The Art and Science of Conversation in Dietetics

Health communication is intended to assist client health behaviour change. Dietitians have an intent to assist nutitiron behaviour change with clients who present with a nutritionally related condition but dieititans are not consistantly trained in motivational behaviour skills. This can lead to professional strain. In recent years, a counseling method known as motivational interviewing has earned a position as a viable method of client communication. This paper uses a conversation between a dietitian and a client to illustrate the skills set and leads the reader to consideration of how to improve their art and craft of communication within their chosen profession.