Practice Consideration
The preferred counseling style for a patient prepared to make changes and likely to make logical choices is Cognitive-behavioral theory (C-1.1).(1) This style focuses on deciding on changes and learning how to make them. Patients who are motivated to improve their health or avoid negative health outcomes will benefit from the Health belief model (C-1.2).(1) If the dietitian thinks the patient would engage with their environment and social support, and would likely learn from and enlist the support of others in efforts to make behavioral changes, this points to Social learning theory (C-1.3)(1) as the appropriate style. The Transtheoretical model/stages of change (C-1.4)(1) approach is appropriate when the dietitian is unsure whether the patient is prepared to make changes. This model enables the practitioner to identify the strategies which will move the patient toward making and sustaining healthy behaviors. More than one approach can be used within a consultation or during different consultations.
References
1. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Nutrition Terminology Reference Manual (eNCPT): Dietetics Language for Nutrition Care. Intervention. 2015;
Accessed 12 September 2017. Available from: https://ncpt.webauthor.com/pubs/idnt-en/page-061