Health Counseling

Mandy L Sergent

Health Counseling

"Mandy is an exceptional counselor, with professionalism, deep knowledge of nutrition and personal wellness."
-Kristin, teacher

"I am happy to see a health practitioner as yourself promoting much of the same holistic nutrition as you do - I have not found many medical nutritionists do this as well."
-Jane, ESL teacher

What benefits will I receive from working with you?

Former clients have reported the following benefits:

increased energy
improved digestion (less constipation, diarrhea, or gas)
better immune system
better understanding of healthy foods

What options do I have to work with you?

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling can take on a variety of forms, depending on what your needs and goals are. Counseling can range from a single session to discuss a particular diet concern, to a personalized program which takes place over several weeks.

New You Program

Sponsored in conjunction with Fit for Play, this program offers participants expert advice on diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices. In addition, you receive the support of a group of people who are going through the same challenges as you. The program consists of two steps:

Step 1: Medical Screening

* One hour physical evaluation by a Fit for Play licensed physical therapist

* One hour session with myself to assess your current eating habits and approach to diet

* Instructional session to introduce you to the fitness center equipment

* Optional testing at no extra cost that includes blood work for baseline glucose and cholesterol levels, completed by Centre Health Network, and Body Fat Analysis completed by Mount Nittany Medical Centre

Step 2: Twelve weekly group sessions

* Weekly lectures concerning relevant nutrition and fitness topics, complete with handouts and recipes

* Weekly demonstration of new exercises to kick start your workouts

* Walking program and fitness membership to keep you moving between sessions

* In class cooking demonstrations and taste tests

* Access to a monitored E-group for 24 hour on-line support from Fit for Play staff, myself, other group members, and New You Alumni.

To register, contact Traci at Fit for Play.

Community Education

I regularly teach a Whole Foods 101 class through State College Area Community Education. Check their schedule for upcoming course dates.

How are your services different from what a nutritionist offers?

Have you ever felt tired at work and decided to reach for a cup of coffee or a candy bar? Have you found yourself opening the fridge the second you get home and snacking to help calm your nerves and relax? Have you ever eaten something bad because you felt lonely or depressed? I'm willing to bet you were able to identify with at least one of these examples.

As a Holistic Health Counselor, I work with clients to help them understand how everything that happens in our lives affects what we choose to eat: our relationships, our happiness in our careers, the amount of exercise we do, and if we feel satisfied spiritually. When an individual becomes aware of those effects, they can make more conscious choices - choices that promote a greater sense of well being and a feeling that you are in control of your life and health.

I am also a advocate for helping clients make subtle, yet powerful changes that can last a lifetime. The key to lasting changes is to make sure that you aren't feeling deprived. I help clients to understand that they can have their cake and eat it too...in moderation!