What is Trauma-informed Medical Nutrition Therapy or Nutrition Counseling? How can working with a dietitian benefit me?
Nutrition counseling is a powerful tool for improving health and well-being, but for individuals who have experienced trauma, it can be a particularly challenging process. Trauma affects every aspect of a person's life, including their relationship with food, nutrition, and body. As a result, traditional nutrition counseling may not effectively address or acknowledge unique needs and challenges of you as an individual.
That's where trauma-informed nutrition counseling comes in. A trauma-informed and nervous system-based approach to nutrition care recognizes the impact of trauma on your physical, emotional, and psychological health. Trauma-informed care seeks to create a safe and supportive environment for nutrition care which includes autonomy and choice.
In a trauma-informed nutrition counseling session, you are empowered to take an active role in your own healing journey.
A trauma-informed Dietitian works collaboratively with you to develop a personalized plan that addresses your unique needs and goals while also taking into account any trauma-related barriers or challenges.
Key Principles of Trauma-informed Nutrition Counseling include:
Safety and Trust
Safety and trust: Creating a safe and supportive environment is essential for trauma survivors to feel comfortable and open to exploring their relationship with food and their body. Nutrition Counselors will prioritize building trust and rapport with their clients and avoid any actions or behaviors that may trigger feelings of fear or anxiety.
Empowerment & Choice
Empowerment and choice: Trauma can leave individuals feeling powerless and out of control. Trauma-informed nutrition counseling seeks to restore the client's sense of agency and autonomy by empowering them to make their own choices about their health and wellness.
Holistic Approach
Holistic approach: Trauma affects every aspect of a person's life, and as such, trauma-informed nutrition counseling takes a holistic approach. Counselors may explore not just the client's diet and exercise habits but also their sleep, stress management, and social support systems.
Sensitivity & Compassion
Sensitivity and compassion: Trauma survivors may be experiencing a range of emotions, including shame, guilt, and fear. Trauma-informed nutrition counselors will approach their clients with sensitivity and compassion and avoid any language or behaviors that may be triggering or re-traumatizing. You have the right to inform your Nutrition Counselor of language or experiences that don’t work for you.
At Carmel Therapy Network, our dietitians take a trauma-informed approach to nutrition counseling to help you holistically shift your experience and relationship with food beyond typical non-sustainable 'diet culture'.
We want to help you to achieve greater physical, emotional, and psychological well-being by addressing the underlying trauma that may be contributing to feeling stuck, disordered eating habits, or other managing health concerns or diagnosis.
Our trauma-informed dietitians can help you to experience movement in your nervous system and get unstuck. With the right support and guidance, anyone can learn to nourish their body and soul in a way that promotes wellness.
Are you interested in meeting a Trauma-informed Dietitian?
Fill out a Request a consultation form and get matched with a Carmel Therapy Network trauma-informed Dietitian who is the right fit for you.
Please note due to state jurisdiction laws we are able to see clients residing in:
Indiana, Michigan, Arizona, California, and Colorado.
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