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Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I See a Dietitian?

Although a dietitian’s expertise is primarily related to food, their main job is not to teach about food as many people believe. Instead, they have several other primary goals:

First, they are a "coach". Working with a dietitian is a collaboration; you and he/she come up with a strategy for the time being. Once that is done, you try to implement it with the RD as your colleague, your encourager, and your support.

Second, a good RD can help you counter any food "myths" you might have. This prevents any misinformation, and also helps you to let go of any detrimental beliefs that you may not be willing to let go of on your own.

Third and most importantly, a dietitian should change your relationship with food. That is where real recovery comes from. Part of this comes from the two roles listed previously, but it goes beyond that. When it comes to eating disorders especially, RDs know how to listen carefully to understand hopes and fears.  

They also know how to help you change those fears and improve how you feel about food, weight, and your body.

It is easy to be afraid to see an RD. Many clients fear that they will “take over” everything that you eat, and that you will not have any control over your own food. Just remember that working with a dietitian is a collaboration, and collaborating with a dietitian is just as important as working with a doctor or therapist.

What is the Difference Between a Dietitian and a "Nutritionist"?

A Registered Dietitian has:
  • Completed a minimum of a bachelor's degree program approved by the
  • Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE). Over 50% have also completed a masters degree.
  • Completed pre-professional experience approved by CADE.
  • Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) 
  • Completed continuing professional education requirement. 75 hours every five years is required to keep their registration.

A "Nutritionist":
This title is used by a variety of persons, including those without any nutrition education possibly only a personal interest in nutrition. It is not recommended to rely on this title for expert nutrition information.

What is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, CEDS?

At Wellness Coaching and Nutrition Therapy, we are committed to helping our patients overcome eating disorders and disordered eating of all kinds. Certification as a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS) exemplifies this commitment, and is bestowed upon professionals who have demonstrated clinical expertise through education, experience and a rigorous examination process. Some of the qualifications for meeting CEDS certification requirements include:
  • Over 2,500 hours of supervised patient care in the field or eating disorders
  • Supervision from a certified specialist in the field of eating disorders
  • A rigorous education and examination process​

To learn more about the CEDS, visit iaedp.com.

What is a Certified IAEDP Supervisor?

Professionals pursuing the CEDS designation are required to be supervised by a qualified professional who has received approval from iaedp™’s Certification Committee. Since iaedp™ has designed its certification program to insure its certified members can demonstrate expertise through a range of professional activities, achievements, and supervised activities, requirements for supervision are designed to be in line with these same competencies. It is iaedp™’s view that those who are providing supervision to Certification candidates must confirm their own extensive experience and training in the field of eating disorders by application, which is reviewed and approved by the Certification Committee.

An Approved Supervisor is defined as a professional who is not one’s primary personal therapist; has a minimum of five (5) years experience treating persons with eating disorders; no fewer than 6,000 hours of approved work experience in the treatment and diagnosis of eating disorders; holds an accredited masters degree or higher in the health or behavioral science fields if mental health professional, minimum of accredited bachelor’s degree with internship or master’s degree if Registered Dietitian, and minimum of accredited bachelor’s degree if Registered Nurse; and is licensed by his/her state licensing board as appropriate.

Source: iaedp.com

What are my rights to privacy?

We, Wellness Coaching & Nutrition Therapy, PLLC , understand that protected information about you and your health is personal. We are committed to protecting health information about you. This Notice applies to all of the records of your care generated by Wellness Coaching & Nutrition Therapy, PLLC, whether made by Wellness Coaching & Nutrition Therapy, PLLC personnel or your personal doctor. This notice describes how protected health information about you maybe used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review our HIPPA Notice of Privacy Practices here.