I do see a nutritionist, but she specializes in EDs, and it definitely makes a huge difference. I've seen the type you mentioned, who think you should "just" eat this, or "just" avoid that. They recommend things like diet bread and fat free cheese (ick). I kept with their program for maybe one week and then relapsed. Not even just once or twice. I've gone that route probably a dozen times b/c I didn't know any better.

But my ED nutritionist meets me where I am. She understands about food fears and safe foods. She adds foods very gradually and knows that I'll probably cry and whine while she's doing it. She monitors my weight so I don't gain or lose too much, which would in turn trigger me to either b/p or restrict. She gives me helpful tips that are probably common sense to "normal" people, but are things I didn't know. (like, just because Sally or Susie can skip a meal doesn't mean you can. You have an ED; they don't. Or just because it isn't on the menu doesn't mean you can't order it. It's a restaurant. It has food. Tell them what you want to eat. Or if you're losing weight and you feel hungry, you need to eat more. [I told you, I can be dumb at times])

There is a difference in cost. Some of the wellness nutritionsists are free or part of a membership fee. I pay $50/half hour visit. In the beginning of my recovery I was going twice a month, but I could email any time I wanted. Now (a year later) I go every 2-3 months unless a request an appointment sooner.

I hope that helps.