Helen Cooke
Verified Professional
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Nutritional Therapy & Functional Medicine BSc, mBANT, mCNHC
Every professional displayed on Nutritionist Resource has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
Available for new clients
This professional is available for new clients.
Available for new clients
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I’m a highly-qualified, functional medicine trained nutritional therapist specialising in the latest nutritional approaches to improving your overall health and digestion. I will help guide you through the maze of different approaches and devise an easy-to-follow, personally-tailored nutritional programme to suit your pocket and lifestyle based on the latest scientific evidence.
One of the first things you should know about me is that I truly believe food is one of life’s soul pleasures! By working together, we can develop a plan that not only best suit your health needs, but also enables you to still enjoy food (though of course dietary restrictions may be necessary at times).
Until recently I taught nutrition to a wide range of health professionals (including Bristol medical students) I combine the latest scientific thinking with over 30 years of experience of working as a healthcare practitioner.
As poor digestion lies at the root of a myriad of health conditions, I specialise in offering support and giving advise about SIBO/microbiome friendly/FODMAP diets etc. I now receive regular referrals from a Consultant Gastroenterologist. I also have considerable experience of supporting people with a wide variety of health conditions (see below).
How I work:
Initial consultations include analysis of your health history, family history, and detailed assessment of your current health, so I can understand your situation as fully as possible.
I may suggest functional testing to assess digestion/gut bacteria imbalances /neurotransmitter (stress hormone) imbalances etc., to help us target the root cause of any imbalances and create an individualised nutrition programme to help bring you back to balance.
As stress can have a major impact on health and well-being and significantly influence digestion, I may recommend relaxation approaches such as calming breathing/mind-clearing exercises are incorporated into the work we do together, but this is entirely optional.
I also see clients in Bristol as well as Cirencester and Cheltenham.
For further information please see my website www.helencookenutrition.co.uk or call 07905 383203
Training, qualifications & experience
Training, qualifications and experience
I have a nursing background and a degree in Nutritional Medicine (BSc). I have undertaken additional training in Functional Medicine/the microbiome and stress management. I also have a Masters degree (MA) in Complementary Health Studies, which will enable me to offer you guidance about incorporating these therapies into your programme as required.
I have worked in leading complementary/integrative health organisations for the last 25 years including the world renowned Penny Brohn Cancer Care charity (I was Director of Therapy for 5 years).
I’m the Nutrition Expert Board Member for the National Centre for Integrative Medicine.
I am registered with: The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council(CHNC) and the British Association of Nutritional Therapy and Applied Nutrition (BANT).
Helen Cooke MA (Complementary Health Studies), BSc (Nutritional Medicine).
Member organisations
Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
The CNHC encompasses many types of alternative therapy, including massage, aromatherapy and nutrition.
In order to be admitted to the register a practitioner must have studied to the National Occupational Standards for that profession/discipline, or have reached the equivalent of the National Occupational Standards through other relevant training or at least three years of experience and been assessed by their peers.
A practitioner must also have professional insurance and agree to abide by the CNHC Code of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.
British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT)
The British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy is the professional body for Nutritional Therapists.
There are different BANT membership classes, including Full Member, Fellow Member and Student Member.
All BANT practitioners must have met the required standards of training, be fully insured and adhere to the BANT Code of Ethics and Practice.
Accredited register membership
Accredited Register Scheme
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Nutrition topics
Information about health conditions (*)
Nutritional therapy can help enhance the well-being of individuals diagnosed with serious medical conditions, but should not take the place of medical treatment and advice. If you have been diagnosed with - or suspect you may have - any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor before starting nutritional therapy or making any major changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Fees
Additional information
Please contact me directly for the consultation fees.
Personalised nutrition/Functional Medicine inital consultation: A single appointment to set you on your path with a personalised nutrition programme. For some people this is enough to get them going to make the necessary changes – for others longer support will be required.
[This option includes around 3 hours of my time analysing, researching and completing your personalised nutrition plan]
Includes:
- Analysis of your health and lifestyle questionnaire
- Review of your 3-day food diary
- A 1 hour face-to-face or phone/Skype consultation to include a comprehensive
- Functional Medicine case history and detailed discussion about your questionnaire and food diary
- Discussion about functional testing
- A personalised nutrition plan based on the information gathered to include relevant diet and lifestyle recommendations (emailed within 3 days)
- Supplement recommendations (if required)
- Guidance notes/information sheets (as necessary)
- Suggestions of other supportive therapies (as appropriate)
Follow-up sessions
Extended follow-up sessions available on request to include stress management approaches
4-month Well-being Package
This is ideal for people who want ongoing support/motivation or for people who have more complex health issues.
- Initial consultation -
- Analysis of your health and lifestyle questionnaire
- Review of your three-day food diary
- A 1.25 hour face-to-face or Skype consultation
- Discussion about testing
- A personalised nutritional programme (given during the consultation or emailed within 24 hours)
- Supplement recommendations if required
- Guidance notes/information sheets (as necessary)
- Email or 15 minute catch-up every 2 weeks (up to x 6)
- 2 x 40 min follow-up face-to-face or Skype/phone sessions (6-8 & 12-14 weeks after initial consultation)
'Ask Helen' 30-minute phone consultation:
A 30-minute phone consultation for any nutrition related queries. Please note, this will not include a personalised nutrition plan.
Further information
*Please note, I am happy to offer a certain number of sessions at a reduced rate for people on a low wage – enquire for further details.
