NNTI’s goal is to train practitioners from the U.S. and abroad to nutritionally optimize the brain neurotransmitters that regulate our appetite, mood, energy, and sleep through the therapeutic use of targeted amino acids and dietary rehabilitation. Our methods? Virtual education and a highly individualized Skype case review process. By mastering the tailored use of amino acids, co-nutrients, and dietary therapy our trainees quickly begin to see benefits that impact a wide range of problems. Early on, they typically report amazing successes. For example, they’ve eliminated depression in post-stroke patients; relieved severe diabetes, panic disorder in teenage girls, sleep disorders of all kinds, deep grief, PTSD, and addiction to food, alcohol, or drugs, for which there is so little other hope.
To help them accomplish this, we also address the following and other associated issues:
- The need for effective alternatives to antidepressant medications
- Adrenal dysfunction
- Pyroluria
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Bipolar spectrum disorders
Qualifications
- Licensed or certified health practitioners from a variety of specialties are welcome to apply for admission to the Neuro-Nutrient Therapy Institute (NNTI).
- They must already be in practice and able to implement the NNTI strategies into existing casework.
- They will need to have had specific education in the basics of diet and nutrition or be able to take the NNTI Food Fundamentals course before or during their advanced training process (see below)
- They will need to be able to follow and document at least 20 cases and write up and submit progress notes and forms on eight that have been followed for at least a 12-week period.
How to Apply
- Email a letter describing your background and interest in this advanced training process along with your C.V. to NNTI at info@cravingcure.com.
- You will be contacted and, if your application is accepted, an admission’s interview will be set up by phone or Skype. The admission’s interview fee is $100/hour.
Training Elements
II. Assigned readings
III. Individual case consultation by phone, Skype, or email 1-2 times per month
IV. Group meetings for support, education, and case discussion (number varies)
V. Six case write-ups reviewed by instructors. The final two cases will be reviewed by and discussed with Institute Director, Julia Ross
Content Outline
Addressing Deficits of Serotonin, Our Inner Sun and Moon:
- Adult and child assessment and dosing of precursor amino acids
- Implementing alternatives to anti‐depressant drug use: trialing and tapering
- Addressing Pyroluria
- The relation of serotonin to melatonin: Treating Type I Insomnia
- Treating serotonin‐deficiency addictions e.g. to refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and cannabis
Addressing Deficits in the Catecholamines, our Natural Stimulants (Dopamine, Norepinephine, and Epinephrine):
- Assessment and dosing with amino acid precursors and other nutrients
- Treating addictions to stimulants (e.g. chocolate, caffeine, meth, Ritalin, cocaine)
Thyroid and adrenal function and other energy-generating functions and how they are linked to catecholamine deficits.
Addressing deficits in GABA, our Natural Tranquilizer:
- Assessment and dosing with GABA and GABA supportive aminos for overstress and Type 2 Insomnia
- Testing for and treating Adrenal Cortisol Dysfunction
- Addressing tranquilizer addictions (e.g. to benzos, pot, or tobacco)
Addressing the Depletion of Endorphin, our brain’s pleasure and comfort provider and pain killer:
- Dosing with DLPA, DPA, and other amino acids for emotional and physical pain intolerance
- Treating addiction to endorphin‐stimulating substances and behaviors (e.g., to chocolate and other comfort foods, opiates and other pain killers, over exercise, and other behaviors)
The Role of Diet in Neurotransmitter and Blood Sugar Optimization:
- Acquiring and assessing diet records
- Issues re: animal protein, saturated fat, and adequate calories
- Blood sugar regulating foods, amino acids, and other nutrients
- Eliminating all cravings for the new sugars, gluten, casein, and other addictive food substances
Note: If an applicant has no formal training in nutrition we provide the Food Fundamentals course (described below).
Individual Case Supervision
Trainees will meet individually once per month (or more often, as needed depending on their case load) to review case progress and expand their expertise. Each participant will need to prepare at least two cases to discuss each month, by faxing or emailing intake forms, follow-up Amino Acid Therapy Charts, and any additional material needed, ahead of time.
