Certified Mental Health & Nutrition Clinical Specialist (CMNCS)
Clinicians are told that the gut is our 2nd brain, holding keys to our overall wellness, contributing to inflammation throughout the body, and significantly impacting our energy and mood. However, the brain and gut are still treated completely separately in our medical system, and mental health professionals are not traditionally educated further on how we can use what we know about the gut to help client's overcome concerns.
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Ultimately, that was not good enough for me. If there is a part of the body that has a significant impact on people's mental health - I wanted to learn a lot more about it. So I did. After completing coursework covering Integrative Medicine, Functional Health, Nutrition Psychology, and Mental Health Nutrition- I became fully certified as a Certified Mental Health & Nutrition Clinical Specialist (CMNCS).
A few things we know:
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Your gut microbiome is completely unique to you, just like your fingerprint, and is directly impacted by your environment, diet, and medications
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All of the neurotransmitters in your body (which help move messages throughout our system informing everything from our heart rate to digestion) are made in your gut​
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If we aren't eating, moving, or sleeping in the way that our body needs, it can disrupt our endocrine system (increasing cortisol, the "stress hormone") and even trigger our fight/ flight/ freeze response
Optimizing how we care for our gut can decrease inflammation throughout your system and improve cognitive functioning
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Offerings
Mental Health Nutrition & Therapy:
I believe that when you -a whole person- take the big step of starting therapy, you should be treated as the whole person that you are. It seems silly to think that we can treat the brain and body completely independently and achieve the inner-balance that we seek, so I incorporate education about both in my work with clients.
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While I am not a dietician or nutritionist, I have completed specialized training on the gut-brain axis and help client's understand how they can better support their mental health healing by also considering their diet, movement, sleep, and energy. This service is available to all clients, but is completely optional. If client's are interested in Mental Health & Nutrition, we will discuss their metabolism, biological rhythms, hormones, digestion, nutrition, and how food impacts their mental health.
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1-3 Session Skill-Building Support:
Are you actively working with a gut or nutritional specialist? That’s a fantastic step toward improving your overall wellness, and I’m genuinely proud of you for prioritizing your health in this way. Addressing gut health concerns is an essential component of mental wellness, as the gut and brain are deeply connected. However, as I learned on my own gut health journey, the benefits of gut-focused interventions can take time to emerge. So, what can you do in the meantime to support your mental health?
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I collaborate with individuals (just like you!) who are on a gut health journey, and I work alongside gut and nutritional specialists, offering short-term mental health support designed to complement your existing treatment plan. These sessions will focus on:
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Nervous System Regulation: Learn all about your nervous system, which plays a vital role in digestion and emotional balance, and discover techniques to self-regulate and recenter.
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Stress Reduction Techniques: Master tools -such as mindfulness practices, breath-work, and other self-regulation techniques- that support the gut-brain connection and your healing process.
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Holistic Support: Experience care that bridges the gap between mental and physical health, as your provider and I work collaboratively ensure you feel supported on every level.
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My approach bridges the gap between mental and physical health, recognizing that both are interconnected and equally important. By addressing your mental health alongside your gut health journey, you’re setting the stage for lasting improvements in both areas.
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If you’re ready to take your next step toward holistic wellness, I’m ready to help! Let’s work together to ensure that the hard work you’re putting into your gut health yields the transformative results you’re seeking.
