Who is the mental health dietitian?
Dorothy Perelman, RD, MHSc, BASc
Qualifications
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Registered Dietitian
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Bachelor of Applied Science in Food and Nutrition
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Master of Health Science in Nutrition Communication
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Canfitpro certified Personal Trainer
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Certified in nutritional psychology
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Certified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Experience
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Don Mills Family Health Team
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​Mackenzie Health Hospital inpatient mental health
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The Mental Health Dietitian practice
My specific expertise lies in helping people optimize their diet and nutrient supplementation to manage and treat symptoms of mental health and mood disorders, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD and bipolar disorder. I sub-specialize in providing ADHD-tailored weight management strategies for individuals struggling with meal planning and organization, irregular eating patterns and binge eating. ​
My story
​​Why did I become a dietitian? Growing up with a love for sciences, I knew that my future would land me in the health field. The only question was - where? The answer became clear during high school and university when I struggled with eating disorders and mood disorders that, unbeknownst to me, would forever change the course of how I viewed food, exercise, and health. I knew then that I wanted to pursue a field within nutritional sciences. Concurrently, I noticed how years of deleterious diets and unhealthy lifestyle habits, like undereating, undersleeping, overstressing, and overexercising, wreaked havoc on my gut, mind, and body. I couldn't eat a meal without my stomach blowing up. I was constantly anxious. I felt tired and lethargic even when I slept. I drank 6 espresso shots so my brain would function, only to feel like a robot on autopilot whose brain was in a constant fog. Enough was enough. I needed to take control of my health.
Over time (and after lots of trial and error), I self-handily began to reshape my health piece by piece. I developed a mindful, intuitive, and healthy relationship with food. I learned how to leverage diet, nutrition and lifestyle habits to support my mind, brain and body. Slowly, issues that once occupied my life slowly turned into problems of the past and I started becoming the best version of me. No, these changes did not happen overnight. But if I could do it, why not help others? And so, The Mental Health Dietitian was born.
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p.s, I love nature and photography so all the pictures you see were taken by yours truly :)
Philosophy of practice:
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​Evidence-based
I provide nutrition and fitness care using the best available scientific evidence. This means that I offer advice based on sound research from high-quality literature, such as randomized control trials and systematic literature reviews, to optimize client outcomes.
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Trauma-informed
Trauma-informed care is an approach that considers peoples’ histories of trauma and the burden that trauma has played, and continues to play, in their lives. Trauma- informed care promotes an environment where safety, empathy, and validation are paramount, allowing clients to explore their experiences without fear of judgment. I realize that physical, mental, emotional, and interpersonal trauma can have a lasting physical and psychological impact on one's health. Therefore, I aim to create a trustworthy, compassionate, supportive, and safe environment that empowers clients on their journey towards healing and growth.
Patient-centered
I prioritize clients’ unique stories, backgrounds, cultures, values, and needs when providing individualized nutrition and fitness care. As such, I collaborate with my clients throughout the entirety of their mental and physical health journeys, respecting clients' right to autonomy. I always try to work with my clients to meet them where they are at.
Integrative
I combine my comprehensive training in clinical nutrition therapy with knowledge of nutritional psychology, fitness expertise, and cognitive behavioral therapy to provide a comprehensive approach to healthcare. I focus on addressing interconnected pillars of health, including sleep, nutrition, fitness, hydration, self-care, and mindfulness, to promote total physical, psychological, emotional, and intellectual well-being.
Dietitian vs. Nutritionist
Why work with a Dietitian?
Regulated Health
Professional
Registered Dietitians are licensed healthcare professionals who are accountable to a provincial regulatory body that ensures Dietitians adhere to strict principles of professional practice and standards of care. Therefore, you can be confident that the information you are receiving is ethical, effective and sound.
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Trustworthy & Personalized Care
Dietitian is a protected title. Registered dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. Dietitians are trained to look beyond fads and gimmicks to deliver reliable, life-changing advice tailored to your objectives as well as personal needs and challenges
Specialized Education, training & Credentials
In addition to an undergraduate nutritional science degree from an accredited university and post graduate education, dietitians complete comprehensive and rigorous practicum training to meet the competencies necessary to pass the national Dietetics Registration Examination. Therefore, Dietitians are trained to provide medical nutrition therapy that is evidence-based, safe, reliable, and personalized .
Insurance
Coverage
Many Canadians have employee health benefit plans and most major insurers (seven out of ten) include dietitian services in their standard plan. I will submit a claim and bill directly if your insurance covers dietetic services.
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*DISCLAIMER: I am a Registered Dietitian, not a licensed therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. My expertise lies in the field of nutrition. While I can provide valuable support and guidance in optimizing your nutrition for mental health, it is important to note that my services do not replace the need for comprehensive mental health care provided by licensed mental health professionals. If you are experiencing mental health issues, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, or mood disorders, I strongly recommend seeking guidance from a qualified mental health therapist or psychiatrist. If you are under the care of a mental health professional, it is essential to inform them of any dietary changes or nutritional interventions we discuss during our sessions. By proceeding with nutrition counseling for mental health, you acknowledge and understand the limitations of my services and the importance of seeking appropriate mental health care when needed.