Why do you recommend a discovery call?
A discovery call is our first point of contact. It allows you to give me a brief overview of the sorts of areas you’d like help with and enables you to ask questions about the process and the packages I offer. Importantly, it also gives you the opportunity to decide whether I am someone you feel comfortable discussing your medical history and current health issues with. Sorry, but I am unable to give advice or recommendations on this call.
How do I know which package to choose?
The right package for you very much depends on the health issues you are experiencing. It may be that you are feeling well at the moment but want to work on improving your diet and lifestyle to prevent future problems and maximise your health going forwards. In this case, you may benefit from a simple nutrition MOT offered in the Seed package. People with specific health complaints should be considering the longer Shoot or Sapling plans. In my experience there are very few medical issues which respond immediately to a quick fix – often quite a bit of detective work is required to uncover the root of the problem. It’s therefore important that people have realistic expectations up front and that we work together in partnership to move you towards your goals.
Why do you encourage people to book packages rather than one-off appointments?
Nutritional therapy does not offer a Band Aid solution to a symptom, instead it looks for the root cause of a problem. Because of this we need to leave our attachment to quick fixes behind. This is the primary reason that the packages designed to support chronic issues run over weeks or months. In addition, dietary and lifestyle change can be challenging and too much too soon can cause people to throw in the towel and feel that they will never succeed. Packages tend to create commitment as change can be introduced at an achievable pace.
What happens if I need more sessions once we have finished the package I select?
Sometimes additional sessions may be necessary if together we feel that your concerns may still benefit from further support. I this instance, one-off 30 minute follow-ups are available for £70 or a bundle of three for £180.
What do I need to do before we meet?
I will send you an initial questionnaire which asks for some background information on your health issues, current medication and family medical history. I will also ask you to complete a three-day food diary. Both these documents should be returned at least 48 hours before we meet. I use an online system so all our correspondence is safe and secure.
What happens at the initial consultation?
Our initial meeting is an opportunity for me to create a complete picture of your health, past and present. We will discuss milestones in your medical history, then each of your body systems in turn, deep-diving into your particular areas of concern. We will also look at medications and supplements you may be taking currently or have taken in the past. From a lifestyle perspective we will examine your stress levels, exercise habits and sleeping patterns. Finally, we will discuss your food diary, your likes and dislikes and general approach to food.
When do I get my plan?
We will discuss a basic outline for a plan together in your initial consultation but I will email your full plan after the appointment. This will be an individualised document outlining both nutritional and lifestyle actions. I may also include relevant factsheets, recipes or further resources such as books, podcasts or websites. We will carry out a 20 minute call or video call to go through this thoroughly and you will have the opportunity to ask questions and make alterations.
What about supplements?
If I feel they will be beneficial, I may suggest that you purchase some nutritional supplements. I can assist you with this if you need me to and we can discuss various options that work within your budget. I have access to a wide range of practitioner only supplements so you can be sure that I am recommending quality products. Some supplements may be available cheaper elsewhere and you are welcome to source the exact product recommended from another supplier. Generally, I prefer to focus on diet and lifestyle changes in the first instance so we are more likely to talk about supplements at our follow up meeting(s).
Can you carry out functional testing if you think I need it?
Yes, sometimes I may suggest testing in order to provide a clearer picture of what is going on. These tests are not designed to provide a diagnosis, instead they offer an additional layer of detail which will help direct the types of support I suggest for you. Many tests can be done for free via the NHS and I will always refer you back to your GP if appropriate. Tests recommended through laboratories all abide by GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice). Most tests are only available to practitioners to ensure the results are handled and interpreted with the level of knowledge and training required to best serve you.
The cost of private testing is additional to the cost of your package. I do not charge commission on the purchase of functional tests but I do charge £90/hour for complex test interpretation and analysis - this would be discussed with you before ordering.
Why do you charge extra for looking at test results?
Some of the tests that may be required look at many markers and result in quite complicated and lengthy reports which are obviously unique to each client. In order to ensure you understand the results clearly and that the action we are taking ties in to what the test has highlighted, I need to spend adequate time analysing the data and in some cases liaising with the relevant testing company. As some people need no testing and others may require several tests, it is fairer to split this out as a separate cost.
Can I get in touch with questions once I have my plan?
I will deliver your plan to you shortly after our consultation and there will be time at that stage to ask initial questions. Each package then includes interim coaching calls (one for Seed, two for Shoot and three for Sapling) when we will check in on progress and discuss any queries that have come up as you have progressed with your plan. If specific things are not working for you then we can go through these on the call and make amendments to your plan accordingly. I don’t encourage ad hoc email questions as for client safety I always prefer to have reviewed your case file prior to discussions, although of course exceptions can be made if something is very urgent!
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, payment plans are available.
The Seed package is not eligible for a payment plan and must be paid in full in advance. The Shoot and Sapling plans can be split into the following settlements:
Shoot - £200 before initial and £125 before each of the two 30 minute follow up meetings (at weeks 5 and 11 of the plan)
Sapling - £330 before initial and £160 before each of the three 45 minute follow up meetings (at weeks 6, 13 and 20 of the plan)
Each payment must be paid in advance of the appointment via my Practice Better online portal which you will be given access to at the time of booking.
If you would like to pay the full amount up front then this can be arranged.
What happens if I need to cancel my appointment?
I appreciate that life can be unpredictable and get in the way. So that I can offer my time to other clients, I ask that if you can’t make your appointment, you reschedule as soon as possible by phone or email no less than 24 hours before the session. A flat cancellation charge of £50 will be levied on any cancellations made after the 24 hour cut off.
If we are working together online (via Zoom, FaceTime, Skype etc) then it is your responsibility to have a working internet connection for our sessions. You will be charged a cancellation fee for scheduled sessions if I am waiting for your call, but you are unable to connect online.
Thank you for your understanding.