Case studies: Nutritional therapist: Lucy Summers

Lucy is a self-employed nutritional therapist who works in East Sussex. She graduated with a Diploma in Nutritional Medicine in 2001 from Plaskett Nutritional Medicine College in Cornwall. She has set up and is running her own clinic. She also provides nutritional talks and workshops.

I enjoy helping people, many who have ‘tried everything’ to improve their health. A nutritional therapy diploma is essential in order to practise nutritional therapy.

In a typical working day I would see clients who I will have booked in previously for appointments. Each appointment lasts one hour. Prior to the client arriving I set up the clinic room to ensure it is clean and tidy, look at the pre-consultation questionnaire from the client and do any research that may be necessary.

I then spend time with the client to build up a picture of their current health, health goals, lifestyle, past health and current and past dietary habits. I formulate a dietary and supplement plan for the client based on this.

I recommend dietary choices for the client to correct any deficiencies or imbalances they may have. Where I feel the client would benefit from vitamin, mineral or herbal supplements, I recommend the most suitable and then advise the client where they can be obtained. If the client's case history deems it necessary, I would recommend they consult their doctor.

My role has developed, in that I now tend to specialise in specific areas such as detoxification, digestive problems and hormone health.

My advice for students and graduates who would like to get into this career is to ensure your course enables you to register with the Nutritional Therapy Council (NTC) (the regulatory body that maps national occupational standards for nutritional therapists). Also, ensure you take out insurance to practise.

The most challenging aspect of my job is to encourage patient compliance to different dietary habits than they are used to. I therefore need skills of persuasion and motivation.

The best aspects of working in this sector are meeting and helping a wide variety of people and the new and fascinating information that becomes available daily.