​ What is Nutritional Therapy? 
A Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) applies the latest research in nutrition and health sciences to manage chronic disease and promote optimum health. NTP training includes studying scientific principles about how the human body functions and the nutrients that it needs to thrive.  Nutritional Therapists believe that all the systems of the body are linked and that chronic illness is preceded by physiological imbalances in a number of these systems. Focus, therefore, is on identifying and addressing these imbalances. 
Every client is treated as an individual, with their own unique physiological makeup taken into account. 

Nutritional Therapy can be beneficial in addressing many health concerns including:  

• Low energy/ fatigue/constant tiredness 
• Hormonal and reproductive issues, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause and peri-menopause 
• Mood related conditions, such as stress, anxiety and depression
• Children's health, learning and behavioral issues 
• Digestive conditions, such as irritable bowl syndrome (IBS), constipation, diarrhea and bloating
• Weight management 
• Skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis 
• Cardiovascular conditions, such as high cholesterol and blood pressure 
• Musculoskeletal conditions such as rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis 
• Food intolerances and allergies

These concerns can all be helped (and in many cases, alleviated) by making  simple, yet effective improvements to your diet and lifestyle. A nutritional therapist can advise you on and support you in making these changes. It can be difficult (and confusing!) to know how to eat healthfully and in a way that nourishes your body, but Amy can help you do this in an easy and achievable way. 

Our Process 
​We begin the nutritional therapy process with a comprehensive analysis of your health history and nutrition status using a number of diagnostic tools including: 

• Client History Form
• Food and Mood Journal 
• Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire 
• In-depth initial interview with discussion of your health goals, daily routine and lifestyle

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The data from these tools is considered to develop a nutrition program which is usually adjusted over time as your symptoms improve and nutritional status changes. Nutrition programs are primarily based on diet and lifestyle modifications which often include recipes, meal planning recommendations, and possibly recommendations for nutritional supplements. These programs do not involve medical diagnosis or prescriptions. 

The clients that have the best results work with us over several months because it takes time and commitment to create the sustainable change you’re looking for. While many feel improvements after just a few sessions, it usually takes longer to get to the root of your conditions, make lasting progress, and complete a fully restorative program. 
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Since everyone is unique on a biochemical level, we cannot guarantee any specific result. However, you are more likely to reach the desired results when you’re truly committed to making dietary and lifestyle changes. If you are not willing to change how you eat and live, this might not be the right approach for you. 

Nutritional Therapy Services and Rates 
Note that nutritional therapy is not a “quick fix”, however, it can provide sustainable health improvements. This is because nutritional therapy is a process that supports healing the origin of the condition, not just the symptoms, to ensure long term improvement. Most clients see some health changes in the short-term but it typically takes several months for improvement of chronic conditions. 
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The process begins with two sessions to evaluate your health and provide a detailed recommendation. Following this and recognizing that each client is different, a series of four to twelve follow up appointments (one every two to four weeks) over the course of 6 months is recommended for the best and most lasting results. We understand how challenging it is to adjust diet and lifestyle in a busy family and will work together to find a routine that works best for you.

15-minute Consultation - Complimentary 
This is designed to learn more about you or your child and discuss health concerns, readiness for change, and what goals you’d like to accomplish in Nutritional Therapy. I will also share my background and approach to make sure that working together is a good fit. 

Initial Consultation and Program Recommendation –
For clients outside of Fairfield County:  We offer virtual nutrition sessions online via videoconference. Please inquire about pricing here. 
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1. First Session
   The first session is 90 minutes and involves a deep dive into you or your child’s health history and lifestyle to determine the nutritional deficiencies that are causing health concerns. It will also involve a discussion of your goals for nutritional therapy and review a few dietary recommendations to start to follow. Within a week of this session, you will receive a program that was created specifically to address you/your child’s health concerns and goals for nutritional therapy. The program will incorporate dietary and lifestyle changes that are explained in simple and informative handouts, suggested meal plan with easy and delicious recipes, and possibly nutritional supplement suggestions. Following this session, you can email Amy with questions (see email policy below).
   
   Second Session (Must be completed within a maximum of 3 months of the first session)
   The second session is 60 minutes and involves reviewing your progress and identifying what needs to be changed to continue to achieve success. Changes to your program as well as a second meal plan will be sent to you following this session.
2. Follow Up Appointments – Follow up appointments for the same condition can be either 25 or 50 minutes.  Clients typically see the best results after working together for at least 3-6 months - Please see website for details. 
3. Future Touch Base Appointments - After achieving your initial goals you may want to check in periodically for a la carte sessions to make a refinement or to discuss a new concern (either 50 min or 25 min).
4. Email Support - Email support is included as a one quick check-in email a week. If longer emails or a phone call longer than 10 minutes is required, the client will need to be billed with the appointment.

For clients in the local area:  Our office is located at the Darien YMCA at 2420 Post Road, Darien, CT.  Services are available to both members and non-members of the Darien YMCA.  Click here for details.