Counselling Skills for Dietitians

Counselling Skills for Dietitians should be studied by student dietitians and registered dietitians alike and has a well–deserved place in all departments of nutrition and dietetics and university libraries. It will also be of great value to registered nutritionists and other clinicians and researchers involved in nutrition counselling From the foreword by Kevin Whelan, Professor of Dietetics, King s College London.

Dietitians need to use advanced communication skills as well as technical expertise in order to assess clients needs, identify their problems and help them to manage their diet and lifestyle. This book is designed to help dietitians to develop the approach and communication skills most effective in helping others.  In view of the ever increasing emphasis on lifestyle change and preventive measures in health care, it is intended that Counselling Skills for Dietitians will also benefit a wider range of health professionals.

The third edition of this thought–provoking and useful text has been fully revised and updated to reflect the recent developments, research and interests in the field.  It explores the skills required for dietetic counselling, and includes frequent examples of dialogue from patient consultations, as well as exercises and activities so that the reader can undergo experiential learning relevant to their practice.

Counselling Skills for Dietitians, third edition: 

Includes examples from daily practice to illustrate the difficulties encountered by dietitians and demonstrate the application of counselling skills; Clearly explains theoretical models of accepted counselling practice underpinning the skills described; Has been updated to include additional information on ways to address issues of concern when working with more than one person at a time and topics such as assertiveness skills and eating distress; Makes reference to evidence based practice and cultural changes; Addresses practical and psychological issues faced by dietitians and patients Now provides access to a range of supportive online material including videos of consultations, case studies and resources for trainers

 

Judy Gable worked as a dietitian for many years, specialising in paediatrics in the 1970s and diabetes research in the 1980s. In the early 1990s she established the course in communication skills for dietetic students at King s College and during the next ten years also facilitated introductory courses in counselling skills and assertiveness for dietitians. She continued to work as a counsellor in primary care until 2010.

Tamara Herrmann has worked for many years as a GP/Community dietitian and during this time developed her interest in obesity, eating disorders and communication skills. Tamara now works in private practice as a registered dietitian and registered psychotherapist.