Initial Consultation
Your first session typically lasts 60–90 minutes and is primarily exploratory. The practitioner will conduct a detailed health history covering your primary health concerns, family medical history, digestive symptoms, energy patterns, food preferences, and lifestyle factors (sleep, stress, exercise, work environment). They may ask about past diets, food cravings, mood changes around certain foods, and how you respond to different eating patterns. Some practitioners use questionnaires or assessment tools to identify patterns. This is not a diagnosis session—rather, it establishes a baseline understanding of your unique situation and identifies potential areas of investigation.
Treatment
Functional Nutrition sessions focus on education and personalised dietary recommendations rather than prescriptive "diets." The practitioner typically reviews your food habits, asks you to keep a detailed food and symptom diary, and explores connections between what you eat and how you feel. Based on initial findings, they may suggest eliminating or adding specific foods to observe responses, or recommend nutrient-dense whole foods that align with your goals and biochemistry. Sessions often include practical guidance on meal planning, shopping, food preparation, and strategies for navigating social eating or workplace challenges. The emphasis is on sustainable, habit-based changes rather than restriction or perfectionism. Some practitioners may recommend functional lab testing (microbiome analysis, nutrient levels, food sensitivity screening) to inform recommendations, though these are not always necessary.
After Treatment
You typically leave with a personalised dietary framework, practical handouts, a food diary template, and clear next steps for self-observation. Many practitioners encourage you to notice changes in energy, digestion, mood, or symptoms over the following 2–4 weeks. You may be asked to track your experience and return with observations. The practitioner may also suggest gradual dietary shifts rather than dramatic overhauls, recognising that sustainable change takes time.
Follow-up Sessions
Follow-up appointments (usually 30–45 minutes) occur every 2–4 weeks initially, depending on your needs and the complexity of your situation. These sessions review your experiences, troubleshoot challenges, adjust recommendations based on your feedback, and build on initial changes. As your plan stabilises and you develop new habits, sessions may space out to monthly or quarterly check-ins for ongoing support and refinement. The overall trajectory is toward greater independence—the goal is to empower you with knowledge so you eventually manage your dietary choices confidently without ongoing guidance.
