NUTRITION COUNSELING & COACHING SKILLS CERTIFICATE
- Build confidence in your counseling and coaching skills
- Develop your own consistent, signature process for running initial and follow-up client sessions
- Utilize practical motivational interviewing skills to help clients and patients get results
- Feel equipped to navigate and troubleshoot common counseling interactions, including how to carry the conversation, what to do with lack of action, how to respond to negativity and more!
- Designed for Registered Dietitians, Nutritionists and Health Coaches, and any health professionals working 1:1 with clients in a nutrition capacity (OT's, SLP's, MD's)
The DSC Nutrition Counseling & Coaching Certificate is everything you need to build confidence and clarity when working 1:1 with clients.
This program is for ALL nutrition practitioners - regardless of whether you are:
1. New to the field
2. Experienced, but looking for fresh approaches, or
3. Changing jobs, and are looking to sharpen your client skills
1. Real-world nutrition counseling education, focused on practical application
Self-paced course covering the counseling mindset, counseling foundations of motivational interviewing and CBT, how to structure and format client sessions, counseling in action and troubleshooting difficult scenarios (see detailed CURRICULUM below).
2. Print & Digital Workbook, including scripts, question prompts
Filled with hundreds of question prompts, counseling scripts, counseling simulations and practical advice. Plus, reflective activities to help you implement the information (see detailed WORKBOOK below).
3. Audio Counseling Simulations
Of initial and follow-up mock counseling sessions so you can learn what it looks like to implement the course material in practice (without sounding awkward or forced).
4. 90-Minute Virtual Group Practice Session
Join Krystal Merrells, Registered Dietitian and confident client coaching skills expert, for a fun, interactive, virtual 90-minute group workshop, where you will learn how to confidently connect with clients, how to keep conversations flowing, how to use creative on-the-spot problem-solving to roll with unexpected outcomes, silences, lack of progress and changes. A Doodle poll will be conducted post-enrolment to ensure everyone can attend.
5. Guest Workshop - Fat-Positive, Anti-Oppressive Counseling Techniques
Join Registered Dietitian, Kimmie Singh for a pre-recorded guest training on implementing counseling techniques from a fat-positive and anti-oppressive framework (can be watched at any time).
6. Certificate of Completion
So you can showcase your professional development on your resume, LinkedIn and to your employer.
7. 1:1 Supervision (optional add-on)
Add on 2 x 30-minute 1:1 virtual sessions with Joan Marks, who brings to the table 27 years of dietetic practice. You can leverage these sessions to chat through difficult cases, practice counseling techniques and more. In order to get the certificate, you must complete these 2 sessions within 6 months. Click here for more details.
CURRICULUM
Counseling Mindset
- Navigating imposter syndrome, the need to 'fix' your clients and adopting a growth mindset
- Counseling vs. coaching
- Daily affirmations checklist
Counseling Foundations
- Counseling vs. education
- Understanding how clients change behavior
- Using motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy within scope
Counseling Sessions: Structure & Format
- Overall flow of the session
- Prepping for a client & building rapport (+ scripts)
- Running discovery calls (+ script)
- Establishing goals & exploring readiness to change
- Identifying short-term actions to achieve goals (+ master list of goals)
Counseling & Coaching Skills
- Asking effective questions (+ question prompts)
- Affirmation and reflective listening (+ scripts)
- Providing feedback and giving advice (+ scripts)
- How to measure success
Troubleshooting
- Lack of progress
- Discharging a patient
- Lack of truthfulness
- Negativity
- Mismatching priorities between client and practitioner
- Navigating mental health
- and more!
- (all include scripts)
Extras & Bonuses
- Initial & Follow-Up Audio Simulations to see how all information comes together in practice
- Fat-liberation, anti-oppressive counseling (guest workshop)
- Scripts for: how to educate on common nutrition topics, label reading, plate method
- Grocery Store Tours (+ script)
PRINT & DIGITAL WORKBOOK
Once you purchase the Counseling & Coaching Skills Certificate program, you will be provided immediate access to a digital workbook. You will also be mailed a print copy to your home.
