Counselling Skills
for Dietitians

Nutritional science, biomedical science and food science are fundamental
components of the knowledge and understanding required of dietitians.
However, this knowledge alone will not result in them being an effective
practitioner unless combined with highly developed communication skills.
A critical and applied understanding of communication is therefore a requirement
for registration as a dietitian in the United Kingdom. Indeed, the standards of
the International Confederation of Dietetic Associations (ICDA) ordain that
dietitians across the globe must communicate effectively through nutrition
education, training and the development of both policy and programmes.
Highly developed communication skills are therefore not solely the domain of
the clinical dietitian, but are essential for effective dietetic practice in public
health, management, research and education. Counselling Skills for Dietitians is
of great value to all dietitians in every setting