Frequently Asked Questions
What is nutritional therapy?
Nutritional therapy is an evidence-based approach to health that looks at the whole person rather than individual symptoms. Rather than managing symptoms in isolation, a nutritional therapist works to identify the root causes driving how you feel - whether that is hormonal imbalance, nutrient deficiency, gut dysfunction, blood sugar dysregulation, adrenal stress, or a combination of factors - and uses targeted nutrition and lifestyle intervention to address them directly.
It is not a diet plan and it is not generic advice. It is a clinical process that begins with a thorough assessment of your full health history, current symptoms, diet, and lifestyle, and results in a personalised plan built around you as an individual.
What is the difference between a nutritional therapist and a nutritionist?
The terms are often used interchangeably but they are not the same. A registered nutritional therapist holds a recognised qualification - typically a diploma or degree from an accredited institution - and is registered with a professional body such as BANT (British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine) and CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council). These registrations require ongoing continuing professional development and adherence to a strict code of conduct and ethics.
The title "nutritionist" is not protected in the UK, which means anyone can use it regardless of their level of training or qualification. When choosing a practitioner, always check for BANT and CNHC registration as a minimum standard of professional practice.
How is nutritional therapy different from seeing a dietitian?
Dietitians are regulated healthcare professionals who work primarily within the NHS, often focusing on medically prescribed diets for specific clinical conditions. Nutritional therapists work in private practice and take a broader, root-cause approach that considers the full picture of a person's health - including hormonal function, gut health, stress, sleep, and lifestyle - rather than focusing on a single condition or dietary modification.
The two approaches are complementary rather than competing. I work alongside GP care and other healthcare providers, and always refer on where a client's needs fall outside my scope of practice.
What results can I expect?
This depends on your starting point, your symptoms, and how consistently you are able to implement the recommendations. What I can tell you is that nutritional therapy tends to produce its most significant results when it addresses the root causes of symptoms rather than managing them superficially - and when clients are supported consistently over a sufficient period of time.
Most clients begin to notice meaningful changes within four to six weeks, with more substantial shifts in energy, sleep, mood, and hormonal symptoms over a three to six month period. The smallest targeted changes to diet and lifestyle can have a disproportionately positive effect on how you feel, particularly when those changes are addressing the specific mechanisms driving your symptoms.
Can nutritional therapy work alongside HRT?
Yes. Nutritional therapy and HRT are not mutually exclusive and work well together for many women. HRT addresses the hormonal deficit directly, while nutritional therapy supports the wider metabolic and physiological context - gut health, insulin sensitivity, adrenal function, nutrient status, inflammation, and sleep - that determines how well you feel and respond to treatment overall.
If you are considering HRT, currently taking it, or have been advised against it, nutritional therapy can be a valuable support in each of those situations. I always work collaboratively with your GP and defer to medical advice on HRT prescribing decisions.
Are tests and supplements included in the package price?
Functional tests and supplements are not included in the package price, but I do offer a 10% discount on supplements from The Natural Dispensary. Testing is highly individual - not every client needs functional testing, and where it is indicated the most appropriate test will vary depending on your symptoms and health history. I always recommend the most clinically relevant and cost-effective option, and where possible I will write a referral letter to your GP to request tests that can be accessed through the NHS.
I have tried this before and it did not work. How is your approach different?
The most common reason nutritional therapy does not produce lasting results is that the intervention was not sufficiently targeted to the individual. Generic protocols, short programmes without adequate follow-up, or advice that addresses symptoms without identifying root causes will produce limited results for most people.
My approach is built around a thorough initial assessment, ongoing fortnightly support throughout the programme, and a plan that is adjusted in real time based on your progress and response. I am a BANT and CNHC registered practitioner with a diploma with distinction from the College of Naturopathic Medicine, and I maintain ongoing continuing professional development to ensure my clinical knowledge remains current. I am also a qualified personal trainer, which means exercise recommendations are integrated into the plan rather than added as an afterthought.
Do I need to be based in Tunbridge Wells to work with you?
No. All nutritional therapy consultations and follow-up appointments can be carried out online via video call. I work with clients across the UK remotely. The only service that requires you to be based in or near Tunbridge Wells is personal training, which must be conducted in person for safety reasons.
How long does a programme last?
All packages run for a minimum of three months. This reflects the clinical reality that meaningful and lasting change to diet, lifestyle, and hormonal health takes time. A shorter programme may produce initial results but is unlikely to produce the habit change and physiological shift that sustains those results long term.
The right duration for you - whether three months, six months, or longer - will be discussed during your free initial consultation based on your symptoms, health history, and goals. Many clients choose to continue beyond their initial programme as their health goals evolve.
How often will we meet?
Following your 60-minute initial consultation, we meet every two weeks for 30-minute follow-up appointments throughout the duration of your programme. These sessions are used to review your progress, assess how you are responding to the plan, provide accountability, and make any adjustments needed. Between sessions you have unlimited support through the Practice Better client portal.
Do you work with women who are not yet in perimenopause?
Yes. While perimenopause and menopause are my primary specialism, I work with women at all life stages experiencing hormonal symptoms. This includes women with PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, PMS, post-pill hormonal disruption, irregular or painful periods, unexplained fatigue, acne, and anxiety with a hormonal root. I also offer general nutrition packages for health concerns that are not specifically hormonal in nature.
What functional tests do you recommend most often?
This varies considerably depending on the individual presentation, but the tests I most frequently recommend or discuss with clients include a comprehensive hormone panel covering oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEAS, and cortisol, thyroid function including TSH, free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies, a full blood count with ferritin and vitamin B12, vitamin D, fasting glucose and insulin, and gut health testing where digestive symptoms are prominent.
Not every client needs extensive testing. In many cases a thorough dietary and lifestyle intervention produces significant results without functional testing. Where testing is indicated I recommend the most clinically relevant option for your specific presentation and budget.
Is nutritional therapy covered by health insurance?
This depends on your individual policy. Some health insurance policies cover complementary therapies or preventative health services, which may include nutritional therapy. I would recommend checking directly with your provider and asking specifically whether CNHC-registered practitioners are covered, as this is the standard most insurers recognise.
How do I get started?
The first step is a free 20-minute consultation, which gives us both the opportunity to discuss what you are experiencing, ask any questions, and establish whether working together is the right next step. There is no obligation and no cost.