Included in the workbook:
- Practitioner mindset affirmations
- Discovery call script + example
- SMART goal examples for each stage of change
- Scripts for explaining label reading, the plate method and mindful eating
- Master list of motivational interviewing and CBT questions - open ended, guided discovery, reflective listening, giving feedback, cultural competence
- Troubleshooting scripts - what to do in the following scenarios: discharging a patient, navigating lack of truthfulness, negativity, mismatching priorities, mental health
- Scripts for initial and follow-up case simulations
- Scripts for conducting a grocery store tour & conducting group sessions
About 1:1 Supervision/Mentorship
(Optional add-on:
$150 / 2 x 30-minute sessions)
Meet your Mentor - Joan Marks, RD!
Joan Marks began her career as a dietitian over 27 years ago. She currently owns and operates Dietista, a private nutrition consulting practice. Joan’s practice areas include medical nutrition therapy for adults (fatty liver, gout, high cholesterol, obesity, type 2 diabetes and other), pediatric nutrition (autism, constipation, growth concerns, picky eating and other), menopause, weight management, and general health and wellness. In 2022, Joan became a self-published author on Amazon with the release of My Menopause Journal.
Joan’s past dietetic work experience includes: private practice (pediatric/adult), inpatient/outpatient pediatrics, public speaking/workshops (virtual/in-person), consulting, education, research, mentorship, and media.
Joan’s approach when it comes to mentorship and working with other dietitians includes: drawing on a broad range of professional experiences to help guide, support and provide feedback, to teach using practical and real-life examples and scenarios, and providing tools to help navigate complex cases and promote skill development.
How it works:
- When you purchase this add-on item (during the checkout process), your contact information will be sent directly to Joan.
- Joan will reach out to you to book your 2 x 30-minute 1:1 sessions.
- All sessions are virtual. She can accommodate all work schedules (including evenings and weekends).
- You will be sent a questionnaire to complete before your sessions, where you can select the areas that you would like to work on.
What is 1:1 Supervision/Mentorship?
Within the context of the DSC Nutrition Counseling & Coaching Certificate, the 1:1 supervision add-on includes 2 x 30-minute sessions with Joan (cost is $150 and can be added to your cart during the checkout process). These sessions are about YOU and your needs!
Supervision like this can offer immense value to practitioners at various stages in their careers. Here are some benefits:
Professional Growth and Skill Enhancement
- Skill Refinement: Directly learn from the expertise of an experienced practitioner to improve your own practice.
- Case Reviews: Opportunity for in-depth analysis and discussion of complex patient cases.
- Personalized Feedback: Receive constructive, one-on-one feedback tailored to your unique challenges and skill level.
Mentorship and Support
- Career Guidance: Gain valuable insights into career development opportunities within the field.
- Support Network: Develop a relationship with a mentor in the field, expanding your professional network.
- Peer Support: Gain a sense of community through a structured support system, reducing the feeling of isolation many practitioners experience.
Knowledge and Resource Sharing
- Access to Updated Guidelines: Stay current with the latest nutritional guidelines, research, and best practices.
- Toolbox Expansion: Learn about new tools, apps, and software that can make your practice more efficient.
Ethical and Clinical Decision-Making
- Ethical Dilemmas: Discuss complex ethical issues that arise in practice with a seasoned expert.
- Critical Thinking: Hone your decision-making skills by evaluating the pros and cons of various treatment approaches.
Time and Flexibility
- Flexible Scheduling: Book sessions at times that work for you, Joan can accommodate evenings and weekends as needed.
- Short and Focused Sessions: Efficient 30-minute sessions designed to provide maximum impact.
- No Long-Term Commitment: Option for one-off sessions for specific concerns, as well as ongoing mentorship if you choose to continue working with Joan.
By participating in these supervision sessions, practitioners are not only investing in their own professional development but also contributing to the elevation of standards across the field.
