No one method fits all clients Individuals vary in how they learn,

process and use information Clients are at varying stages of

readiness to change behaviors Interaction that engages the client is

most effective

Engages the client Provides opportunity for questions and

feedback May be individual or group sessions Helps client identify individual goals or

important issues

Individual participant-centered nutrition counseling must be used at:› Certifications and Mid-Certifications› High-Risk Counseling with RD

Client-centered nutrition education Motivational interviewing

Group education techniques may be used for low-risk contacts at follow-up visits

Facilitated Group Discussion Interactive Nutrition Activities Demonstrations Group Classes

Client-centered nutrition education› Involves participant in decision making and

problem solving› Focuses on the client’s needs› Uses the Stages of Change model for

behavior change› Requires time to establish rapport with

client› Most effective when discussions with client

are ongoing

Pre-contemplation› Unaware of problem or

unwilling/discouraged when it comes to changing

Contemplation› Acknowledges there is a problem but not

quite ready to make a commitment to change

Preparation› Ready to change in the near future. Needs

to develop a plan to succeed

Action› Actively engaged in change› Requires great commitment of time and

energy

Maintenance› Reviews progress made during action

phase› Struggles to prevent relapses› Needs to identify problem areas and obtain

support

Motivational Interviewing:› Helps client explore and resolve uncertainty › Focuses on the client’s needs› Uses the Stages of Change model for

behavior change› Focuses on areas of conflict between values

and actions› Requires time to establish rapport with client› Most effective when interactions with client

is ongoing

Facilitated Discussion› Discuss a specific topic, share questions

and knowledge with others› Focuses on client’s needs› Develops relationships between clients› Clients learn from one another› Requires members to be familiar with topic› Requires skill development of staff› Group may get “side-tracked”

Breastfeeding Support Groups New Parents Group Mothers of Toddlers Group New Mothers-to-Be Group

Engages client in activities such as:› Games› Art projects with nutrition theme› Word Puzzles› Storytelling› Find the answer quiz

Address multiple learning styles Develop skills Fun Some clients may not feel comfortable

interacting in group

Involve clients in actions that reinforce new skills

Attracts and holds attention Easily understood Convincing Clients must be present to benefit from

experience Mishaps may occur

How to mix formula How to use/clean a breast pump Using a specific food Cooking demonstrations

Focuses on a specific topic Led by a qualified staff person Clients participate in set activities

during class Time for questions and answers

included May be uncomfortable for some clients Less flexibility

The importance of Vitamin D Developmental stages of infant feeding Menu planning Shopping on a budget Choosing healthy snacks

Can be designed to meet most components of effective nutrition education

Used for secondary low risk nutrition education

Market as event, not a class Reduces staff burnout

Baby Shower –for pregnant women and breastfeeding promotion

Kicking It with WIC—Physical activity Fruit and Vegetable Parade Brushing Buddies Pyramid Circus