Functional Nutrition Counseling FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working with Denise Christenson, CFNC, at Nourish & Thrive LLC. Do not see your question? Call or text 234-759-9970.
What is functional nutrition?
Functional nutrition is a personalized, root-cause approach to wellness that looks at the whole body, not just symptoms. It considers how your biology, lifestyle and eating habits work together, then uses food, daily habits and natural support to help your body rebalance.
Is a functional nutrition counselor the same as a dietitian or a doctor?
No. Denise Christenson is a Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor (CFNC) trained through the Functional Nutrition Alliance. She does not diagnose or treat medical conditions. She offers nutrition and lifestyle counseling that works alongside the care you receive from your doctor.
Are sessions in person or virtual?
Both. One-hour sessions can be held in person or by video. In-person sessions are private, after-hours appointments at our office at 590 E. Western Reserve Rd., Building 5, Poland, OH 44514. Virtual sessions happen by video call from your phone, tablet or computer: you receive a link by email and simply click it at your appointment time, with nothing to install. The free 20-minute consultation is a phone call.
When are free consultations available?
Free 20-minute phone consultations are available Monday through Thursday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. and Fridays from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. You can pick an open time online or request a call back with the form.
What happens in the free 20-minute consultation?
The free consultation is a one-to-one phone call to talk through your health goals and concerns, explain how functional nutrition counseling works, and decide together whether it is a good fit before you commit to anything.
How many sessions will I need?
Many clients start with the Premium Case Review: a free consultation, a one-hour health history session, a one-hour nutrition consultation and a follow-up. In some cases that concludes the work. For more complex situations, continuing packages of three or six one-hour sessions are available at discounted rates.
Do package clients get a supplement discount?
Yes. Continuing counseling package clients receive a 20% discount on supplements, plus email support between sessions. Supplements are ordered through Fullscript.
Should I stop or change my medications?
No. Never stop or change a prescribed medication without talking to your doctor. Functional nutrition counseling is designed to complement your medical care, not replace it.
Where are in-person sessions held?
In-person sessions are private, after-hours appointments at 590 E. Western Reserve Rd., Building 5, Poland, OH 44514.
What should I bring to my first session?
A list of your medications and supplements, any recent lab results from your doctor, and your questions and goals. A few days of notes on what you eat and how you feel is helpful but not required.
How is functional nutrition different from a diet?
A diet gives everyone the same rules. Functional nutrition looks at your own history, symptoms and lifestyle to build a plan that fits you, focusing on root causes and sustainable habits.
Do you work with men?
Yes. Functional nutrition counseling is for adults of any gender.
Do you order lab tests?
No. Denise does not order lab tests, but she can use results you already have from your doctor to guide your plan.
Do I have to buy supplements?
No. The approach is food first. Supplements are suggested only when they are likely to help, and are available through Fullscript with a 20% discount for package clients.
Ready to Talk It Through?
Book a free 20-minute phone consultation. Denise will listen to what is going on and explain how functional nutrition counseling could help.