.