Frequently asked Questions
Both use an individualised approach looking at the person as whole, taking into account their genetics, medical conditions and diet as well as lifestyle factors. Applying the latest theories, backed with a science-based approach, and research in nutrition to individuals that want to find the root cause of their symptom. This can be achieved by using of a range of tools to identify excess toxins, imbalances or decreased bodily functions that may be driving the symptoms you are experiencing.
Whilst meeting with you in person for the initial appointment would be the preferred choice. I understand this is not always possible. Because of this I do offer Virtual appointments via your phone, laptop iPad etc. I ask that you ensure you will have a reliable internet connection for the duration of the appointment.
Yes your doctor is your primary health care professional, Nutrition is complementary, meaning it can work alongside (compliments) your conventional treatment not instead of. You must be willing to seek your doctor’s advice with your symptoms if you or I feel that impute is needed for the good of your health. I am not medically qualified.
Whenever possible I like to keep good communications (with your permission) with your medical team, so that we can work together in an integrative manner to support you as best we can.
Prior to attending I will ask you to complete a questionnaire and a food/drink diary to return to me at least 2 working days before your appointment, along with a list of any medications you are taking and any results (ie Blood test results) you may already have from your Doctor. This allows me to gain important information prior to your appointment, leaving more time during the appointment to go into more depth about your symptoms through questioning. Please ensure you put some quiet time aside to complete this as best you can. without rushing or interruptions, 1 hour is recommended.
Everything you put on the form and information discussed during the consultation is completely private and confidential so honesty is key to your results.
The initial consultation will usually last up to 1.5 hours (90 minutes). After talking through your completed pre-consult forms and previous test results (if relevant), we will then talk through some further questions together so we can understand more deeply how your body systems are functioning, how you are feeling, what factors may be driving your symptoms, and what your goals are.
I am very much here to listen through this part of your consultation.
Recommendations will be made for how to move forwards. I like to work closely with you to create your personalised and realistic plan. Your Personal Plan will be made available through the Word document sent to you within 5 working days after the initial consultation or within 3 working days after follow-up appointments (if not otherwise stated at the appointment). This may include recommendations around what foods and drinks to include or increase and which to reduce or avoid.
I may make recommendations for functional testing if felt necessary. This help us to pinpoint what’s happening and better understand underlying imbalances, assess your progress, and improve health outcomes.
Food: Alternative dietary recommendations may mean a change in the cost in the foods you usually buy, this doesn’t always mean you will be spending more money and if you are on a budget, we can find ways to work around this. It may well be that I ask you to cut back on curtain things, meaning you don’t notice any difference at all.
Nutritional Supplements: It is likely that I will recommend some supplementation, high quality supplements may be recommended for its therapeutic effects (I ask you do not substitute for a different brand or product as the one that has been recommended has been specifically chosen for you). However, if you find the supplements are outside of your budget then please mention it and alternatives can be recommended. Initially it would be best to have a monthly budget in mind whilst improving any imbalances, Supplements should not be seen as something to be taken long term, just until we have corrected any deficiencies. Sometimes a minimum amount may be recommended for longer periods if needed.
Functional Testing: To get to the root causes of how you’re feeling I will recommend some testing to be done, wherever possible I will ask for them to be done with your GP, however many of the functional tests I do are not available on the NHS and therefore will need to be done privately. Testing not only helps to find out what is driving your symptoms, but they can also be a good way to access your progress or to rule out any hypothesis I may be thinking.
Testing can range from £30 through to £700 depending on how comprehensive the test is. Again, a budget would be helpful if possible (Not Essential).
I want to ensure that we are both happy to work together moving forward with your personalised health plan I offer a complimentary 15 minute Discovery Call where we can talk through about how I may be able to help you, you can ask questions, and then take your time to consider if this is the right option for you.
I want you to feel happy with the service you are getting and with the results will be achieving this will encourage you to complete your package. However, if you do feel this really is not for you then within 14 days of the initial appointment a refund shall be given less any costs already incurred will be given.
Yes, if you are unable to make the payment in one sum, please speak with me and we can arrange a payment plan.
If you want to notice changes in how you are feeling, you need to make some changes that are recommend to you, during the consultation we shall discuss what is achievable for you, however if there is something in particular that I feel would benefit you then your commitment to my recommendations is key to your improvement. If you feel that you are unable to commit to the changes that are recommended and carry on your own path without discussing it with me then this approach is not for you.
I am here to support you along your journey, not to judge you on what you have or have not achieved, all I ask is you try.
It is not possible to give a ‘success rate’ as there are so many factors that influence it, like length of illness, any other additional health factors, level of compliance. However, for the most improvements will be seen but differs from one person to the next.
That is fine, please be sure to give the accurate information, spellings and dose you are on. Medication and nutritional supplements can interact so it is important that I get the correct information to check this will not happen. Never adjust or discontinue medication without the full consent of your prescribing doctor.
When the supplements are recommended, I will give you details of retailers.
Do not adjust or discontinue any medication without the full consent of your prescribing doctor.
This differs from person to person and is affected by many factors including level of compliance, length of illness and other factors. As a guideline, most people begin to notice an improvement within a few weeks.
In the interest of your health, working with 2 nutritional therapists at the same time would not work. However other therapists would be fine as long as with your consent there could be communication between us.