The Most Underrated Clinical Skill


Nutrition For Mental Health

MoodMatters Dietetics

Bringing you the latest information and the happenings in Nutritional Psychiatry

Hi Reader!

There’s a quiet skill that often gets overlooked in healthcare—and it's not a certification or a new counseling technique.

It’s the ability to say, "I don’t know."

As dietitians and healthcare providers, we are trained to be experts. Clients look to us for answers, and we want to feel prepared for anything they bring up.

But the truth is, no one knows everything—and pretending we do can actually damage trust instead of building it.

In reality, being willing to say, “I’m not sure, but I’ll find out,” shows:
✔️ Integrity
✔️ Professionalism
✔️ Respect for the client’s situation

Especially today, when clients are often bombarded with bold (and sometimes inaccurate) claims on social media, they don’t need more certainty for the sake of certainty.

They need critical thinkers. They need someone who models how to pause, fact-check, and seek out high-quality information.

A few ways to put this into practice:
🧠 Normalize uncertainty. Let clients know that healthcare is always evolving—and that it’s okay to ask questions together.
🔎 Share your process. When you research a claim or explore a new recommendation, explain how you’re evaluating sources.
🤝 Build collaboration. “Let’s look into that together” can make the client feel respected and involved, instead of shut down.

At the end of the day, “I don’t know” isn’t a weakness.
It’s an invitation: to stay curious, to build trust, and to practice evidence-based care—together.

I'd love to hear: Has there been a time when admitting you didn't know something actually strengthened a client relationship? Hit reply and let me know!

A Little Peek Behind the Scenes


Here’s a quick clip from our first Journal Club! Just me sharing a few thoughts — hope you enjoy the glimpse into what we’re building together.

video preview

If you’re curious about joining us for a future Journal Club session, stay tuned — I’ll be sharing updates soon!

See you next week!

Jennifer Hanes MS, RDN, LD

Fun Fruits and Vegetables: Coloring Pages for Todd ....
Hanes, Jennifer and Hanes, Alice

P.S. Follow me around the web!

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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MoodMatters Dietetics

I am a registered dietitian who specializes in nutrition as an adjunct therapy for mental health and illness. Just like you, I did not learn about nutritional psychiatry in school. The only psychiatric education we had was a general overview of eating disorders, and my preceptors flat-out told me not to worry about psychiatric medications when reviewing patients. What makes that even worse is that this location had a psychiatric unit on site! Yet, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and fueled by the hyperfocus bestowed upon me by ADHD, I delved deep in to the scientific research that my patients needed. Immersed in the diverse landscapes of numerous mental health facilities, I gained invaluable firsthand experience that illuminated the profound impact nutrition can have on mental well-being. So now I'd like to pass all this knowledge and experience on to you, fellow healthcare practitioners!

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