The Provider

It may be helpful to know a little about the provider at Metanoia Nutrition before you decide if it might be a good fit!

Emmy Lu Henley is a dietitian specializing in eating disorders and disordered eating. She completed her undergraduate degree at The University of Texas in Austin and her Master's degree and Dietetic Internship at Lamar University. She then worked in the clinical setting (general med, oncology, renal) in Corpus Christi, Texas for 2.5 years until she chose to approach nutrition interventions and support differently.  

She pursued her doctorate degree to expand her mental health foundation to better assist those needing nutritional therapy. Texas Tech University was an obvious choice given their wealth of expertise in addiction and recovery, with all coursework supportive of Emmy Lu's observations related to the gap seen with nutrition care. While completing her doctorate, she was a graduate student within the Center for Adolescent Resiliency and the Center for Collegiate Recovery Communities (CCRC). She was able to focus on client care related to the prevention of eating disorders,  nutrition intervention for various addictions and/or eating disorders, and also support to aid those maintaining their recovery.  Emmy Lu eventually stepped into the role as the Director of Eating Disorders at the CCRC. 

Along the way, Emmy Lu opened the doors to Metanoia Nutrition, initially part-time. She  expanded to full-time after starting her family of five and resigning from her position at Texas Tech University. You can read about her approach at Metanoia Nutrition on the ABOUT page. 

Community involvement and professional education is a strong passion for Emmy Lu. She was the founder and former President of the Lubbock iaedp (International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals) Chapter and previously coordinated two Lubbock NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association) Walks. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at Texas Tech University teaching a graduate course, Nutrition in Eating Disorders, and frequently guest lectures at other Universities on eating disorders. 

Now, what do those letters mean? 

• PhD: Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Sciences with an emphasis on Addictive Disorders and Recovery Studies. 

• RDN: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. This is a national credential that requires a 1200 hour Dietetic Internship following a Nutrition and Dietetics undergraduate degree. In 2024, a Master's Degree will also be required for this credential. A national exam must be passed following education and internship fulfillment. Continuing education is required to maintain this credential. 

• LD: Licensed Dietitian. This is a licensure to see clients as a provider in the State of Texas. Continuing education is required to maintain this credential. 

•  ***CEDS: Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. This certification was earned through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp) and indicates completion of a minimum of 2500 hours of eating disorder care (under supervision) along with completion of core eating disorder courses, passing of an exam, and letters of professional recommendation. Emmy Lu voluntarily discontinued renewing this certification.