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NOURISHING POSSIBILITIES + EMPOWERING HEALTH!
Dietetic Therapy available in-home, in-clinic and via telehealth.
Call us on 08 8166 4700 or
Email us on enquiries@chcsa.com.au today!
Dietetics is vital for our clients as it aims to enhance and maintain their nutritional well-being, health, and overall independence in day-to-day life.
We understand that disabilities can bring forth a range of unique challenges, including specific dietary requirements, weight management, and nutritional support needs. Our dietetics sessions are centred on optimising your dietary health, function, and quality of life.
The role of Conscious Healthcare SA’s dietitians is to assess, provide guidance, educate, and empower you to actively participate in your nutritional journey. We collaborate with you to set attainable dietary goals and equip you with the necessary tools and guidance to help you achieve them. We can answer more of your questions below, just click on the plus symbol to access information.
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What is Dietetic Therapy?
Dietetic therapy focuses on the use of diet and nutrition in order to treat and manage health conditions.
This therapy is handled by dietitians, who work with clients to tailor a diet and nutrition plan that addresses their medical conditions and associated individual needs. The key aim of dietetic therapy is to improve health outcomes for clients and ideally alleviate the symptoms of their specific conditions.
With the right support and planning, dietetic therapy can be transformative for clients and notably reduce the likelihood of future health complications related to diet.
Individuals who live with a disability that impacts their diet and nutritional needs may qualify for dietetic therapy through a registered NDIS provider such as Conscious Healthcare SA. -
How Can a Dietitian Help with Weight Management?
As dietitians specialise in helping people address health conditions through diet, nutrition and exercise, they’re highly experienced in assisting clients achieve and maintain specific weight goals.
Regardless of whether you need to lose or gain weight or improve your nutrient intake, our dietitians can help you achieve these specific goals. Once you’ve accomplished those goals, they’ll then implement appropriate strategies and revised diets to ensure you’re appropriately managing your weight and/or nutrient intake. -
What Conditions Can a Dietitian Treat?
Dietitians at Conscious Healthcare SA can help manage the nutrition and diets of individuals whose ability to manage their own diets is impacted by, or results from, the following disabilities or conditions:
- Intellectual, neurological, physical, or psychosocial disability
- Autism or neurodivergent condition
- Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis
- Global development delay
- Depression
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Can a Dietitian Help Manage Diabetes?
Yes, a dietitian can help people with diabetes manage their condition through specific diet and exercise plans. In order to qualify for NDIS support regarding diabetes management, please note that support will only be provided if you can prove your ability to manage your diabetes is impacted by a related disability. For example, your diabetes is caused or exacerbated by a physical or intellectual disability.
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Can Dietetic Therapy Improve Heart Health?
Yes, it can. If a disability or condition has contributed to deteriorating heart health, a dietician can formulate a health plan that’s focused on bringing more heart-healthy foods into regular rotation. They may also suggest simple, approachable exercises that are supportive of better heart health.
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What’s the Difference Between a Nutritionist and a Dietitian?
While nutritionists and dietitians specialise in similar fields, the key difference lies in the qualifications required for both professions.
An important factor is that the field of nutrition practice is not regulated by the Australian government. This means that while people can be certified as nutritionists by different organisations, there is no legal protection over the term. As a result, anyone can potentially label themselves a nutritionist even without formal training or education.
On the other hand, dietitians and the broader dietetic profession are regulated by the government. Becoming a dietitian requires the successful completion of an accredited dietetics degree from an Australian university. This means you can rest assured that any dietitian you see is fully accredited and qualified to help you in your nutrition and diet journey. -
How Often Should I See a Dietitian?
The frequency with which you visit a dietitian will depend on your nutritional and dietary needs and how much intervention or planning is required to achieve them.
If your dietary requirements are relatively straightforward and you’re able to stick to the planned diet and exercise routines, you may only need to do the occasional follow-up. On the other hand, if you have several nutritional and dietary issues that need to be addressed over time, more frequent appointments with a dietitian may be necessary until you hit specific milestones. -
What Should I Expect During My First Consultation with a Dietitian?
The first session with a Conscious Healthcare dietitian will be focused on assessing your nutritional and dietary needs and how your disability or condition plays a role. They’ll discuss the options available to you and gauge what your personal objectives are - losing weight, improving the balance between diet and exercise, increasing the intake of specific nutrient-rich foods that you struggle with, etc.
