A friendly team ready to support you
Get to Know Our Private Dietitians
Hey there – we are Fresh Approach Nutrition!
We’re a team of passionate, evidence-based registered dietitians dedicated to helping clients improve their relationship with food.
Founded by Sophie Claessens, a qualified dietitian with 10+ years of experience, we bring together expertise in IBS and eating disorder care to provide tailored, 1:1 support. Our fresh approach is holistic, compassionate, and grounded in science.
On this page, you can meet our team and get a feel for whether we’d be a good fit.
Meet our IBS and Low FODMAP dietitians
Sophie Claessens: IBS Dietitian and Founder
Sophie has always loved biology and has been hooked on nutrition since learning how the body absorbs nutrients at school. She went on to study Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Surrey. Since graduating in 2013, she has worked in the NHS across various specialities, including mental health, weight management, and general gut health.
In 2016, Sophie founded Fresh Approach Nutrition. Her mission was to offer patients more personal dietary support to improve their relationship with food for the long run. While still working part-time in the NHS, Sophie spends the other half of her time working as a private dietitian, providing clients with personalised 1:1 support for IBS and gut health issues.
Sophie’s approach combines evidence-based science with compassionate care, helping clients find practical, sustainable solutions for managing IBS and other digestive health concerns.
Sophie’s Clinical Specialties
- IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
- Digestive health
- Low FODMAP diet
- Mental health nutrition
Sophie offers both in-person and online appointments from her dietitian clinic in Bristol.
Gina Giebner: IBS Dietitian
With over two decades of experience, Gina is a highly skilled dietitian specialising in gastroenterological and digestive health. She splits her time between her NHS role and freelance practice, offering clients deep knowledge grounded in evidence-based care.
Gina’s areas of expertise include managing IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, food intolerances, and nutritional rehabilitation following bowel surgery. She takes a personalised, holistic approach, using proven dietary strategies to help clients calm symptoms, improve gut health, and feel more in control of their well-being and lives.
Known for her empathetic and practical style, Gina focuses on delivering solutions that fit seamlessly into her clients’ lives. From navigating the low FODMAP diet to addressing complex bowel issues, she provides expert guidance to help clients achieve sustainable improvements in their health.
Gina’s Clinical Specialties
- IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Digestive health
- Low FODMAP diet
Gina works with clients through online appointments only.
Meet our eating disorder specialists
Aoife McMahon: Eating Disorder Dietitian
Aoife brings her extensive experience from both NHS and private practice to support people in rebuilding their relationship with food. With her holistic approach, she combines nutritional advice with therapeutic techniques, recognising the importance of both aspects when recovering from eating disorders or disordered eating.
Aoife is dedicated to providing safe spaces for all. This includes recognising that eating disorders come in all shapes and sizes and providing neuro-affirming and trauma-informed care. She recognises the significance of acknowledging the unique ways individuals experience and process the world around them. Aoife’s dedication to inclusivity ensures that every client feels heard.
Her inclusive approach places her clients at the heart of her care, empowering them to make sustainable changes and rebuild a healthy relationship with food.
Aoife’s Clinical Specialties
- Eating disorders
- Disordered eating
- Body image
Aoife works with clients through online dietitian appointments only.
Christine Phelan: Eating Disorder Dietitian
Christine is dedicated to helping clients on their journey to recovery from eating disorders and disordered eating. Her diverse experience spans mental health nutrition, NHS CAMHS inpatient units, and adult eating disorder care. Christine is also deeply experienced in working with neurodivergent individuals to help them understand and meet their unique dietary needs.
Christine aims to create a safe space where her clients’ needs are the priority. She’s passionate about helping people heal their relationship with food and find freedom from restrictive thoughts and behaviours. Through her compassionate approach, Christine empowers clients with knowledge about their own nutritional needs, helping them navigate the overwhelming, often contradictory, messages about food and diet in our world.
Christine also has training in motivational interviewing and trauma-informed practice, ensuring clients feel understood and able to explore challenges at their own pace.
Christine’s Clinical Specialties
- Eating disorders (adolescents and adults)
- Disordered eating
- Mental health nutrition
Christine works with clients through online appointments only.
Meet our office team
Rosy Allan: Nutrition Administrator
Rosy is our Nutrition Administrator and virtual office whizz! She’s been working with Fresh Approach Nutrition since 2022 and knows how to ensure everything ticks along nicely in the background so that our clients and registered dietitians can concentrate on their appointments.
Along with running the back office, Rosy often takes discovery calls for us, so you may be lucky enough to chat with her then. Otherwise, she may be the person who responds to your emails if you need to make any changes to your dietitian consultations. Rosy is well qualified as she’s a Registered AfN Nutritionist herself, so you’re in good hands.
Rosy has a keen interest in exercise and fitness. When she’s not working, Rosy can be found walking her dog, Oskar or enjoying the wonderful nature Bristol has to offer.
We look forward to meeting you!
A fresh approach to food freedom
Why Choose Fresh Approach Nutrition?
At Fresh Approach Nutrition, we provide practical, long-term strategies to improve your relationship with food – for good! We do this by offering:
Solutions that Fit Your Lifestyle
As a private dietitian practice, we offer more comprehensive, regular, and tailored support than is often available on the NHS. We create a safe, supportive environment and have the time to listen, understand your concerns, and provide personalised solutions that seamlessly integrate into your life.
Trusted, Compassionate Support
You’ll see the same dietitian for every appointment, so you never have to repeat your story. Developing this personal relationship builds trust, which we believe is essential to support you in making those all-important dietary changes and helping you meet your goals.
Evidence Based, Tailored to You
Our foundations in the NHS mean we can use clinical knowledge and scientific dietary guidelines to form an action plan that’s completely tailored to you. Rather than strict meal plans, our registered dietitians provide flexible strategies that are easier to implement and sustain.
Still wondering if we are the right dietitian clinic for you? Read our FAQs.
Ready to Find a Dietitian and Prioritse Yourself?
Discovery calls are an important first step, helping us understand your needs and match you with the right member of our team.
We offer a free, 15-minute, no-pressure discovery call to all new patients to make sure we are a good fit. This call is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have ahead of your dietitian consultation.