• How do you meet with clients online?

I (Corissa) use the Practice Better app, an electronic medical records provider that securely hosts all client information. I chose Practice Better because it is a client portal. It is free for clients to set up their portal. Initially, clients get an email to create a portal account, and all communication occurs within their portal. All messaging and information shared, like protocols, recipes, chat messaging, and sharing initial forms, are in a HIPAA-compliant platform. Clients can electronically sign your client agreement; consent to treatment; telehealth consent; financial agreement, cancellation policy, and credit card agreement. No more printing and signing and scanning or taking a picture back. It's much more user-friendly. You will sign within their portal with a few clicks. They can also fill out their intake form in their portal.

• What type of nutritionist are you?

I (Corissa) am a clinical and integrative nutritionist. The integrative part means I look at the whole person’s mental, physical, social, and emotional well-being; it’s a biopsychosocial approach. I ask questions about food intake, sleep and movement habits, and your lifestyle. As a clinical nutritionist, I focus on disease prevention and management and provides a nutrition assessment and nutrition diagnosis, which is not a medical diagnosis. I received my first Masters degree in Nutrition and Integrative Health (MSNIH) from the Maryland University of Integrative Health with a concentration in human clinical nutrition. Read more about my work as a nutritionist by clicking here!

• What is medical nutrition therapy?

Medical Nutrition Therapy is a therapeutic approach to treating medical conditions that includes personalized nutrition assessments, including nutrition diagnosis, nutrition counseling, and nutrition and lifestyle recommendations like in a protocol, and includes the care clients receive from nutritionists and dietitians. 

Key aspects include:

1. Individualized Assessment: Evaluating the patient's nutritional status, medical history, lifestyle, and dietary habits.

2. Personalized Nutrition Plan: Developing a custom diet to address specific medical conditions and nutritional needs.

3. Therapeutic Food And Meal: Implementing dietary modifications to support health and medical treatment.

4. Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups to adjust the nutrition plan and ensure effectiveness.

5. Patient Education: Teaching patients about their dietary needs and providing practical guidance for sustainable lifestyle changes.

MNT is used to manage various medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney disease, and obesity, aiming to improve health outcomes and quality of life.

• What is health and wellness coaching?

Coaching is about helping you learn what you want and need to achieve your goals. We will always focus on deepening your understanding and helping you move forward. The focus of coaching is on the present and the future. Coaching is not therapy; I (Corissa) do not provide advice as a coach though I may guide you as a nutritionist if you are in a state where I can provide nutrition counseling. There may be instances where I refer clients to therapy or other trusted practitioners and coaches, so your needs are met. Read more about my approach to health and wellness coaching by clicking here!

• What is the benefit of health and wellness coaching?

Coaching is about you as a whole person: your health and wellness, strengths and values, and personal exploration and chosen direction(s). I (Corissa) work with motivated individuals like you to develop their definitions of success. Through the process, clients typically reach goals, deepen learning, improve performance, and enhance their quality of life. I look forward to collaborating with you to help you achieve your goals, dreams, and wellness vision. Read more about the benefits of health and wellness coaching with me by clicking here!

• What are your credentials?

I (Corissa) hold two master’s Degrees, one in nutrition and integrative health and one in health and wellness coaching. I am a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), obtained in August 2023. I am a Certified Nutrition Specialist Candidate awaiting approval of my 1000 supervised hours.

• What is a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC)?

An NBC-HWC is the gold standard of certification in health and wellness coaching. Coaches undergo NBHWC-approved training at a training institution, and master health and wellness coaching by passing a practical skills assessment which assesses coaches’ coaching ability where board-certified coaches listen to a recording of the coach during a coaching session. Then the coach conducts a minimum of fifty coaching sessions lasting twenty minutes or more each. After candidates’ education and coaching log of fifty sessions is approved candidates then pass a board exam. The board exam is provided by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and is a one-hundred and fifty multiple choice questions in a three-hour timed test that is proctored. After passing the board exam health and wellness coaches become board certified (NBC-HWC). To maintain my credentials as an NBC-HWC, I must obtain thirty-six continuing education credits every three years in health and wellness coaching. Additionally, I as an NBC-HWC, maintain the highest moral and ethical standards and abide by the NBC-HWC code of ethics.