Applied questions

The following questions invite you to apply your knowledge of counselling skills to different situations in dietetic practice. As each one requires thought, you are recommended to choose one at a time to focus on. You can read more about each topic in the relevant chapter (noted at the end of the question).

Part 1: Using a counselling approach in patient–centred practice

• • What aspects would you attend to (i) at the start, (ii) in the middle and (ii) towards the end of an interview? (Chapter 5)
• • What exactly might you say to a patient to establish the following boundaries: (i) managing time, (ii) making a referral and (iii) establishing confidentiality? (Chapter 4)
• • What aspects would you include in a review of an interview with a patient? (Chapter 5)

Part 2: The skills

• • You notice a patient has contradicted themselves but seems unaware of this. How could you draw this mixed message to their attention? What communication skills would you use? (Chapters 8 and 9)
• • The time has come to end a consultation/meeting, yet the patient continues talking. How would you construct a clear message that you need to finish on time? (Chapter 9)
• • How would you communicate assertively when (i) giving criticism to a junior member of staff and (ii) receiving criticism from a senior manager? (Chapter 9)

Part 3: Putting skills into practice: further considerations

• • What issues might arise when, in addition to your patient, you have others in the room (e.g. (i) a family member, (ii) a professional colleague, (iii) a child)? (Chapter 10 and 13)
• • What would be your approach if a patient were to become very tearful during their appointment with you? What communication skills would you focus on using? (Chapter 11)
• • What aspects would you need to consider when working with a patient who does not speak the same language as you? (Chapter 12)
• • How would you recognise if a patient was depressed or anxious to the extent that they might need professional help? As a dietitian, how could you help? (Chapter 14)
• • What particular aspects would you consider in order to provide a helping relationship to a patient who told you they had recently started binge eating? (Chapter 14)

Part 4: Areas for personal and professional development

• • How would you recognise that you are working beyond your limits? (Chapter 15)
• • What current situations (i) at work and (ii) outside work would you like support with? What sort of support would you like? (Chapter 16)
• • An angry and anxious colleague complains to you about their manager. What communication skills would it be helpful to use in order to support your colleague? What words could you use to illustrate these skills? (Chapter 16)
• • What changes (if any) are you planning to make in your dietetic practice or your personal life to provide you with greater safety and well–being? (Chapter 16)