We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rachel Dyckman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rachel below.
Rachel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
I started my practice, Rachel Dyckman Nutrition, because I wanted to be the kind of practitioner I wish I’d had when I was younger — someone approachable who could cut through all the noise around nutrition and provide guidance that’s both evidence-based and compassionate. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at eight years old, so I know firsthand how overwhelming and confusing it can be to navigate health advice, and how easy it is to fall prey to misinformation when you’re desperate for help.
My goal has always been to help people feel supported and to make nutrition practical, flexible, and realistic rather than rigid or extreme. I take a whole-body approach that considers not only food, but also mindset, stress, sleep, movement, and overall well-being — all of which play a significant role in how we feel. I love helping people feel empowered, and find an approach that truly works for their body and lifestyle.
When I first decided to go out on my own, I honestly had no idea where to start. Like many dietitians, I knew nutrition science and how to help people, but I had to teach myself everything about running a business — from creating a website and branding my practice to figuring out scheduling systems, billing, and marketing. There was definitely a steep learning curve, but each step helped me clarify my mission and the kind of experience I wanted my clients to have.
Over time, I realized that no one ever feels 100% ready and clarity comes from doing, not waiting. I also had to learn to set boundaries and value my time for my own sanity, which can be difficult when you genuinely care about helping people.
For anyone considering starting their own practice, my best advice is to stay rooted in your mission and the “why” behind what you’re doing. Build your business around the kind of support, empathy, and integrity you wish existed in your field. When you lead from a place of authenticity, consistency, and care, the rest tends to fall into place.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist and the owner and founder of Rachel Dyckman Nutrition, a telehealth-based private practice providing nutrition counseling, writing, consulting, and corporate wellness services.
While I work with a wide range of clients navigating various health challenges, one of my main specialties is gastrointestinal disorders and digestive health. I have expertise in conditions such as IBD, IBS, gastritis, SIBO, reflux, food intolerances, and more.
My interest in nutrition, and GI nutrition in particular, stems from my personal experience navigating a GI condition. When I was eight years old, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC). At the time, I didn’t know anyone else with UC, and there was little information available on the role nutrition could play in helping to manage it. I found it incredibly challenging and overwhelming to sift through all the conflicting nutrition information out there.
As a result of my experience, I wanted to become the kind of practitioner I wish I’d had when I was first diagnosed. I now serve on the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s National Scientific Advisory Committee, where I help to bridge research and patient care in IBD nutrition. It is my mission to make personalized, evidence-based nutrition guidance approachable and practical. Whether I’m working with someone managing IBD or any other health challenge, I aim to empower my clients with the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to feel their best.
I strive to make my clients feel heard, understood, and supported while guiding them toward healing. My experience being on both the patient and practitioner side of things allows me to approach care with a unique perspective that blends science with compassion. I love being able to help clients rebuild trust with their bodies and find a way of eating that supports both their physical and emotional health. I always emphasize that nutrition can be a powerful tool for healing and long-term wellbeing.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I think what has helped me build my practice and reputation in the field is my hyper-personalized approach. No two clients are the same, and my recommendations always reflect that. I take the time to truly get to know each person — their lifestyle, medical history, preferences, relationship with food, and emotional factors, to provide guidance that’s both effective and sustainable. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter meal plans or one-size-fits-all protocols. I adjust not only my nutrition interventions but also my counseling style to meet each client’s individual needs. Over time, I’ve found that many of my new clients come through referrals from current or past clients, which I truly value and appreciate.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
I think one of the most important skills for succeeding in my field beyond education and credentials, is having strong counseling skills and a solid understanding of human psychology. These aren’t necessarily areas that are emphasized in graduate school and clinical training, but I’ve found them to be crucial for building rapport and trust with clients and for helping them to make lasting behavior changes. I’m constantly reading and learning about the science of habit change and human behavior. It’s one thing to know nutrition science and tell someone what they should be eating, but to truly help them, you need to communicate effectively and guide them in putting those changes into practice.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.racheldyckmannutrition.com/
- Instagram: @racheldyckmannutrition
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racheldyckmannutrition/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-dyckman-ms-rdn-cdn-87463474
- Twitter: @racheldyckmanrd
- Other: https://share.google/8jM4ZCSQ0VR1iQYSE
