Did you notice the letters 'FNTP' after my name? They stand for Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. So what exactly is an FNTP anyway? An FNTP is a specialized practitioner who is certified by the Nutritional Therapy Association. Nutritional therapy practitioners help individuals to support their health with individualized nutrition using a holistic approach. We use deep foundational principles to help our clients achieve individualized, optimal wellness.

 

Nutritional therapy practitioners believe in six foundations of health: diet, digestion, blood sugar regulation, fatty acids, mineral balance, and hydration. I wrote about these foundations in more detail here. You'll notice that I also added sleep and movement to the list, as I think these things are crucially important to overall health as well. Without them, we cannot be optimally well.

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It's important to note that nutritional therapy practitioners are not licensed or board certified nutritionists. We do not diagnose or treat diseases, nor can we give medical advice. What we can do, however, is assist the body's natural ability to heal through targeted nutritional and supplemental support. 

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The 'functional' part of FNTP is unique to nutritional therapy practitioners who have received extensive hands-on training in the functional clinical assessment (FCA) protocol. This protocol allows FNTPs to evaluate an individual's nutritional imbalances and deficiencies at the body system and organ level using a specific hands-on approach.This is just one more tool that we can use to customize a nutritional approach that is right for you. Not all nutritional therapy practitioners have been trained in this approach. So you will see the letters 'NTP' after the name of someone who has not undergone FCA training.

 

I received my FCA training through the Nutritional Therapy Association in 2017-2018 in Boise, Idaho, where I had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful, like-minded teachers, healers, and fellow practitioners (hi, fellow classmates, group leaders, and instructors! I miss you!). I also had the pleasure of serving as a group leader for the Boise class that graduated in June 2019, and as a course mentor for one of the May 2022 cohorts.