Certification Process
Advanced Topics
- Adult and child assessment and dosing of precursor amino acids
- Implementing alternatives to anti‐depressant drug use: trialing and tapering
- Addressing Pyroluria
- The relation of serotonin to melatonin: Treating Type I Insomnia
- Treating serotonin‐deficiency addictions e.g. to refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and cannabis
Addressing Deficits in the Catecholamines, our Natural Stimulants (Dopamine, Norepinephine, and Epinephrine):
- Assessment and dosing with amino acid precursors and other nutrients
- Treating addictions to stimulants (eg. chocolate, caffeine, meth, Ritalin, cocaine)
- Thyroid and adrenal function and other energy-generating functions and how they are linked to catecholamine deficits.
Addressing deficits in GABA, our Natural Tranquilizer:
- Assessment and dosing with GABA and GABA supportive aminos for overstress and Type 2 Insomnia
- Testing for and treating Adrenal Cortisol Dysfunction
- Addressing tranquilizer addictions (e.g. to benzos, pot, or tobacco)
Addressing the Depletion of Endorphin, our brain’s pleasure and comfort provider and pain killer:
- Dosing with DLPA, DPA, and other amino acids for emotional and physical pain intolerance
- Treating addiction to endorphin‐stimulating substances and behaviors (e.g., to chocolate and other comfort foods, opiates and other pain killers, over exercise, and other behaviors)
The Role of Diet in Neurotransmitter and Blood Sugar Optimization:
- Acquiring and assessing diet records
- Issues re: animal protein, saturated fat, and adequate calories
- Blood sugar regulating foods, amino acids, and other nutrients
- Eliminating all cravings for the new sugars, gluten, casein, and other addictive food substances
Special Emphasis Certifications
If candidates for certification would like to develop a specialty such as the treatment of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or chemical dependency, adjustments to the curriculum may be made and additional assignments and consultation offered.
Post-Certification Benefits
Recertification Requirements : Continued Growth Opportunity
- For the first three years, two new cases will be presented annually and discussed with Julia Ross or other Institute instructors whose suggestions (if any) must be followed and implementation documented in order for a practitioner to retain certification and referral status the following year. Our trainees universally find these sessions clinically invaluable.
- After three years, case write-up submissions will be required at the discretion of the Institute instructors only.
- Attendance at occasional continuing education seminars (phone or zoom) may also be required.
Program Costs
NNTI TRAINING TUITION
- Advanced Amino Acid Therapy Training, 12 months.
Tuition: $4,500.00 paid in advance or in monthly installments.
- The Food Fundamentals Course, 10 weeks.
The cost of seminars plus homework/assignment reviews: $1,125.00.
- Re-certification Costs:
1) 1-2 hour(s) annual case review $100 – 200 (for two years, or, as needed).
2) Any required continuing education seminars, $50 – 150 each.
ADVANCED TRAINING/MENTORSHIP AND CERTIFICATION IN AMINO ACID THERAPY
Next Advanced Training begins Fall, 2022.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
I. Assigned Readings, CDs, and a DVD:
- The Craving Cure (2018), Julia Ross, M.A (Primary Training Textbook)
- The Mood Cure, Julia Ross, M.A (excerpts from the forth-coming 2021 edition will be supplied by author)
- The Diet Cure, 2012 (2nd edition), Julia Ross, M.A
- CD Set: Overview with updated syllabus
- DVD on providing nutrient alternatives to antidepressants
All available at https://store.juliarosscures.com
Additional readings and other resources will be assigned throughout the course.
II. Foundations of Amino Acid Therapy:13 seminars, lasting 2¼
hours each, meet alternate weeks. (All classes are recorded for
review.)
