"This book is an excellent introduction to the general principles of MI, as well as specific strategies and techniques. The examples and scripts very clearly illustrate the use of MI in counseling for dietary and physical activity behavior change. As a Registered Dietitian, I especially liked the chapter on nutrition counseling, with its many extended scripts and ideas. The basic philosophy of MI is woven throughout the book, and it is a delight!"—Ellen Glovsky, PhD, RD, LDN, Department of Health Sciences, Northeastern University; member, Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers
"This book fills a void in the education of nutrition and exercise professionals. Professors and students will welcome its comprehensive and practical approach to the powerful process of MI. Even the most experienced professional will find useful ideas to apply in practice. Return again and again to gain skill and to boost confidence in guiding clients to make real changes."—Molly Kellogg, RD, LCSW, private practice, Philadelphia; member, Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers
"What a special book. Bar none, it is the most practical applied book I have encountered on how to use MI in nutrition and physical fitness counseling. The scenarios are easy to follow, and the authors are very careful to integrate MI with existing professional protocols. Up to date and refreshing, the book advocates weight-neutral mindful eating over traditional weight-focused nutritional counseling, and replaces exercising for its own sake with the idea of joyful physical activity. Parts of the book could be used in either nutrition or fitness courses, and it will serve as a stand-alone text in professional practice courses."—Don Morrow, PhD, School of Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, Canada
"Provides excellent insights into MI and valuable guidance on how to implement it. The authors write in an accessible and engaging way, and include useful patient–practitioner dialogues throughout to illustrate important points. This book will appeal not only to practitioners and teachers, but also to students at all levels who want to gain practical knowledge about the use of MI in a clinical context."—Rachel Clare Povey, PhD, CPsychol, Centre for Health Psychology, Staffordshire University, United Kingdom
"Clifford and Curtis masterfully combine theory, practice, and research in this engaging book. The authors capture complex ideas in rich, realistic dialogues between practitioners and their clients. The style makes reading and comprehension easy. In their engaging flow from theory to practice, Clifford and Curtis guide readers toward an integrated awareness of the MI process as applied to issues of nutrition and fitness. This is a great book that helps readers 'get' the core concepts of MI and how to implement them in this area of health behavior change."—James Gavin, PhD, Department of Applied Human Sciences, Concordia University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
"Clifford and Curtis have created a great resource for training future consultants on applying the principles of MI to nutrition and fitness. The authors marry sound theory (transtheoretical model, self-determination theory) to applied practice to inform this 'how-to' guide. The book is full of helpful conversation examples and reproducible handouts that will aid the learning process. A major strength is that the authors' work is grounded in the Health at Every Size paradigm. Highly recommended!"—Linda A. Keeler, EdD, CC-AASP, Associate Professor of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Western Washington University
Reviewer: Amy Hess Fischl, MS RDN LDN BC-ADM CDCES(University of Chicago Medical Center)
Description: This book is designed to help healthcare professionals to communicate with clients or patients to better motivate them to make positive changes in their health and lifestyle.
Purpose: The purpose is to guide healthcare professionals in the use of motivational interviewing, a "collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication with particular attention to the language of change," developed by two psychologists in 1992 that continues to be an integral component in patient/client interaction. Given that the goal of healthcare professionals is to promote positive behavior change, this is an excellent resource to teach or enhance this method.
Audience: The book is written for all healthcare professionals, interns and students, but since it focuses on motivational interviewing in nutrition and fitness, it is best for those who specialize in those areas. It also includes the Nutrition Care Process, which is used by registered dietitian nutritionists. Both authors are registered dietitian nutritionists.
Features: The first part covers the principles that make motivational interviewing (MI) effective. The second covers the four processes in a motivational interviewing session: engaging the client; inviting the client to focus on a topic; evoking the client's feelings about change; and assisting the client in the planning process to make the change. The third section highlights MI communication techniques such as open-ended questions, reflections, affirmations, and summaries. The final section covers how to handle topics that typically arise in nutrition and fitness appointments, such as dispelling myths and promoting realistic goal setting. The chapter on MI and nutrition counseling gives specific suggestions for discussions on meal preparation, grocery shopping, preparing meals, and coping with cravings. Each section includes a mock conversation between a client and healthcare professional. One chapter also includes sample handouts on increasing fruit and vegetable use. The chapters are short, easy to read, and focused on a specific topic, making it easy to retain and use the concepts.
Assessment: Although this book is geared toward nutrition and fitness professionals, the concept of motivational interviewing is universal. It is a useful tool and resource for new and seasoned healthcare professionals alike.
