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“A practical, user-friendly resource for practitioners and students interested in developing MI techniques using a weight-neutral approach. Educators searching for appropriate textbooks to adopt would find this a beneficial addition to the classroom.”

—Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior (on the first edition)


“It is a useful tool and resource for new and seasoned healthcare professionals alike.”

—Doody's Review Service (on the first edition)


“Behavior change is complex, and the authors brilliantly unpack this complexity. This book provides tangible, ready-to-use language, making it easier to translate MI principles into practice. Practitioners can use the real-life examples to critically analyze and break down the differences between an MI and a non-MI communication approach and relate these dialogues and scenarios to their practice. The book challenges readers to reflect on their own growth while offering strategies to enhance client autonomy, confidence, and engagement for both individual and group sessions. If you want to truly support your clients in meaningful ways, this book is essential.”

—Joyce Faraj-Ardura PhD, MS, RDN, LDN, private practice, The Nutrition Counseling Academy


“The second edition of this excellent, compelling book provides needed tools for students, interns, and professionals in fields that provide nutrition and fitness counseling. What makes this book special is its focus on weight inclusivity and a non-diet approach to nutrition and fitness, so often left out of other guidebooks. And what makes it extraordinary is the compassion, respect, and kindness presented throughout. By offering the connection that clients so desperately need, and honoring their autonomy and internal wisdom, practitioners learn how to motivate clients to access their reasons for change, their goals, and their values. Using MI can help clients make sustainable, lifelong changes that lead to increased well-being.”

—Elyse Resch, MS, RDN, CEDS-S, FAND, nutrition therapist; co-creator of Intuitive Eating


“If I had only one book to recommend to health and fitness professionals on how to approach nutrition and fitness counseling, this would be it. The authors have blended the sciences of health and psychology with the art of using MI skills proficiently and compassionately. A brilliant resource!”

—Sumner Brooks, MPH, RDN, founder, EDRD Pro (Eating Disorder Registered Dietitians and Professionals)


“This book is an essential addition to the library of nutrition and fitness professionals committed to integrating evidence-based, person-centered counseling into their practice. The updated second edition provides a comprehensive yet practical guide to applying MI principles, equipping practitioners with actionable strategies and concrete examples tailored to the fields of nutrition and fitness. With chapters on setting-specific applications across the healthcare continuum, this book offers valuable insights for professionals in diverse practice environments.”

—Lloyd Berg, PhD, ABPP, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin

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Table of Contents

Introduction

I. Motivational Interviewing Basics

1. The Complexities of Change

2. The Spirit of Motivational Interviewing

II. Mastering the Skills of Motivational Interviewing

3. Open Questions

4. Reflective Practice

5. Affirmations

III. The Four Tasks of Motivational Interviewing

6. Engaging

7. Focusing

8. Evoking

9. Planning

10. When Clients Aren’t So Sure about Change

IV. Putting Motivational Interviewing to Work

11. Motivational Interviewing in Medical Nutrition Therapy

12. Motivational Interviewing in Nutrition Counseling

13. Motivational Interviewing to Address Weight Concerns

14. Motivational Interviewing in Fitness Counseling

15. Motivational Interviewing in Health Coaching

V. Beyond the Basics

16. Follow-Up Sessions

17. Counselor Health and Boundaries

References

Index

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About the Authors

Dawn Clifford, PhD, RD, is Professor in the Department of Health Sciences at Northern Arizona University and a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). Her research focuses on MI, health coaching, and weight-inclusive approaches to health and well-being. Dr. Clifford has been published in Nutrition in Clinical Practice, the Journal of American College Health, the Health Education Journal, and the Recreational Sports Journal. In addition, she has created continuing education curricula in MI. Dr. Clifford is a recipient of the Outstanding Dietetics Educator Award from Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors, a practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

• Author's website
• All titles by Dawn Clifford

Laura Curtis, MS, RDN, is Lecturer in Nutrition and Food Science and Director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics at California State University, Chico, where she teaches in the areas of nutrition counseling, medical nutrition therapy, and food service management. In addition to her teaching, Ms. Curtis maintains a small private practice, providing nutrition counseling for those struggling with disordered eating as well as medical nutrition therapy for a variety of nutrition-related conditions. She pairs motivational interviewing (MI) with a weight-inclusive approach to nutrition counseling anchored in the principles of intuitive eating and eating competence.

• Author's website
• All titles by Laura Curtis

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Audience

Dietitians, health and wellness coaches, fitness counselors, exercise and sport psychologists, kinesiologists, occupational and physical therapists, and hospital social workers; students and instructors in these areas. Also of interest to nurses, physicians, and diabetes educators.

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Course Use

Serves as a supplemental text for courses in nutrition, dietetics, exercise science/kinesiology, and related areas.

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Previous editions published by Guilford:

First Edition, © 2016
ISBN: 9781462524181

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New to this edition:

• Chapters on medical nutrition therapy, health coaching, follow-up sessions, and counselor health and boundaries.
• Restructured to reflect developments in MI and the authors' training approach; includes new and revised sample dialogues.
• Increased attention to weight stigma and social determinants of health, such as racism and unequal access to health care.
• Expanded companion website, now including resource links and an online-only chapter, "What to Do When There's Little Time," in addition to 21 handouts.