PRICING
DSC Member Pricing
In order to take advantage of this offer, you will have to have an active DSC Membership (monthly or annual) and be logged in to purchase. You're welcome to join DSC before purchasing in order to take advantage of the price discount.
- 10-module online course (lifetime access)
- Print and digital workbook
- Counseling audio simulations
- 100's of scripts and question prompts, including SMART goals for various nutrition conditions, explaining label reading/mindful eating/plate method, master list of open ended questions, guided discovery, giving feedback, discovery call script, and more!
- 90-minute group practice session with Krystal Merrells, RD
- Guest workshops: fat-positive, anti-oppressive counseling with Kimmie Singh, RD
$997 USD
Save $1000 as a DSC Member
Please note: in order to purchase using the links above, you will have to login to your DSC account first.
Non-DSC Member Pricing
We provide a significant discount for DSC members because we believe that in order to get the most value out of this program, the two programs can be used in partnership. You're welcome to join DSC before purchasing this program to take advantage of the price discount.
- 10-module online course (lifetime access)
- Print and digital workbook
- Counseling audio simulations
- 100's of scripts and question prompts, including SMART goals for various nutrition conditions, explaining label reading/mindful eating/plate method, master list of open ended questions, guided discovery, giving feedback, discovery call script, and more!
- 90-minute group practice session with Krystal Merrells, RD
- Guest workshops: fat-positive, anti-oppressive counseling with Kimmie Singh, RD
$1997 USD
COURSE CONTRIBUTORS & REVIEWERS
Krista Kolodziejzyk, RD, MPH, MBA
Krista is a Registered Dietitian and the founder of DSC. She has a Masters degree in Public Health Nutrition from the University of Toronto and a Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Guelph. She is a huge proponent of making forward progress in the field of dietetics and loves to challenge the status quo.
Olivia Farrow, RD, MHSc
Olivia, a Registered Dietitian with a Master of Health Science degree in Nutrition Communication, leads content development at DSC as the Content Manager. Her expertise lies in effective knowledge translation, crafting accessible nutrition resources, and simplifying complex health research for diverse audiences.
Maria Dellanina, RD
Maria is a Registered Dietitian and the Operations Manager for DSC. She completed her Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Dominican University and her Dietetic Internship through Cal Poly- SLO. As a dietitian and health coach, she is thrilled to enable more providers to lean into counseling & coaching skills that positively impact health outcomes for the client and career satisfaction for the practitioner.
Joan Marks, BASc, RD
Joan began her career as a dietitian over 27 years ago. She currently owns and operates Dietista, a private nutrition consulting practice based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Areas of practice include pediatric nutrition (autism, constipation, growth concerns, picky eating), medical nutrition therapy for adults (fatty liver, gout, high cholesterol, obesity, type 2 diabetes and other), menopause, weight management, and general health and wellness. In 2022, Joan became a self-published author on Amazon with the release of My Menopause Journal.
Erin M'Larkey, RD, MPH, CDE
Erin obtained her degree in Applied Human Nutrition at the University of Guelph, followed by a dietetic internship at St. Michael’s Hospital, where she worked for almost a decade as a clinical dietitian. Eager for more learning, she pursued her Master of Public Health with a Collaborative Specialization in Women’s Health at the University of Toronto.
Eventually craving a change of pace, she returned to her hometown and turned her passion side project, Kitchen Witch Nutrition, into a nutrition consulting business. She also works full-time as a Certified Diabetes Educator in her community.
Kimmie Singh, RD
Kimmie Singh is a self-proclaimed fat Registered Dietitian based in New York City. She is the owner of Body Honor Nutrition, a nutrition private practice that supports individuals to heal their relationships with food and body. Kimmie supports her clients with a fat-positive and anti-oppressive framework and has a special passion for working with people that have polycystic ovarian syndrome. Kimmie is also a sought-after speaker and has presented at several national conferences. She presents on the effects of anti-fat stigma in healthcare and nutrition. Kimmie is a believer in kindness, compassion, and the power of advocacy. Learn more about Kimmie at https://www.bodyhonornutrition.com/.