With all the relevant information on hand and accounting for your specific disability, they’ll then map out an appropriate set of goals and a corresponding plan to get you started on your diet journey. They’ll provide you with tools and guidance to help you achieve your goals.
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How Can a Dietitian Help Children with Nutrition Issues?
There can be many causes of nutritional issues in children. These can be caused by physical, intellectual, or emotional factors. For example, a child with a physical disability and limited movement could have unique nutritional needs based on their inability to burn calories in the same way as other children.
Neurodevelopmental factors can also impact a child’s nutrition. For example, autistic children may be sensitive to certain textures or flavours. This means they avoid specific foods with nutritional profiles because the texture or flavour is genuinely unpleasant and upsetting to them.
Another factor that can impact a child’s nutrition is a sensory-related issue that impacts interoception. Interoception is an internal sensory system that drives a person’s awareness of their physical and emotional states. If a child’s interoception is impacted, they may not recognise when they’re hungry even if their stomach is grumbling and aching. Dietitians can help these children by setting schedules for when to eat so that they don’t risk under-eating, which impacts their broader nutrition. -
Where Can I Find Qualified Dietitians in Adelaide?
If you’re in need of a dietitian in Adelaide and qualify for the NDIS, Conscious Healthcare SA’s dietitians can help. They offer their services in-clinic, via telehealth, and in-home.
Our two clinics are located in the north and south of Adelaide - Mawson Lakes and Seacliff, respectively. For in-home therapy, our dietitians can travel to visit clients between Gawler, Aldinga, and Mt Barker. We also provide our dietetic therapy services Australia-wide via telehealth.
To get started with Conscious Healthcare SA, you can Refer & Book, call us on (08) 8166 4700, or email enquiries@chcsa.com.au today.
Meet Our Dietetics Team
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James Hart
Hi, I’m James, a Dietitian here at Conscious Healthcare SA.
I’m passionate about helping you achieve your health and nutrition goals, no matter how big or small. Nutrition is a vital part of our lives—we eat multiple times a day, every day—so my goal is to help you build a positive relationship with food while meeting your unique dietary needs. During our sessions, I’ll take the time to understand your food preferences, sensory perceptions, and overall dietary intake to create a plan that works for you. One of my favourite parts of the job is cooking alongside clients in their kitchens to make the process fun and practical!
My approach is friendly, warm, and empowering. I focus on what you can do, not your limitations, and use evidence-based practices tailored to your individual needs. I believe everyone has the potential to reach their goals, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. Whether we’re working on weight management, chronic conditions, or simply developing healthier habits, I aim to help you feel comfortable and confident in your skin.
I hold a Bachelor’s in Human Nutrition and a Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics from Flinders University, along with a postgraduate qualification in Sports Nutrition. I’ve worked in a variety of settings, including aged care, sports nutrition, and research, and have extensive experience supporting people with diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Crohn’s Disease, IBS, and eating disorders. As a member of Dietitians Australia, Sports Dietitians Australia, and the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, I stay up-to-date with the latest research to ensure you receive the best care possible.
Personally, my journey as a dietitian was inspired by my own experience with Crohn’s Disease, which I managed to put into remission using food alone. In 2021, I published a book called Crushing Crohn’s Medication Free, sharing my story to help others facing similar challenges. I believe in the power of food and nutrition to change lives, and I’m excited to work with you on your journey to better health.

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Esther Lim
Hi, I’m Esther, a Dietitian here at Conscious Healthcare SA.
With over 5 years of experience in both disability and private practice, I’m passionate about helping my clients achieve their health and nutrition goals in a way that feels practical, supportive, and motivating. I hold a Bachelor's in Nutrition and Dietetics from Flinders University and am a full member of Dietitians Australia. My approach is person-centred and hands-on, tailoring my support to each individual’s unique needs while making learning about nutrition fun and engaging.
I specialise in working with neurodivergent clients to expand their range of preferred foods, as well as providing nutrition support for those looking to improve their overall health and well-being. Whether it’s weight management, enteral nutrition, or working through complex conditions like eating disorders, malnutrition, or gastro issues, I’m here to help you develop the skills and confidence you need to thrive.
In our sessions, we’ll work together to create practical, evidence-based strategies that align with your goals. I enjoy working with clients aged 2 and above, and I’m committed to collaborating closely with your care team to ensure the best possible outcomes. My goal is to create a zero-judgment space where you feel comfortable, understood, and empowered to take control of your health journey.