Frequently Asked Questions

Our program is entirely unique because it teaches about food, eating and health by NOT focusing exclusively on nutrition. You will learn extensively about Mind Body Nutrition – however this field is not centered solely around what to eat, how much to eat, or nutrient needs. We love nutrition here at IPE, but this is not a nutrition training  per se – we teach eating psychology, mind/body science, coaching and counseling principles. That said, we do talk extensively about many different aspects of nutrition, and the most important clinical nutrition principles to understand for the most commonly seen eating and health challenges. For our Training, it is very useful to have basic nutrition knowledge. If you don’t, we can recommend books to read to help get you quickly caught up. We also provide an optional bonus module on key concepts in nutrition during the Training at no extra cost.

Our program is not about eating disorders. Our program only focuses on the kinds of eating challenges and issues that most people tend to face – weight loss, body image challenges, binge eating, overeating, chronic dieting, stress induced eating, and others. We don’t talk about eating disorders such as anorexia or extreme obesity. Our program, which focuses on Dynamic Eating Psychology, addresses people who don’t have a clinical disorder, but have everyday concerns that are meaningful and important to them. We do talk about bulimia and how to recognize it and understand it, but this is not a training about working with clinical eating disorders.

Prior nutrition knowledge or training is very helpful for our program, but not necessary. If you are totally new to nutrition, we will recommend books  to easily help you acquire a foundation of nutrition knowledge before your Training begins. In addition, we offer a free Bonus Nutrition Module for those who wish to have a refresher course or learn the basics. Learn more about it here.

No previous training in psychology is necessary for students in our program. Our Training features easy-to-learn and easy-to-practice counseling and coaching principles. Those with an already strong background in psychology will find the kind of psychology presented in this training to be very effective and a great advanced training.

Great! Our program is especially designed to help take professionals to the next level in working the psychological and mind body dimensions of the most common food, eating, and nutrition-linked challenges. A great number of our students already have some kind of practitioner training and have found our program to be a powerful next step in their education.

Yes.  Many of our students intend to use their education personally – for self, family and friends.

Our Training is not a substitute for therapy. But, it is still designed to be personally impactful and meaningful, so students often receive benefits that are life-changing and life-enhancing.

Approximately 90% of classroom hours are taught by Marc David – the Founder of the IPE. Remaining classes are taught by a collection of highly skilled and compelling guest faculty who bring a wide range of expertise.

Students who complete the Eating Psychology Coach Certification Training will be certified as an Eating Psychology Coach. The Institute for the Psychology of Eating is accredited by the Colorado Department of Higher Education – Division of Private Occupational Schools.

Ultimately, a certification is only as good as the practitioner who receives it, and the integrity of the institution granting it. At the very least, your certification as an Eating Psychology Coach lets the world know that you have put in the time and commitment that qualifies you to educate and coach in the Dynamic Eating Psychology and Mind Body Nutrition fields. It acknowledges that you have a unique skill-set and a cutting edge education. The Institute for the Psychology of Eating is accredited by the Colorado Department of Higher Education – Division of Private Occupational Schools. The rigorous accreditation process we have undergone helps ensure that our standards are high and your education is backed by a strong, respected, and demanding accrediting body.

Our Eating Psychology Coach Certification Training includes a free Bonus Business Coaching Module where we focus on practice building, business skills, how to use social media, marketing skills, and much more. Learn more about it here.

Our students are a vibrant community of learners and professionals from all walks of life who are committed to making a difference by being counselors, healers, educators, coaches, and change agents. Our students are motivated, energetic, unique people who are comfortable learning and growing at the leading edge of psychology, nutrition, and health. In our Training, you might find yourself alongside a nutritionist, dietitian, psychologist, mental health counselor, nurse, doctor, naturopath, acupuncturist, yoga teacher, dance instructor, health coach, business-person, a mother, a college student, a secretary, a massage therapist, an administrator, a career-changer, and more…

Our training is by application only, if you are interested in filling out an application please click here. Admission to The Institute for the Psychology of Eating is not determined by any academic prerequisites or previous scholastic achievement. Your enthusiasm for this kind of study is what counts the most. Please contact us if you’d like some help in making the best choice for your needs and goals.

There are no age requirements for our programs. Most of our students range between 20 – 70 years of age.

Upon registering for the Training, we’ll send you a list of the recommended books for the training. This optional reading list is highly recommended for your study and advancement.

An education is often best when it’s fulfilling rather than stressful. We want you to succeed. Our program has components that are designed to be self-paced. You’ll have opportunity to create your own desired level of learning. The Training is intensive, but the amount of reading, homework and preparation that we suggest is highly doable. We have done our best to create a learning experience that fits your personal style and needs. Expect to need between 6 to 8 hours per week.

The Institute for The Psychology of Eating has no religious affiliation. Our approach does reflect a healthy appreciation for spirituality, and an encouragement for each student to find the kind of spiritual or religious connection that works for them.

The Institute does not espouse any specific nutritional approach. We believe in a huge spectrum of nutritional possibilities that are unique to each individual, region, culture, and community. We encourage our students to let go of nutritional dogmas and find what truly works best for them, and their clients. We teach about cultivating body wisdom and a healthy natural intuitive body-based sense of what’s best for each one of us. We do tend to support organic, natural, quality, non- toxic, non-GMO and humanely produced foods as a wise strategy for people and planet.

Yes, the Institute offers short programs and presentations for the general public. Please sign up for our mailing list to be notified of our schedule updates, or simply visit our events page.

The Institute was officially founded in 2008. It is the inspiration of Marc David, who has been teaching, authoring, and exploring in the fields of nutrition, psychology and health for over 3 decades.

Practical – the Training is rich in skills, techniques and protocols that build your confidence as a practitioner

Powerful – The work is deep, real, immediate, and goes to the core of what ails our relationships with food, body and health.

Soulful – Our whole approach is grounded in the richness of the soul, and the teachings of timeless wisdom traditions that view human affairs from a greater, more artful and compassionate reality

Scientific – The Training is rooted in nutrition knowledge that is clear, concise, and clinically useful

Intuitive – In addition to exercising your cognitive muscles, you’ll honor and strengthen your intuitive ones as well

Transformational – The Training is designed to assist you in your own alchemical growth and healing, which truly qualifies us more deeply as a healer and counselor of others