Domain III Education and Research-
Topic A Counseling (#2-c.)
Type of intervention required
(1)Knowledge- educational program or focused individual counseling
- Educational Program- nutritional classes, group support counseling
- One-on-one counseling- meeting with the individuals to discuss behavioral changes, nutrition intervention, and/or maintenance.
(2)Skills- practice
- Communication Skills – Active listening is vital for effective nutrition counseling.
-Nonverbal listening skills- Varied eye contact-direct yet varied
-Attentive body language-leans forward yet have a relaxed posture
-Respectful but close in terms of space
-Adequate silence- to allow time for the client to think and time for the counselor to reflect on what the client has said
-Showing positive feedback- shaking one’s head in agreement can be a positive encourager, slightly leaning for ward.
-Verbal components of listening
-Focus on client demonstrating willingness to listen
-Emphasize questions that are open to detailed description
-Use questions that start with “what,” “how,” “why,” and “could”
- Summarize what has been said over a period of time to make sure you and the client have similar understandings of what has been communicated.
- Paraphrasing is a brief repeat of the essence of what the speaker has said using fresh and concise wording
(3)Attitudes –behavior modification
-d) Motivational techniques- establish the counseling relationship, identify advantages of behavior modification, supporting self-efficacy-expressing belief of the possibility to change. Express hope and confidence in the client.
-Praising client for achievements/positive reinforcement
-e) Consultative process- Listen carefully to clients concerns affirm the clients behaviors expressing understanding in the clients’ issues. Let the client know they are within reason to feel such feelings and express such behaviors.
-f) Continuity of care- Follow-up with client to motivate ready –to – change behaviors. Negotiate changes, consider options, set goals, and discuss thoughts and feelings, make action plan, close with encouraging statements.
-g) Evaluation tools/strategies- Self monitoring- food diaries to identify eating habits and potential modifications and progress