HELP CENTER
WHY "NUTRITION THERAPY?"
Registered Dietitians are trained to educate, and "be the expert." I call myself a nutrition therapist or coach because it best describes my work. I integrate weight-neutral medical nutrition therapy with client-centered counseling, so we are in partnership throughout the process. You will always be the expert of your body. My job is to help you come home to it, and nourish it well. It's common for my clients to arrive with nutrition knowledge that stunts the healing process. Recovery requires reconnection and self-discovery; it's an inside out job. In sessions, we'll discuss thoughts and feelings as they relate to food, eating, and body image, however my sessions do not replace psychotherapy, which aims to relieve underlying mental health issues.
WHAT IS "BODY LIBERATION?"
Body liberation is a term coined by author, speaker, and fat activist Jes Baker, that acknowledges the inescapable fact that living in a body in this world is just plain hard, especially if your body deviates from Eurocentric beauty standards. If you feel like "body love" isn't attainable in the body that you're in, you're not alone and it's not your fault. Jes explains:
WHY "PEACEMEAL?"
Piecemeal describes something done in stages, little by little. At times, it might feel fragmented, imperfect, and nonlinear. Peacemeal is a play on words, that captures the messy and beautiful recovery process. At the end of all of this, I hope you feel at ease in your body and with food. You deserve it.
THE "CIRCLE" SYMBOL EXPLAINED
The enso symbol you see alongside peacemeal, is respectfully borrowed from Zen Buddhism. I started practicing Zen in 2009; it was my first therapy and second religion. The symbol itself, can be interpreted differently. In context here, it represents imperfection and the connectedness of all life, what Thich Nhat Hanh famously describes as “interbeing.” It also points to the value in attending to your mindset, thoughts, and the roots of their arising.
HOW MUCH DOES NUTRITION COUNSELING COST?
I am happy to discuss self-pay rates via email or over the phone.
HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?
Currently, only virtual nutrition counseling is available. The easiest way to book an appointment is to book online. You can book a free consult call or a nutrition session directly on my Book Session page. You can also fill out the contact request form to schedule or inquire about services, and you will receive an email or phone call from me within 1-2 business days.
WHAT ARE SESSIONS LIKE?
Check out my Nutrition Services page for details regarding what to expect from initial and individual sessions.
DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE?
I am in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and Choice plans in Illinois. Other insurance companies will consider me an out of network provider. I am more than happy to provide you with a superbill (receipt) to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement for our sessions. However, the superbill does not guarantee reimbursement. In order to clarify the cost of nutrition counseling prior to our first appointment, please contact your insurance carrier and inquire about benefits. Please contact me for an insurance script detailing questions to ask to clarify benefits.
IS THERE A CANCELLATION FEE IF I CAN'T MAKE IT?
Scheduled appointment times are reserved especially for you. If an appointment is missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, you will be billed according to the scheduled fee policy. The fee for a late cancellation or a missed appointment is universal.
DO YOU OFFER PACKAGES?
Packages are periodically offered and available for purchase. If you do not see packages available, please check back for offerings.
WHAT IF I'M NOT SURE I CAN AFFORD IT?
I offer reduced-fee rates for a limited number of clients who express financial need. I also offer payment plans so individuals can carry a balance, and pay incrementally to get the treatment they need when they need it. I strongly believe eating disorder care/recovery should be accessible to all persons irrespective of their financial capacity. I can discuss current rates with you via telephone or email.