Although a dietitian’s expertise is primarily related to food, their main job is not to teach about food as many people believe. Instead, they have several other primary goals:

First, they are a "coach". Working with a dietitian is a collaboration; you and he/she come up with a strategy for the time being. Once that is done, you try to implement it with the RD as your colleague, your encourager, and your support.

Second, a good RD can help you counter any food "myths" you might have. This prevents any misinformation, and also helps you to let go of any detrimental beliefs that you may not be willing to let go of on your own.

Third and most importantly, a dietitian should change your relationship with food. That is where real recovery comes from. Part of this comes from the two roles listed previously, but it goes beyond that. When it comes to eating disorders especially, RDs know how to listen carefully to understand hopes and fears.  

They also know how to help you change those fears and improve how you feel about food, weight, and your body.

It is easy to be afraid to see an RD. Many clients fear that they will “take over” everything that you eat, and that you will not have any control over your own food. Just remember that working with a dietitian is a collaboration, and collaborating with a dietitian is just as important as working with a doctor or therapist.