A nutritional therapy consultation usually starts with an initial consultation of 60-90 minutes, followed by shorter follow-ups. Here's what actually happens, step by step, from booking through to what you leave with.
How do you book?
You can start with a free 15-minute introductory call. It's a chance to talk through your symptoms and goals, ask any questions, and check we're a good fit before committing to anything.
If after the call you'd like to go ahead, I'll send over some forms to complete beforehand, including a health history questionnaire and a short food diary. These help us make the most of the time in your first consultation.
What happens in the initial consultation?
The initial consultation runs for 60-90 minutes, online or in London. It's a conversation. We go through your health history, symptoms, cycle, sleep, stress, digestion, diet and goals, so I can understand the full picture rather than just the symptom or concern that brought you in.
I'll ask follow-up questions as things come up. This isn't a tick-box exercise: it’s about me building a full picture of your health and of how you live.
What do you leave with?
After your initial consultation, I put together a personalised nutrition and lifestyle plan based on everything we've discussed. This includes dietary priorities, lifestyle strategies, supplement recommendations where relevant, and skincare guidance if that's part of what you're working on.
The plan is a starting point, not the finished article. I've written before about why personalised nutrition is more than a meal plan, and that holds true here: understanding you matters more than the document itself.
What happens at a follow-up?
Follow-ups last 45 minutes. We review how things are going, adjust your plan based on what's working and what isn't, and address anything new that's come up. Perimenopause and hormonal health in particular tend to shift over time, so plans are adjusted rather than fixed.
Do you need testing?
Not always. Where relevant, I may suggest tests for specific markers, agreed after your initial consultation based on your goals and concerns. Test interpretation is included as part of a follow-up. Testing is never a default step, only used where it would genuinely inform your plan.
Does this replace my GP?
No. Nutritional therapy can be used alongside conventional medical care and prescribed treatments, including HRT. It doesn't replace your GP, and if you have new, severe or worrying symptoms, it's always worth speaking with them first.
Frequently asked questions
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60-90 minutes, online or in London.
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45 minutes.
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Yes, a pre-consultation questionnaire is sent to you at the point of booking your consultation, and asks for a brief health history, details of medications and supplements and a food diary.
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This depends on your goals and what we're working on. Some clients choose a single follow-up, others prefer ongoing support over several months. I will make a recommendation for the level of support that I feel best suits your needs and goals during your introductory call.
If you'd like to take the first step, you can book a free 15-minute introductory call.
You can also read more about nutritional therapy, or my support for perimenopause and menopause.
Written by Jodie Abrahams, Registered Nutritional Therapist (BANT, CNHC)
