As a Psychotherapist and Certified Clinical Nutritionist, I offer this service as an option to my clients. A large portion of my landmark book, Healing & Wholeness: Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Mental Health is devoted to discussing the use of nutritional support and mental health.

I'm by no means the first psychotherapist to use nutritional support. Julia Ross, located in Mill Valley, California, is probably the most well-known. Ross, a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, authored The Diet Cure and The Mood Cure, two excellent books on nutrition and mental health.

Nutrition is more than just eating right and taking supplements. Each of us has different needs that are best addressed on an individual basis. I teach my clients simple things they can do every day to take control of their health with diet, appropriate nutritional supplementation, and basic dietary techniques. My education and research background helps me to recognize important trends from the latest studies on nutrition and mental health.

How Nutrition Helps Us Feel Better

I've learned through research and experience what works - and what doesn't. For example, you may be surprised to learn that:

• Eating soy products can be detrimental psychologically for children and some adults.
• Restricting sugar and caffeine in people with depression has been reported to elevate mood.
• The most effective way to prevent postpartum depression is with prenatal nutrition.
• There are safe, natural supplements and diets that help with weight loss without going hungry.

Many mental health problems can be helped by adopting a new approach to nutrition. Optimum health starts with knowledge - the knowledge to make informed decisions that impact your well-being. I always recommend talking with your medical doctor and/or psychiatrist before taking any supplements or making any adjustments to your diet. This is because even small changes can have adverse effects for some people. For example, research has found that calcium supplements can trigger mania in some bipolar patients. Even if you have never been diagnosed with a disease or a disorder, it is a good idea to consult with your medical doctor before making any changes in your health regimen.

Where I Received My Nutrition Training and Educational Experience