Angela Magdalena Fruhner
MSNCHP, LMHC, RDN, CD, CLT
Philosophy of Care
There's no denying that there's a time and place for conventional approaches. Yet sometimes these options do not fully address the underlying root causes of our concerns. From time to time, this may lead to the use of short-term solutions that mask issues, potentially causing unhelpful side effects and/or added trauma.
In order to promote true well-being and prevent future issues, it's important to also address the many factors that contribute to our quality of life from the roots up.
I have a focus in individualized, integrative, and functional well-being in order to empower people to achieve their desired short and long-term goals.
My hope is to assist you in discovering what works best for you so that you may implement effective tools in your path towards well-being in a compassionate, methodical, and deeply-rooted way.
Education & Credentials
BS: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics & Minor in Dance from California State University Long Beach
MSNCHP: Master of Science in Nutrition and Clinical Health Psychology from Bastyr University
LMHC: Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State
RDN: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
CD: Certified Dietitian in Washington State
CLT : Certified LEAP Therapist (food sensitivity specialist) through Oxford Biomedical
EMDRIA Certified Therapist ™ : Certified in EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) for trauma processing through EMDR International Association
Currently working on Integrative & Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner (IFNCP) training program through the Integrative & Functional Nutrition Academy (IFNA)
Areas of Focus & Experience
My Backstory
Growing up as a dancer, I wanted to learn how to enhance physical performance by studying nutrition and dance at California State University, Long Beach during my undergraduate career.
After my first experiences with nutrition counseling, I realized that there is so much more to food than nutrients, calories, and willpower. Food is immensely personal. It's connected to tradition, culture, trauma, mental/emotional health, coping skills, access to resources, genetics, allergies/sensitivities, body image concerns, media trends, diet culture, etc.
As I was awakened to the significant role that psychology plays in nutrition, my mission became to integrate these components by pursuing a master's degree in Nutrition and Clinical Health Psychology at Bastyr University (a naturopathic & alternative medicine school near Seattle, Washington). This program validated the importance of mental health and nutrition in our overall well-being and equipped me with the foundation of knowledge and skills to start my career as a nutrition and mental health counselor.
To complete both my mental health and nutrition licenses, I interned and worked with Sea Mar Community Health Centers serving diverse, low-income, and marginalized populations. My experiences in community health not only provided me with grounding in my counseling approaches, but also challenged my beliefs about the nature of our society and healthcare systems, opening my eyes to the impact that trauma and sociological factors inevitably have on our health as a whole.
After completing my licensure requirements and continuing to hone my skills at a group practice (Eastside Counseling Center in Kirkland), I decided to start my own virtual practice to be more accessible to a wider population. Over the course of private practice, I have received additional certification and training in EMDR therapy and somatic techniques to help people process the underlying traumas that impact their core beliefs about themselves. Leveraging my unique set of skills to truly integrate the connection between mental health and nutrition, I will support you in your mission to cultivate genuine healing.
Want to explore the roots of your concerns?
Schedule a FREE consultation!
