Looking to learn more about working with us? Check out our FAQ’s to get a bit more acquainted. If you’re looking for more information, please contact us today and we’ll be happy to connect with you personally!
What can I expect at my first visit?
When you first arrive, we will take a few minutes reviewing your new client paperwork which will be emailed to you prior to your appointment and will collect your copayment or payment for the visit (if paying privately or using an out-of-network insurance).
From there it’s about us getting to know each other! We’ll discuss what you are looking for help with and your dietitian will ask further questions around your concerns, eating patterns, and health history. After this review, we will discuss what our work may be like if you decide to pursue further visits. The session should be as relaxed as possible and be about getting comfortable. We appreciate that it may feel hard to share a lot with someone that you just met and we strive to foster a nonjudgmental space that will set the tone for our relationship and “Team You” mentality we hope will grow in our work together. At the end of the visit we can schedule additional appointments, or you may take some time to think about your needs and reach back out if needed.
Will insurance cover my visit?
Both Liz and Ashley are within network with several large insurance companies and often plans offer coverage for medical nutrition therapy. We are happy to submit claims on your behalf to insurances that we are within network with and for some out-of-network insurances on a case-by-case basis. Please review our Insurance Check List for visits with Ashley or Liz so that you may call your insurance and learn about the benefits on your plan. We do our best to support our clients in learning more about their insurance plan, but ultimately this responsibility falls to the individual client. The focus of our work and energy is best served supporting our clients’ health and well-being, not keeping up to date with the ever-changing insurance plans on the market.
What is the best way to get in touch with you?
We recommend email for our primary source of communication. We know that playing phone tag is frustrating and we want to make connecting with us a stress-free process! We have found that often it can be easier to schedule appointments and field questions via email, rather than trying to catch someone on the phone at the right time. We are happy to connect live but recommend emailing us first to set up a mutual time that works for a confidential call. We also do our best to keep an up-to-date website to answer your initial questions prior to reaching out for scheduling.
How do I find you?
We are in suite 134C in the lovely 1 Richmond Square building in Providence. There is plenty of free parking around the building and just across the street. When you arrive, please come through the main entrance. You’ll see the front desk on the right, you may check in there for an appointment with suite “134C” or you may walk down the small hallway just to the right of the front desk. There is a waiting room on your left just after you pass the restrooms on the right. Please take a seat and wait for your dietitian to greet you for the time of your visit. If you arrive early there is a wonderful café in the main lobby if you’d like to grab some refreshments prior to your appointment.
Why do you recommend parent coaching for family and pediatric nutrition concerns?
There is robust research to support that parent modeling and feeding approach will have the greatest impact on children’s health, well-being, and relationship with food and body. Although we love to have kiddos in our office, we are thoughtful about what is discussed in front of children and follow the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines to avoid exposure of children to discussions of weight body size, and dieting.
For children under 13 years of age, we typically recommend ongoing parent coaching for our work together. Of course, we aim to model flexibility and are open to learn more about your family and concerns at an initial visit and may have children under age 13 join for visits on a case-by-case basis. If your child is diagnosed with an eating disorder or struggles with picky eating and is under 13 years old we may recommend your child attend the first visit and ongoing visits depending on treatment approach. During the scheduling process we will learn more about your needs and will advise you at that time if you should anticipate bringing your child to the initial visit. Please contact us if you have any additional questions.
What does intuitive eating really mean and how do I know if I’m ready for it?
At From the Heart Nutrition, we follow a non-diet, intuitive eating approach to wellness. We understand that weight loss is a common reason for many people to reach out to a dietitian. However, for many people that start the journey for weight loss, it ends in yo-yo dieting, negative body image, frustration, and increased stress around food. We are not here to start people (or send them further!) down that path.
Intuitive eating is an evidenced-based practice that gets eaters reconnected with their internal cues including hunger, fullness, taste, cravings, and self-care needs. Research supports that intuitive eaters have a decrease in weight (although not the goal and this does not occur for everyone), triglycerides, and thin idealization and an increase in well-being, HDL (good) cholesterol, and self-esteem.
So how to know if you are ready… if you reflect on your own experiences with your body and diets, do you feel tired of feeling like you’re not “trying hard enough”? Do you want to clear some of the mental space filled up with diet rules and get to know what really feels good for you? Do you want to feel more confident in how to feed yourself and care for your body in a way that is authentic to you? These are all good places to start, and we are ready to meet you where you are!