Promoting positive behavioral change is one of my areas of interest and has been extremely rewarding, yet challenging. After going through my clinical rotation and near completing my wellness rotation, I have learned that using a therapeutic approach can be more effective than direct persuasion to enhance the motivation to change. I have had more success with building support and self-efficacy with my clients rather than advising a specific way to eat.
When promoting change, I am often faced with resistance. New York - Presbyterian/ Queens recently partnered with the New York Presbyterian Healthy Beverage Initiative and is phasing out the sale of sugar-sweetened beverages. I met several customers who were unhappy, but I chose to roll with resistance rather than oppose it and opened up conversation to listen and understand why. It also helped to express optimism for change and encouraged customers to “Take a Sip in the Right Direction!”
In the spirit of motivational interviewing, “Readiness to change is not a client trait but a fluctuating product of interpersonal interaction.” I strongly support this approach because it aligns with my values to establish a partnership with my clients that allows them to decide how to they want to achieve their health goals. Encouraging change is a delicate task but applying techniques of motivational interviewing, such as client-centered counseling and establishing a good rapport, has helped me build a good framework and practice skills to be a successful future dietitian.
When promoting change, I am often faced with resistance. New York - Presbyterian/ Queens recently partnered with the New York Presbyterian Healthy Beverage Initiative and is phasing out the sale of sugar-sweetened beverages. I met several customers who were unhappy, but I chose to roll with resistance rather than oppose it and opened up conversation to listen and understand why. It also helped to express optimism for change and encouraged customers to “Take a Sip in the Right Direction!”
In the spirit of motivational interviewing, “Readiness to change is not a client trait but a fluctuating product of interpersonal interaction.” I strongly support this approach because it aligns with my values to establish a partnership with my clients that allows them to decide how to they want to achieve their health goals. Encouraging change is a delicate task but applying techniques of motivational interviewing, such as client-centered counseling and establishing a good rapport, has helped me build a good framework and practice skills to be a successful future dietitian.
