What is a Clinical Nutritionist?

The term “clinical nutritionist” generally refers to a healthcare practitioner who is clinically trained to offer personalised guidance on diet, lifestyle, and nutritional supplements. This includes recommending specific forms and therapeutic doses of medicinal nutrients to support individual health objectives and address various health concerns within a clinical environment. Through the integration of traditional food wisdom with contemporary scientific research, they aim to inspire individuals to adopt healthy eating and lifestyle habits to not only improve their overall wellbeing, but also to prevent chronic illness.

Can anyone call themselves a Nutritionist?

Unfortunately, the term “nutritionist” is not regulated, and anyone can call themselves a nutritionist regardless of their qualifications. Therefore, it's important to ensure that the advice you receive comes from a credible and appropriately qualified practitioner.

What qualifications do I have?

I hold a Bachelor of Chiropractic Science [BChiroSc] as well as a Bachelor of Health Science in Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine [BHScNutDMed], in which I completed more than 468 clinical hours.

Do you analyse blood tests?

Yes. Where appropriate, I can review your existing blood test results as part of your consultation. Looking at your results alongside your symptoms, health history and other factors can help provide a more complete picture of your health and identify areas that may warrant further investigation or nutritional support.

Do you use functional testing?

Functional testing may be recommended where appropriate based on your individual symptoms, health history and goals. Function testing can provide additional information that may help guide your personalised treatment plan. I will always explain why a particular test may be useful and discuss the options and costs with you before proceeding. There is no obligation to undertake functional testing.

What is the difference between a Clinical Nutritionist and a Dietitian?

Dietitian’s commonly operate in tertiary care settings such as hospitals, private practice and nursing homes, where they provide dietary management for patients with specific health conditions.

Clinical nutritionists employ a holistic approach, considering the whole person by combining evidence-informed practices with traditional medicine knowledge. They tailor individualised care to address the complex factors contributing to health concerns, often working in primary and secondary healthcare settings.

What health conditions can I help with?

Gut Health & Digestive Concerns

• Microbiome imbalances & “leaky gut”

• Parasitic & bacterial infections

• Reflux & heartburn

• Constipation & diarrhoea

• IBS & IBD

Women’s Health

• Endometriosis & adenomyosis

• PCOS

• PMS & PMDD

• Perimenopausal & menopausal concerns

• Fertility & preconception support

• Recurrent UTIs

• Recurrent thrush & bacterial vaginosis

• Sexual health concerns

Men’s Health

Fatigue, Energy & Chronic Illness

• Chronic fatigue & adrenal depletion

• Post-viral fatigue

• Brain fog

• Low energy

Skin & Allergic Conditions

• Acne

• Eczema

• Dermatitis

• Psoriasis

• Allergies & hay fever

Thyroid & Autoimmune Health

• Thyroid conditions

• Autoimmune conditions

• Immune health

Mental Health & Nervous System

• Stress & anxiety

• Nervous system & sleep support

Metabolic & Cardiometabolic Health

• Blood sugar regulation

• Diabetes

• Hypertension

• Weight management

Nutritional & Functional Health

• MTHFR & methylation

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Nutrient requirements

• Detoxification & nutrient metabolism

What can I expect from my first consultation?

Your first consultation is an opportunity to dive deep into what is going on for you. We’ll discuss your health history, current symptoms, diet, lifestyle, goals and any relevant testing or medical history. From there, we’ll work together to identify areas that may be contributing to your health concerns and develop a personalised plan with practical steps that feel achievable for you.

Do you just give meal plans and recipes and discuss diet?

Not at all, actually quite the opposite! While nutrition and dietary changes are an important part of your care, my approach goes beyond simply providing meal plans and recipes. I look at the bigger picture, including your symptoms, health history, lifestyle, stress, sleep, movement and other factors that may be influencing your health. Where appropriate, I may provide personalised dietary recommendations, meal ideas or recipes, but the focus is on helping you understand your body and making changes that are realistic and sustainable for you.

Will my treatment plan include just dietary strategies?

No. I believe lifestyle factors are just as important as diet. Only considering diet while missing crucial components of health such as movement, stress management, sleep, hydration and mental wellbeing is not conducive to good health.

Functional testing and/or supplementation may also be recommended at an additional cost where appropriate. There is no obligation to purchase either.

Do I need to have a specific health concern to see a clinical nutritionist?

Not at all. You don’t need to have a diagnosed condition or a specific health concern to see me. I also work with people who simply want to improve their overall health, energy, digestion, nutrition or wellbeing, or who want support with making sustainable changes to their lifestyle.

Do I need to have blood tests or other testing before my consultation?

No. You don’t need to organise testing before your first consultation. If you have recent blood tests or other relevant results, you’re welcome to bring them along. Depending on your individual circumstances, further testing may be recommended as part of your care, but this will always be discussed with you first.

Do you work alongside my GP or other healthcare practitioners?

Yes. I believe working alongside your existing healthcare team is an important part of providing safe and comprehensive care. Where appropriate, I can work alongside your GP, specialist or other healthcare practitioners and take your existing medical care and treatment into consideration when developing your nutrition plan.

What areas do you service?

I am based on the Sapphire Coast and work with clients in Merimbula, Pambula, Tura Beach, Bega and surrounding areas. I also have clients from Bombala and beyond, and I offer online consultations, allowing me to support clients across Australia with personalised nutrition advice.

Are online consultations available?

Yes, online consultations are available for both initial and follow-up consultations.

How many consultations will I need?

This will depend on your individual needs, health concerns and goals. Some people may only need a few consultations, while others may benefit from ongoing support. Follow-up consultations provide an opportunity to review your progress, make adjustments and continue building on the changes we’ve made together.