We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura May-Roelse CEDRD, MA and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, can you talk to us about the impact the Covid-19 Crisis has had on your business.
The Covid-19 Crisis has altered the method of how I see clients moving from in office sessions to now 100% online sessions. This has proved to be both humbling and challenging for me. It is different. I did not understand why I felt so much more tired after doing online sessions for the day then when I saw most of my patients in person. I questioned myself and asked others also doing online sessions and it was unanimous, IT was harder and more draining of us. There were discussions about why this was but one that kept coming up was we felt less connected to the other person and did not draw any energy from sitting in the room with them. And, we all imagine that most people are feeling this way. I feel blessed that I still have a full practice despite the Covid-19 crisis and I am encouraged that my patients are remaining in treatment especially with all the devastating circumstances and all the uncertainties. I was at least partially prepared by having a small percentage of my patients using a HIPAA approved platform for video sessions so once the initial work of getting all current patients connected on this platform things are running smoothly for the time being.

What should our readers know about your business?
I was so pleased to get a second chance to speak up about my practice with Voyage Dallas. I am a Registered Dietitian that became specialized and is now a Certified Eating Disorder Dietitian and also a Certified Eating Disorder Dietitian Supervisor. I see individuals of all ages, Male or Female that suffer with an Eating Disorder. I work with other treatment providers throughout the community to create treatment teams including but not limited to Therapists, Psychiatrists, M.D.s, Teachers and Coaches. I am currently 100% online sessions at this time but will slowly be returning to my private office sometime in the summer. I hope that anyone that is struggling with an eating disorder or just struggling with their eating at this time knows that there is help and to reach out.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh I have so many favorite spots and with Dallas so sprawling there are so many choices. I would have to stick then within my area neighborhood of Lake Highlands. This is a great town within a big City considered to be East Dallas. I mostly love all the trees in the neighborhood that provides welcome greenery in a mostly concrete city and also the shade it can provide during Dallas hot summer months. Local breweries, coffee shops and local eating establishments are popping up which is so exciting to the hood and the all time most famous Dallas Arboretum is a must go to spot near and dear to my family.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have had so many incredible people in my life that have helped support, love and encourage me along my journey. I am going to start listing names knowing I will only touch on a handful of those that have contributed in ways of me becoming the clinician I am today. Jessica Setnick, Stacey Vanderwel, Elise Gordon, Jessica Callicutt, Carol Park,, Laura Roberts, Jelena Simpson, Susie Hair, Cynthia Hutchins, Meagan Rothschild, Betty Armstrong, Lucy Smith, Amanda Tally, and so many more. So many organizations have assisted my education, growth and sense of community but none as much as IFEDD (International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians).

Website: lauramayroelse.com
Instagram: @nutritionconnections
Facebook: @nutritionwithLaura