About Sandra Scheinbaum, Ph.D., IFMCP

Dr. Scheinbaum, a lifelong learner and innovator in education, has been making significant contributions to holistic health and wellness since the start of her career in 1972.

Initially focusing on students with learning disabilities, her journey led her to earn a PhD in clinical psychology from Fielding Graduate University. She went on to practice as a health psychologist for close to 40 years. Specializing in the integration of positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mind-body medicine, she continuously expanded her expertise.

Dr. Scheinbaum’s innovative spirit led her to pioneer the use of neurofeedback and conduct one of the first randomized controlled trials of this approach in her role as founder of a clinic for attention deficit disorders.

In 2013, she earned recognition as the first psychologist to attain the title of Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner. She taught courses in the psychology of eating, the psychology of wellbeing & mind-body medicine in the Masters Program in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine at the University of Western States, and taught in the teacher training program at National Lewis University.

As the founder of Feed Your Mind Wellness, LLC, she ran individual, group, and corporate wellness programs. In addition to her PhD, Dr. Scheinbaum holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Northwestern University, pursued additional education in holistic nutrition, and became a registered yoga instructor. Her passion for holistic approaches to health is evident in her recreational pursuits as well, as she enjoys activities like yoga, Pilates, ballet, and cooking.

Dr. Scheinbaum is the author of Functional Medicine Coaching: How to Be Part of the Movement That’s Transforming Healthcare, as well as two books on using the Functional Medicine approach to stopping panic attacks, Stop Panic Attacks in 10 Easy Steps and How to Give Clients the Skills to Stop Panic Attacks. The founding of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA) in 2014 marked a pivotal moment in Dr. Scheinbaum’s career. Driven by personal experiences with the limitations of conventional healthcare, rather than retire at age 65, she set out to create the preeminent training program for health coaches, as she believes that health coaching is the key to combatting chronic disease.

Today, she leads FMCA as a reflection of her commitment to growing the health coaching profession, and bringing innovative approaches to training students in this rapidly-growing field, underscoring a career that comes full circle back to her roots as an educator and a lifelong learner.

“I believe that Functional Medicine coaches are uniquely suited to help people take charge of their health. My mission is to transform healthcare, and through the power of coaches working alongside doctors, we can create a culture of wellness. With my passion for sharing my knowledge and experience, I’m honored to serve as your teacher and mentor.”

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