What is a Clinical Nutritionist for mental health?
A blog series featuring the many faces of mental health.
After two decades in mental health I am still surprised by the different jobs my profession has. I also get asked often what therapy is, what kinds of therapy there are, what’s the difference between a counselor, a psychologist, a coach, a psychiatrist, a social worker, etc., what do mental health workers actually do, and where do mental health workers work? I’ve held many different mental health jobs throughout my career, and now I’m going out and interviewing other mental health professionals to learn even more about what types of mental health care are out there so that you -whether you are seeking mental health services or are interested in a career in mental health- can get to know more about it, what resources are out there, and even get to know some of the amazing people doing this work.
Cybnthia Rossi is a Clinical Nutritionist in Tacoma, WA
Meet Cynthia Rossi a Clinical Nutritionist in Tacoma, WA
What is your professional title and business name? And how does it serve people in Washington state?
I’m a Certified Nutritionist and owner of Grit City Nutrition, LLC. As a certified nutritionist my goal is to thoroughly assess a clients' nutritional status, health issues, eating, and lifestyle habits. Then, after taking into account the clients goals, we develop a personalized nutrition plan based on their preferences and budget. My practice is weight-neutral.
Therefore, my goal is to provide every client with realistic and sustainable plans that fit their lifestyle, without using weight loss as the main focus. Our bodies already know what to do to be healthy. Nutrition therapy is simply a way to enhance the right elements by giving your body the nutrients it needs based on your unique physiology.
Where do you provide services?
I'm based out of Tacoma, WA. However, I'm currently only seeing clients via Telehealth. This provides me with the option to serve clients all over Washington State.
What kind of services do you provide? Any special populations or certifications?
After an initial intake, I typically provide weekly, or biweekly nutrition therapy sessions depending on the client's needs. My training is based on a functional medicine and integrative approach. This means that rather than focusing on the individual symptoms, the chosen interventions will focus on restoring every system in the body as much as possible.
Additionally, I'm working on an additional Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) certification with further training in mental health nutrition and eating disorders.
How does your service help people live mentally healthy lives?
The field of mental health nutrition has been exploding in the last few years. The research is there! The way we eat and our eating habits have an effect on the brain. For example, eating foods that lower systemic inflammation has shown to significantly reduce the risk of depression. In addition, several nutrition interventions have also shown to increase the effect of antidepressants. Therefore, at my practice, we focus on making sure the body has all the nutrients it needs to make all the neurotransmitters, we do everything we can to reduce overall inflammation, and implement lifestyle habits that support a happy brain.
What kind of people do you love working with?
I absolutely love working with clients looking to improve their mental health. I often tell people if I wasn't a nutritionist, I would be a therapist! So I love being able to combine the two. Additionally, I really enjoy working with autoimmune clients. They have often been ignored for years and have struggled for a long time without knowing why. There's been times when I'm the first person to have taken the time to truly listen, and that alone makes a huge difference in their lives.
What led you to this as a career?
I struggled with my own health issues for about five years before I found the power of good nutrition. Unfortunately, the health care system has many problems, so I was ignored for years or I was told I was "depressed." Sick and tired of being sick and tired, I decided to take matters into my own hands and I started reading every health book I could find, which led me to functional medicine, health coaching, and a few years later, grad school. This is why I'm so incredibly passionate about what I do. I know what it's like to be there! and I also know nutrition therapy can make such a huge difference.
What keeps you showing up for work every day?
I like to think that I had to go through my own health struggles to truly be able to help others. There are too many people suffering, thinking the way they currently feel is how they will feel forever. When in reality, their bodies are just screaming for attention. When we give the body what it needs, people feel better. Sharing that information with others and making a difference brings me absolute happiness.
What do you wish people knew about services with you?
Proper nutrition doesn't have to be hard! You don't have to give up all the foods you love. In fact, you shouldn't! More often than not, it's about adding nutrients you're missing, not taking away. More importantly, when working with me, you're the expert of your own life. I'm just here to guide and support you in ways that work best for you!
What is your favorite way to take care of your mental health?
Hiking and my pups! I'm an introvert at heart, so my own mental health starts to decline when I don't make it a priority to go outside to be in nature. I like to plan a hike with my doodles at least once a week. I also enjoy long walks in Tacoma almost every day.
How can people contact you to learn more about your services in Washington?
The best way to contact me is by sending an email to: hello@gritcitynutrition.com
My phone number: 253-254-5476
My address: Grit City Nutrition, 223 N Yakima Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98403
What is your website address or online directory link?
What are 1-3 resources or coping skills that you like to recommend for mental health?
Three skills that I generally share with clients:
NEVER skip a balanced breakfast (protein, carbs, fats) otherwise, your cortisol spikes and say hello to anxiety.
Eat regularly (every 3-4 hours)
Make sure you eat enough protein. Most people actually don't eat enough protein, or food in general to support their everyday activity level, then there are not enough resources to make all those neurotransmitters our bodies desperately need for proper mental health.
Cynthia is the owner of Grit City Nutrition, LLC in Tacoma, WA. As an integrative clinical nutritionist, She is incredibly passionate about educating people on the power of real foods, targeted lifestyle interventions, and creating an environment where healing is possible. She partners with a wide variety of adults, including but not limited to those who struggle with autoimmune diseases and GI disorders. In addition, she uses evidence-based nutritional interventions to help individuals improve their mental health and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Her practice focuses on an evidence-based, integrative and functional medicine approach to healing. By addressing the whole person and finding the root cause of health problems, rather than suppressing symptoms, the body begins to heal.
If you are a mental health professional, or provide services that support mental health and wellbeing, and would like to be featured in this series, please fill out my contact form, or you can submit a form directly at: wellness-focused business or mental health practitioner.If you are looking for a mental health provider like the one featured above, or would like to start counseling services and connect with the message above, please reach out directly to the provider above.
If you are interested in trauma or relationship counseling for women in Tacoma, WA or online in Washington state, you can contact me, Katie Lorz, for a free 15-minute consultation. I will see if I can help, and if not, I will do my best to get you to someone who can. My goal is to help you find the mental health care you need to achieve your wellness goals.
