I’m Courtenay (she/her), a Registered Dietitian

providing weight-inclusive  nutrition counselling

A photo of Courtenay Vickers Registered Dietitian sitting on a stool and smiling at the camera wearing glasses, brown hair tied back, a brown sweater and black pants

Originally from northern New Brunswick, I received my Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with Honours from Acadia University and completed my dietetic internship in Truro, Nova Scotia. I started practicing as a clinical dietitian in Calgary, Alberta working in long-term care. I then transitioned to work in a hospital setting with both inpatients and outpatients. I have experience working with patients living with a wide variety of health conditions including eating disorders, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), osteoporosis, food allergies, and more. 

I am currently living in Hamilton, Ontario where I have my virtual private practice focusing on supporting those struggling with eating disorders. I am registered with the College of Dietitians of Ontario and offer weight-inclusive nutrition services with the aims of supporting individuals to making peace with food and their bodies.

Education

Acadia University
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with Honours
Graduated 2013

Nova Scotia Health Authority
Dietetic Internship
Graduated 2014

Regulatory Body

College of Dietitians of Ontario
Licence #15248
Registered since 2018

Previous registration with the College of Dietitians of Alberta from 2014-2018

My vision is to guide and empower individuals in making peace with food and their bodies in a way that cultivates wellness and lasting recovery. I envision a world where everyone can enjoy a life free of diet culture, weight-stigma and body shame. All bodies are worthy of taking up space. All bodies are worthy of living a full and meaningful life. All bodies are worthy of making peace with food.

A photo of Courtenay Vickers Registered Dietitian smiling looking to the side of the camera leaning against a dark green door and brick wall, wearing glasses, brown hair down, a white top and black pants

All bodies are worthy.

All bodies are worthy.

My mission is to provide compassionate, weight-inclusive, recovery-oriented care to those who are navigating eating disorders or disordered eating. I am dedicated to helping people make peace with food and their bodies.

Lived Experience

We begin with honouring the lived experience of every individual. We listen first and respect the uniqueness of our clients and their stories. Their experiences are valid and deserve to be understood. 

Core Values

Collaboration

We work together with our clients on their journey to recovery, building on the foundation of their lived experience. 

Advocacy

No one should have to go through recovery alone. No one should have to defend themselves or prove they are ‘sick enough’ to access care. We are allies in navigating the healthcare system. All bodies are worthy. 

Compassion

We believe that compassion is an integral component of eating disorder recovery; an important pillar every step of the way. 

You are the expert of your own body.

Counselling Style

My counselling style is influenced by a variety of approaches. While I am committed to being a lifelong learner, here are some of the approaches I find most helpful and relevant:

  • Recovery-oriented practice, which emphasizes the client's ability to recover and thrive

  • Social justice, anti-oppression, and feminist perspectives, which recognize and work to address systemic barriers to health and well-being

  • Weight-inclusive practices and Health at Every Size®, which promote health behaviours and outcomes for all body sizes

  • Trauma-informed care, which recognizes the impact of trauma on clients' lives

  • Harm reduction, which aims to minimize harm related to disordered eating behaviours

  • Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which explores the thoughts and behaviours related to disordered eating

  • Dialectical-behavioural therapy (DBT), which incorporates mindfulness and emotional regulation skills

  • Intuitive eating, mindfulness and embodiment practices, which help support a client’s connection with their body

What is a dietitian?

Dietitians are committed to providing evidence-based food and nutrition information and can work in a variety of clinical and community settings. We believe in the power and potential of food. Dietitians take a holistic approach when working with clients to ensure an appropriate, sustainable, and enjoyable lifestyle and relationship with food.

Dietitians are regulated health professionals with protected titles. In order to use the title Dietitian, or Registered Dietitian (RD) in Ontario, a dietitian must:

  • have a degree in foods and nutrition from an accredited university

  • complete a one-year internship with rotations in clinical and community nutrition, and foodservice

  • pass a national registration exam

  • be registered with their provincial dietetic regulatory body

  • meet annual continuing education requirements 

What about ‘nutritionists’? In some provinces, the term nutritionist is a protected title that can only be used by Registered Dietitians. This only applies to Alberta, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. Learn more about the difference between dietitian and nutritionist here.

Book your free discovery call today

Let’s chat more about how I can support you with your healing journey.