What It Looks Like Working with a Trauma-Informed Dietitian

In a world where diet culture and restrictive eating practices are often normalised, trauma-informed nutrition care offers a refreshing alternative. At our practice, our dietitians specialise in working with individuals who have experienced complex trauma, neurodivergence, rejection sensitivity, eating disorders, and those with a Persistent Desire for Autonomy (PDA) profile.

What is Trauma-Informed Nutrition Care?

Trauma-informed nutrition care recognises that many people's relationships with food, body, and health are deeply influenced by past experiences, particularly traumatic ones. Rather than focusing solely on what you eat, trauma-informed dietitians consider how your life experiences shape your relationship with food.

A key principle of our approach is that we assume trauma may be present without requiring you to disclose or "prove" it. This creates a safe space where healing can begin without the burden of justification.

Core Principles of Our Trauma-Informed Practice

Presuming Trauma Without Requiring Disclosure

Our dietitians understand that trauma is common and its effects on eating behaviours are significant. We don't require you to share your trauma history to receive appropriate care. This approach:

• Removes the burden of disclosure
• Prevents re-traumatisation
• Creates universal safety in our practice

Prioritising Autonomy and Choice

You are the expert on your own body and experiences. Our dietitians:

• Offer options rather than mandates
• Respect your decisions even when they differ from conventional nutrition advice
• Collaborate with you rather than prescribing to you
• Recognise your right to set boundaries and pace your own healing

Harm Reduction Approach

Instead of pursuing "perfect" eating habits, we focus on reducing harm:

• Meeting you where you are without judgment
• Celebrating small steps toward healing
• Acknowledging that sometimes survival strategies around food served an important purpose
• Prioritising emotional safety in the nutrition care process

Neurodiversity Affirming Practice

Our dietitians understand neurodivergence and how it impacts relationships with food:

• Accommodating sensory preferences without judgment
• Recognising food as self-regulation
• Understanding executive functioning challenges around meal planning and preparation
• Adapting communication styles to meet your needs

Anti-Oppressive Framework

We recognise that systems of oppression impact access to food, body image, and health:

• Challenging weight stigma and diet culture
• Acknowledging food insecurity and barriers to access
• Considering cultural and religious food practices as valuable
• Understanding how marginalisation stress impacts eating behaviours

Gender-Affirming Care

Our practice welcomes and affirms all gender identities:

• Using appropriate names and pronouns
• Understanding how gender-affirming care might impact nutrition needs
• Recognising how gender dysphoria can affect body image and eating

What to Expect in Your Sessions

Working with a trauma-informed dietitian looks different from conventional nutrition counselling:

1. Collaborative goal-setting: We'll work together to determine what healing means for you, rather than imposing external standards.
2. Flexible approaches: We recognise that traditional meal plans or food logging may be triggering for some clients and adapt accordingly.
3. Integration with your care team: With your permission, we work alongside your therapists, doctors, and other providers to create comprehensive care.
4. Skills beyond food: Sessions may include coping strategies for food-related anxiety, mindfulness techniques, and practical meal support.
5. Celebration of all progress: We recognise that healing isn't linear, and every step forward deserves acknowledgment.

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Who Can Benefit from Trauma-Informed Nutrition Care?

While our dietitians specialise in complex presentations, trauma-informed care benefits everyone. We commonly work with individuals experiencing:

• Eating disorders and disordered eating
• Food anxiety and phobias
• Chronic illness requiring dietary changes
• Autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent experiences
• Complex trauma histories
• Rejection sensitivity
• PDA presentation
• Adjusting intake for sports performance

By embracing trauma-informed principles, our practice creates a space where healing your relationship with food becomes possible, not through rigid rules or shame, but through compassion, understanding, and respect for your unique journey.

Whether you're ready to schedule an appointment or simply exploring your options, we welcome you exactly as you are.

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