Holistic Health is a wellness approach that sees the body, mind and spirit as one entity. Additionally, each person is supported according to his or her unique nutrition and lifestyle goals. One person's food may be another person's poison and therefore, everyone’s program is different.

As a holistic health counselor, I often get asked the question, ”What is the difference between a holistic health counselor and a nutritionist or a registered dietician?” First, many nutritionists give their clients a list of foods to avoid. They think that in the name of health and wellness people accept giving up their favorite foods.  A holistic health counselor will work with a client to create an easier transition by using a method called “crowding out.” This means that as people gradually incorporate more nutrient-dense foods into their diet, their taste buds will change and their body will crave the healthier foods. With this method, the old favorites are never taken away; they simply diminish from everyday use or often disappear.

Secondly, a holistic health counselor understands that satisfying relationships, enjoyable exercise, a fulfilling career and a spiritual practice are also essential forms of nourishment. These combined elements are called Primary Food. These lifestyle areas are discussed and worked on with a client because if one’s Primary Food is not satisfying and fulfilling than most likely the food on the plate is out of balance as well. I teach the client to understand how food affects the body on different levels—how it affects one’s mood, energy and spirit in order to make better choices.  Lasting life changes are made through the process of goal setting, trying new and delicious nutrient dense foods, and a thorough education on the therapeutic uses of food.  This combined with understanding issues around emotional eating and Primary Food, is what sets the holistic approach apart from other methods.

Holistic health counselors are educated in all dietary theories and can counsel any client, ranging from meat eaters to vegans and anything in between. This style is a true hands-on approach and each counselor offers varied services within his or her practice. For instance, I help people learn how to find new, exciting, tasty and easy ways to prepare healthy food. I do this by supplying recipes, information and cooking classes. Other counselors may add body or energy work in their practice. In addition to counseling individually, I counsel groups such as parents, to support them in being role models for their children. I also lecture on various topics within corporate settings so that employees may benefit from the information and learn preventative care. This saves the corporation money in health care expenses, worker’s compensation, and productivity loss. In addition many health care plans will offer a deduction in rates to corporations who participate in these types of lectures because they know that in the long run they will be spending less on health care distributions.

Could one conversation change your life? The only way to fully understand how it works is to have an initial health consultation. We will discuss your health history, your concerns and goals, as well as what you have always imagined for your life. It could very well be a turning point in your life. Are you in?