Q&A with Morgan Cherry, RDN LD who provides nutrition counseling services at Best Within You Therapy & Wellness
We are continuing our meet the team series with Morgan Cherry! Morgan is a licensed dietitian nutritionist with significant experience working with people struggling with eating disorders and body image concerns. She provides nutrition counseling to kids, teens, and adults and works with clients with binge eating, anorexia, bulimia, body image, ARFID, and stress eating. Morgan specializes in eating disorder recovery and making peace with food using Anti-diet nutrition counseling.
What is your position at Best Within You? What do you specialize in?
I am a dietitian at Best Within You! I specialize in eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image.
What does a typical nutrition therapy session with you look like?
Our initial session will be 50-60 minutes. I like to spend this time getting to know my client. We will complete a dietitian intake form that covers a bunch of questions related to eating disorder history, food behaviors, and other information. We will discuss client goals throughout our sessions together.
I think it is extremely important to meet my clients where they are at while supporting them nutritionally. Follow-up sessions can be 30-45 minutes, where we will continue to discuss goals, barriers, and accomplishments. I provide education to my clients on the importance of adequate nutrition, while also explaining the benefits of macronutrients and micronutrients. I also help clients debunk nutrition myths that they may have been taught throughout their life.
How did your educational journey lead you to this career?
In my senior year of high school, I took a psychology class and enjoyed learning about people, the brain, and eating disorders. I went to college as a psychology major and knew I wanted to have a career related to eating disorders.
I learned about a major in Nutrition from my advisor in college and thought it was a perfect way for me to combine my interests of food, baking, cooking, and helping others with eating disorders.
After completing my B.S. in nutrition and dietetics, I completed my internship and Masters combined program. Throughout the internship I was able to shadow many dietitians in hospitals, eating disorder facilities, and long-term facilities and learn more about child nutrition programs.
My first job was working in Alabama where I did contract work as a dietitian in hospitals and nursing homes. I loved this job, but I wanted to leave a greater impact on my patients and form stronger relationships. Then, I started to work in an eating disorder facility in March of 2020 – right when Covid-19 hit. I have now worked in Atlanta since 2021 specializing in eating disorders!
What do you have to say about the nutritional myths that exist within the media?
To become a dietitian you need a lot of schooling. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people on social media who are not RDs who give nutrition advice that is not accurate. It is important to remind yourself to find the source of the information you are getting. People will claim they are a nutritionist, which is not the same as a dietitian. Clients tend to read lots of information on the internet, however, it is important to know where your information is coming from! Social media is a large part of our society and it is contributing to younger individuals struggling with eating and body image. It is important to do your research before you take advice from the media.
Who would you recommend to get nutrition counseling from a dietitian?
Anyone who has a skewed relationship/thoughts with their food, exercise, or body. You do not have to have an eating disorder to see a dietitian. A lot of times people do not realize what they are doing is unhelpful or unhealthy until they start talking to someone and it is pointed out.
What are some of your professional goals/accomplishments?
It is very rewarding to watch clients leave in a better place with food and their body. I love hearing from past clients who express that they are doing well. Over the past 2 years in the eating disorder field, I believe I have learned an incredible amount from my patients.
In general, my long-term goal is to move into more private practice and see more patients.
What are you most passionate about?
In terms of the field, I am passionate about helping my clients find freedom and permission with food. I value working towards freedom and flexibility with food with all of my clients. I am also very passionate about the anti-diet movement. I do not believe that diets work and I believe we should work on our overall relationship with food instead.
What do you like to do outside of the workplace?
I love being outside! I enjoy going on walks, hanging out with friends outdoors, and exploring new restaurants in Atlanta.
Nutrition Counseling with Morgan Cherry
Thank You to Morgan for this amazing Q&A! If you are looking to stop dieting, make peace with food, and feel better about your body, then you may benefit from Morgan’s nutrition services. You can schedule a free phone consultation!