A nutritional therapist uses evidence based nutrition and lifestyle stratergies to identify and correct imbalances. Our approach is holistic, seeing symptoms and the body’s systems as connected. Recommendations are personalised to your unique needs.

A very wise question as these terms are often confusing. 

Dietitian

Dietitians are required to have a degree in dietetics or a postgraduate qualification in dietetics. They generally work in the NHS but can also see patients 1 to 1. Only dieticians can diagnose health conditions and treat very ill hopsitalised patients such as those with advanced liver disease, kidney disease and conditions that require tube feeding. The term ‘dietitian’ is protected and a dietitian must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Nutritionist

‘Nutritionist’ is not a protected term which means anyone can call themselves a nutritionist even if they have only done a day course. Appropriately qualified nutritionists will be registered with the Association for Nutrition (AfN) and generally have a degree. Nutritionists tend to work within the community or in private practice.

Tip: alarm bells should ring if someone call themsevles a nutritionist and tells you that you need to detox or go on a juice fast.

Nutritional therapist

As of september 2020, nutritional therapists (NTs) need to hold a BSc degree or higher in order to register with the Bristish Assocition of Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT). They should also be registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). NTs are trained to work holistically by seeing every system in the body as interconnected. They can use diet and lifestyle stratergies as well as genetic or functional testing and supplements to optimise your health. NTs mainly work in private practice seeing clients on a 1 to 1 basis or doing group work. 

NTs get a lot of flack for being ‘woo woo’ and not evidence based which is not true. During my 3 year degree safety and being evidence based was hammered into me and I cannot tell you how many journal articles I have read and citited whilst researching and writing for assigments and clients. 

• I have a first class BSc honours degree in Nutritional Therapy from the Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION), validated by Portsmouth University 
• I am a member of the British association for nutrition and lifestyle and medicine (BANT). Reg no. FRI1008604
• Prior to my degree I completed a clinical nutrition diploma – distinction 

Yes. I am registered member of the British association of nutrition and lifestyle medicine (BANT) and I am registered with the complementary and natural healthcare council (CNHC). 

Yes. If any symptoms need further investigation I will refer you to your doctor. I can also write to your GP and request testing were appropriate. 

We also have the option to use private testing labs if needed. 

Yes. If appropriate we can use stool, saliva, urine and blood testing to help us uncover imbalances and/ or nutrient deficiences contributing to your symptoms. 

Please note these tests do come at an additional cost. 

My aim is to primarily focus on food first but where appropriate I do recommend supplements. Supplements are suggested on a case by case basis.

I work with adults experiencing digestive issues (such as IBS, bloating, constipation or diarrhoea), skin concerns (including acne and eczema), fatigue, food sensitivities, and symptoms related to hormone imbalance. My approach focuses on gut health, skin health, and overall wellbeing.

The following conditions are beyond my scope of practise as a nutritional therapy practitioner. 

• Active or recent cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• Deep depression and/ or suicidal ideation
• Eating disorders
• Epilepsy

The above conditions are best managed by a multi-disciplinary team which may include medics, dieticians and psychiatrists.

No. As a nutritional therapist, I do not diagnose or treat medical conditions.

My role is to provide complementary healthcare, using a functional approach to explore potential underlying causes of your symptoms. The focus is on optimising your health through personalised nutrition and lifestyle recommendations.

Where appropriate, I may suggest that you speak with your GP for medical testing or referral to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist. 

Absolutely not. Whilst I do encourage a colourful wholefood diet I also advocate for food to be as much about joy as it is about nourishment. 

There is a misconception that nutritionists are all vegans who live off kale smoothies. I eat meat, I drink wine, I eat chocolate.

When working with you I will always consider your likes and dislikes. We’ll find recipes and food options that work for you. 

Not everyone needs to avoid dairy or gluten. Whether removing these foods is appropriate depends on your individual case history, symptoms, and health goals.

For example, I personally follow a dairy free and gluten free diet due to non-coeliac gluten sensitivity and lactose intolerance. I’ve also found that for me, dairy triggers eczema flare-ups. However, this is not the case for everyone.

Some people experience non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, and certain autoimmune conditions may benefit from a gluten free diet. This decision will always be personalised rather than applied universally.

Dairy is often labelled as “inflammatory” but this is an oversimplification. Not all dairy products are the same. Ultra processed dairy foods such as ice cream, Dairylea Dunkers, and Müller Corner yoghurts are likely to promote inflammation. Ultra processed dairy and conventional cow’s milk have also been linked to acne. In contrast, fermented and minimally processed dairy products such as kefir and Greek yoghurt contain beneficial bacteria and postbiotics that support gut health and are not associated with acne.

In practice, I focus on food quality, individual tolerance, and symptoms rather than eliminating entire food groups unnecessarily. 

I am based in Winchester, UK.

Consultations occur over online, generally via Google Meets. 

As an autistic person I find phone calls the most challenging form of communication. It is far less stressful for me to be able to process and articulate my thoughts via email, or if needed a video call. 

Yes. I was officially diagnosed July 2025 after a mulitple meltdowns and panic attacks that led to what I can only describe as a breakdown, followed by burnout. Not so fun times. 

I am very passionate about advocating for neurodivergent people.