Frequently Asked Questions

Functional Medicine is focused on understanding the underlying causes of disease. The Functional Medicine model is an individualized, patient-centered, science-based approach that empowers patients and practitioners to work together to address the root cause of disease and promote optimal wellness. It takes into account each patient’s genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors and leverages that data to direct personalized treatment plans that can lead to improved patient outcomes. By addressing root causes rather than symptoms, practitioners become oriented to identifying the complexity of disease. One condition may have many different causes, and, likewise, one cause may result in many different conditions. As a result, Functional Medicine treatment targets the specific manifestations of disease in each individual.

Functional Medicine Health Coaches can bridge the gap between a person and their doctor, helping clients better understand both their doctor’s diagnosis and their doctor’s recommendations for treatment. Implementing lifestyle changes in response to such recommendations can be daunting. Health Coaches are a key resource in a person’s support system that can keep them on track to achieve better heath and move them towards wellness rather than dis-ease. Functional Medicine Certified Health Coaches use a whole systems approach that integrates the principles of Functional Medicine, functional nutrition, eating psychology, and positive psychology. A Functional Medicine Health Coach will also be in regular contact with a person on their journey to wellness. They are there to listen to a person’s unique story and work with them on the daily lifestyle factors that significantly influence their quality of life.  Health coaches help people on the path they choose to take to improve their health. Health Coaches are uniquely trained to help people come to understand what matters most to them, and become empowered to make lasting lifestyle changes to achieve their goals.

• Coaches provide one on one proactive and personalized support to empower people to take an active role in improving their own health through lifestyle changes.
• Coaches provide support between doctor’s office visits by addressing how environmental and lifestyle factors influence the emergence and progression of disease in everyday life.
• Coaches help people explore their options for improvement and provide resources that can assist them in making informed decisions.

• Provide education on the Bredesen Protocol and ease you into your new lifestyle
• Understand your challenges and help you find solutions
• Help you adapt to the KetoFLEX 12/3™ diet that fits your tastes and lifestyle, ApoE4 status,  exercise habits, weight loss goals,  cooking/dining preferences, and doctor’s recommendations
• Help you uncover strategies to implement the Bredesen 7 which includes: Nutrition, Exercise, Stress, Sleep, Toxins, Brain Stimulation and Supplements
• Help you understand your ReCODE Report™,  and enter any further labs
  Help you to stay motivated to make small steps over time for sustained progress
• As a certified MoCA test provider I can administer the cognitive MoCA test online 
• I can generate a ReCODE Report by uploading your lab test results for those not purchasing a ReCODE report directly through Apollo Health
• I’m here to offer support for you when feeling overwhelmed
• I can save you money through diet & lifestyle support at less expensive rates than doctors **for the care that can be delivered within the scope-of-practice of a health coach
• Help you tweak, and troubleshoot your diet and new lifestyle to make this a long term joyful experience
• I work with care partners with their health goals and help them help their loved ones

• Sessions are generally 45-60 minutes in length (although an initial intake session is generally 90 minutes in length). Sessions can be conducted by video conference using Zoom, or by phone
• If you are working with me for the Bredesen Protocol and have a PreCODE or ReCODE report we will go over your report, and see where you are in regards to the Bredesen 7 lifestyle.
• Whether you are working with me for Optimal Health or the Bredesen Protocol I  work with you to identify barriers to healthy lifestyle changes
• I  offers information, with the client’s permission, on strategies to improve health
• A plan is co-created: Clients, with the coach’s help,  make a comfortable and attainable plan

• In coaching sessions, the client is the one who determines what topics will be focused on. Examples include adhering to practitioner recommendations, dietary plans, sleeping better, weight loss, developing and sticking with an exercise plan, cognitive health, performance enhancement and ways to reduce stress.

• Robbi  is a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach, as granted by the Kresser Institute ADAPT Program. ADAPT is a robust, 12-month online certification program created by Chris Kresser, M.S., L.Ac., one of the most respected Functional Medicine clinicians and thought leaders in the world.  Robbi also completed FMCA’s ReCODE (Reversing Cognitive Decline) course for Coaches. She is also currently enrolled in Dr. Bredesen’s 2.0 training for the Bredesen Protocol. Robbi is also a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach which is the gold standard in coaching. The NBHWC establishes professional standards for health coaching and measures the competencies and skills coaches need to be effective. The NBC-HWC credential signals to clients that a health coach has the skills, training, and practice needed to be a professional coach. She is also always staying up to date with learning through Apollo Health to become a master at the Bredesen Protocol.

• No. Health Coaches are not nutritionists, dieticians, nurses, nurse practitioners, or physician’s assistants. Health Coaches provide support and information so that clients can make choices and decisions that optimize a healthy lifestyle. Health Coaches do not diagnose or treat diseases or psychiatric conditions, write prescriptions, or provide therapy. Working with a Health Coach is not an alternative to seeing a doctor or licenced medical practitioner.

• Health coaching helps to bridge the gap between everyday life and doctor’s office visits. Being told what to do and having someone help you make those changes can make all the difference. Unfortunately doctors have very little time to spend with their patients, as you health coach I give you 45-60 of my undivided attention. . I’m also available via text or email.  Robbi can consult with your doctor, with your permission, and work collaboratively to achieve your desired health outcomes.

• For those interested in generating a PreCODE or ReCODE report Apollo Health has made it very simple. Go to the provided link: https://www.apollohealthco.com/solutions/ and simply follow the easy instructions. They have even included a free assessment test. Once you sign up for you test you can choose to have the labs drawn from the comfort of your home or from your local Quest Labs. It can take up to 2-3 weeks for your lab results. You will want to choose me as your health coach in Apollo Health when you sign up so I will have access to your results and help you on your journey. As always I’m available if you have any questions.

• While a report can be very beneficial on your journey to healing, and I highly recommend them,  I understand not all are able to afford or want the report. I work with many clients who are using the “End of Alzheimer’s Program” book written by Dr. Bredesen.