In the last Tip, I introduced the new four processes used in the collaborative conversation called motivational interviewing: engaging, focusing, evoking and planning.

For two decades, motivational interviewing has been an exciting approach to behavior change counseling.

What to do when faced with a client who is forced to meet with you?

I am often asked, “How do you keep a client motivated?” This is a key concern in health behavior counseling, especially when the change needed is long term, such as in weight management or diabetes.

Resistance to change comes up in our work often and clients who exhibit resistance are less likely to change. Resistance is what happens when we expect or push for change when the client is not ready for that change. 

What we do and say in the first moments of an initial session have a profound impact on the whole treatment.

I am frequently asked for guidance on structuring client sessions. Do you just ask what the client is interested in talking about and then go with the flow? Or do you follow a careful structure to make sure you cover…

Being overwhelmed is a familiar feeling for most of us. You feel it when there is a lot to do in limited time.

We all need at times to refer a client to a colleague or to an additional health professional.

Guilt and shame often arise in nutrition counseling, so it’s useful to understand these feelings.