The Assessment Process: Evaluating symptoms and history
- Recognizing and understanding deficits in Serotonin, GABA, Endorphin, Dopamine/Norepinephrine, and Brain Blood Glucose function
- To facilitate and deepen this understanding, each student will experience a personal assessment with amino acid trialing and follow-up as needed provided by an NNTI instructors
The Therapeutic Use of Individual Amino Acids:
- Selecting, Trialing, Dosing, Monitoring, Terminating, and Documenting
- Supervised dyad practice between sessions and initial practice with volunteers to build confidence
Creating a Trainee-Client Contract: A signed agreement regarding what can be expected during the amino therapy process and formal commitment to it.
Dealing with Diet: Fielding questions re vegan, vegetarian, keto and other current diet trends as a tailored diet is recommended to support the NNT process and provide an adequate nutrient supply after amino supplementation is no longer needed.
III. Advanced Topic Seminars
o Eliminating Food Cravings: The Craving Cure in Action
o Adrenal Dysfunction: Over-stress, fatigue, and insomnia
o Providing Alternatives to SSRIs
o Pyroluria and Bi-polar Spectrum issues
o Thyroid Factors: Energy and metabolic dysfunction
o Weight Repair
o Diabetes
o Eating Disorders
o Addictions: Alcohol, Drugs, Behaviors
o When and How to Research and/or Refer (e.g. for suicidality)
IV. Monthly Case-Review and Troubleshooting Sessions:
- Individual consults:1-2 hours, 1-2 times per month starting in month one and continuing until each trainee’s case-work requirements are met. Typically, this process takes 9-12 months.
- Group Support: 1-2 hours monthly (depending on size of group) starting in month six of training (after the special topic groups are completed).
V. Continuing Group and Individual Support: Available both during, and after, the training/certification process is completed.
INSTRUCTORS:
- Julia Ross MA, NNTS, Author, Director of NNTI and The Craving Cure Virtual Clinic
- Kelly Nelson CNC., NNTS. Trainee Liaison and Instructor, Lead Nutritionist and Administrator at The Craving Cure Virtual Clinic
- Guest Instructors: NNTI-certified practitioners with expertise in specific advanced topics.
FOOD FUNDAMENTALS: PRE-REQUISITE FOR HEALTH PRACTITIONERS WITH NO TRAINING IN DIETARY COUNSELING
Ten Zoom-Group Sessions
Next course begins Fall, 2022
- For psychotherapists and other health practitioners with little or no formal education in the fundamentals of diet and nutrition counseling:
- The NNTI Advanced Amino Acid Therapy course requires trainees to have an understanding of their client’s dietary needs in order to provide the guidance needed to rebuild and permanently sustain neurotransmitter health. In the past, NNTI referred potential advanced trainees with no such background to other training institutions. Now, however, we are providing this basic training ourselves!
- One of our own certified Neuro Nutrient Therapy Specialists; who is also a certified and seasoned nutritionist, has designed a course that combines the essentials of traditional eating with the strategies NNTI has developed for dealing with modern dietary challenges. This course may be taken before (preferably) or during the Advanced Amino Acid Therapy training.
- Supervised nutritional counseling with volunteers.
Course Topics:
- Dietary Counseling Basics
- Fats
- Proteins
- Carbohydrates
- Calories
- Minerals and Water
- Digestion
- Food Sensitivities
- Blood Sugar Regulation
- Food Prep Basics
What kind of practice do I need?
What is the overall time commitment?
We encourage trainees to complete their certification process within a year. Initially, trainees will need to spend time listening to two CD sets, viewing a two-hour DVD, and reading Julia’s three books. They will then need to begin practicing amino acid therapy with a minimum of 20 clients and scheduling six to twelve, monthly individual case support sessions (via phone or Zoom) with their instructor (1-2 hrs. each). Eight of their cases will be formally written-up and presented. The time needed to prepare these eight cases for review depends on each student’s unique pace and their caseload. (To certify in 12 months, two cases should be delivered and presented to the instructor every 12 weeks.)
Group (Zoom) meetings last 2-3 hours each. Our Fall 2018 accelerated curriculum will include eight weekly foundational group sessions (total 16 hours) followed by twice monthly Zoom sessions which will focus on case discussion and advanced topics (16 hours). Homework assignments may follow any group or individual session.
Is there a payment installment plan?
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