Deciding to reach out for help while struggling with an eating disorder and/or disordered eating is a very courageous step. It can be filled with many varied and big emotions. Some including fear, anxiety, overwhelm, etc. Therefore, not knowing what to expect during your first session can be difficult. We want to help alleviate some of that stress by providing you with as much information as possible before our first session.
What is a Discovery Call?
The process for getting set up with one of the registered dietitians (RDs) at Courage to Nourish is simple. First, we ask that you contact our Admin at hello@couragetonourish.com to set up a Discovery Call.
What is a Discovery Call? This is a phone call with one of the RDs. You will give some background information as to why you want to begin working with a dietitian. You will also learn more about our practice, our philosophies and financial responsibilities. If you desire to move forward with us, you will also schedule your first session. You will be connected with one of the RDs that we think best fits your needs.
What Can I Expect at a First Session?
Discovery call completed, check! Next, you will have a first session scheduled with an RD. See some of our FAQs below to help assist you in feeling prepared.
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What is Required Before a Session with a Dietitian?
You will receive an information sheet to complete when you schedule your initial session with an RD. It’s helpful to fill it out prior to the first meeting so our RDs know more about you. Additionally, they will have an idea of your experiences and desired treatment. Some items on the information sheet include your health professionals contact information and medical history. As well as your goals for treatment and counseling, family history, etc.
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How Long are Sessions?
First sessions are 90 minutes. We want to allow time for you to share your story with us without skipping over important details. This is a time for us to get to know one another, to discuss philosophies, goals, and current struggles. This is so we can better serve you and help you on your road to recovery.
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How Do I Attend Nutrition Sessions?
Your RD will send you an email with all the information regarding the session. It will include the time, date, zoom link, etc. During your session, you will hop on zoom (or travel to the office once we can gather in person again) and we will start chatting. Each RD has their own style of counseling. Despite our differences, we all usually ask a lot of questions during the first session. This is 100% normal. It serves as a way for us to get to know you better. And to understand what you are looking for and what help you may need from us. We are all ears, so do not be afraid to be too talkative.
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Who Can Come to our Nutrition Sessions?
If you desire, you can bring parents, loved ones, or support personnel into the session. However, we do want to spend some time with you alone as well so we can get to know one another. Let us know your preferences and we can be accommodating.
Not knowing what to expect during your first session can be stressful. I hope that this clarified and shed some light on what meeting with a dietitian may look like for you. If you are interested in beginning or continuing your recovery journey with a dietitian please reach out via our website or by emailing hello@couragetonourish.com
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Lauren is an eating disorder dietitian at Courage to Nourish. She specializes in working with clients in recovery from anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. Lauren uses the principles of intuitive eating and Health at Every Size in her work. She is currently holding virtual sessions with clients. To set up a discovery call with Lauren or another Courage to Nourish dietitian, complete our contact form. View Lauren's full bio here.
