Peer reviewed / Manuscript (original) submitted: 23 December 2024; revision accepted: 9 April 2025
Part 2: Counseling approaches, behavior change interventions, and underlying qualifications
Introduction
The involvement of nutrition professionals (NPs) in weight loss interventions is considered one of several elements that can improve the effectiveness of such programs [1].
However, the counseling approaches used by NPs in this context are usually not described in detail [1]. According to Nußbeck, counseling approaches derived from various therapeutic schools include psychoanalytically oriented counseling, person centered/client centered counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy oriented counseling, systemic approaches, and solution and resource focused counseling. These counseling approaches give rise to methods or intervention techniques that may be specific to a given approach or applicable across different approaches [2]. Also, information on the use of such methods or interventions and the underlying qualifications are frequently lacking in studies on weight loss [e.g. 3, 4], even though they are regarded as integral components of process oriented nutrition counseling and therapy [5]. Among the key characteristics of nutrition therapy is that patients “receive support in a client centered, collaborative counseling situation that takes their competences and needs into account and is oriented toward their life situation” [6, p. 7]. In this context, evidence-based counseling methods should be used [6]. …
Abstract
This survey of outpatient nutrition professionals (NPs) aims to provide indications for both the use of counseling concepts derived from various therapeutic schools and the use of behavior change interventions. The participating NPs (n = 130) reported holding numerous additional qualifications, most frequently in person centered/client centered counseling. Behavior change interventions were widely applied. Supervision played a minor role and should be established more firmly in line with quality assurance recommendations. To enable a comparable and transparent assessment of the relevance of different counseling approaches and interventions within nutrition therapy interventions, a consistent understanding of terminology should first be established among NPs.