Tegan Bissell, RDN, CDE
Tegan is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. With almost 10 years of experience in outpatient nutrition counseling, she decided to open her virtual private practice, Resilient Nutrition, where she helps individuals lower sugars, manage weight and prevent diabetes without restrictive dieting! Originally from Vermont, but now living in Florida, she loves the outdoors, sustainable living, cooking from the garden and being active with her Australian Shepherd.
Trista Chan, RD, MHSc
Trista Chan is the founder of The Good Life Dietitian, a nutrition practice that supports people in using good food to live a good life. Particularly passionate about PCOS and eating disorders, Trista supports patients in navigating hormonal imbalances while improving their relationship with food.
She holds a Master of Health Science in Nutrition Communication from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). In a full circle moment, she's also now back on campus as a contract lecturer, and is incredibly passionate about cultivating a strong community of dietitians and dietetic students.
In her free time, you can find her traveling to local and new places, finding joy in fitness and cooking, and spending quality time with loved ones.
Laura MacDonald, RD
Laura studied nutrition and dietetics at Brescia University College and completed her internship through the Diploma in Dietetic Education and Practical Training. She has worked in clinical nutrition for 8 years and is currently building her own geriatric and dementia focused nutrition business. Her passion is helping families and patients understand the progression of the disease and learn solutions to nutrition based issues along the way. In addition to the day-to-day clinical work, she has spent time as professional practice leader and advocated for nutrition projects within the hospital where she works. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her husband and young son as well as running a small family photography business for creative fun.
Elizabeth Mills, RDN
Elizabeth Mills graduated with nutritional sciences degree from Pennsylvania State University. She has been an outpatient education dietitan in FL for 18 years, specializing in weight management, diabetes, and bariatric surgery. She is passionate about a healthy lifestyle, running, crossfit, her dogs, and traveling with her husband.
This DSC Nutrition Counseling & Coaching Certificate is for any nutrition professionals who are looking for:
01
Practical content
The course content is designed to help you actually implement nutrition counseling techniques, like motivational interviewing and CBT, instead of just teaching you theory like you covered in school.
02
Application
Hundreds of question prompts and scripts which will help you apply counseling techniques in practice (without feeling overly formal or awkward).
03
Troubleshooting advice for navigating tricky situations
From what to do if a client isn't making progress, how to tell if your client is even ready to change, how to avoid providing information overload, to what to do if a client is being overly negative
04
Implementation Support
We not only provide you with extensive education and workbook tools, guides and scripts, we also give you access to experienced dietitian supervisors to help you implement the material into your practice.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ's
If you have any further questions about the Counseling & Coaching Certificate Program, consult the chat box in the bottom right corner of the screen or email hello@dietitiansuccesscenter.com
COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Whether you are a novice or a veteran, this course offers something for every practitioner. From counselling skills development to 1:1 mentorship to lifetime access, this course provides it all. Excellent value - highly recommend."
Joan Marks, RD
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I wish that I had this course when I first started practicing as a dietitian! The course's ability to break down theories of counselling into practical skills is incredible, and I love all the prompts provided. I highly recommend the course to anyone working with clients!."
Erin M'Larkey, RD, MPH, CDE
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"This course is a valuable resource for anyone looking to level up their counseling skills. Whether you already have a private practice or not, the skills learned in this training on how to influence change in your clients, build trust, and promote retention is priceless. I love all of the real-life examples and the workbook where you can work through situations at your own pace! I wish I had this course when I first started out in counseling!"
Tegan Bissell, RDN, CDE
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This valuable course provides real life scenarios and professional assistance with navigating a counseling session. Filled with hundreds of scripts, this course takes you through variety of situations so you feel fully prepared managing client interactions.
Elizabeth Mills, RD
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I've done tons of continuing education on counselling for my private practice, and this course is by far the practical program that I've come across. The scripts are taken from real-life scenarios that you'll come across in practice every single day, and the learnings can be used immediately to help you feel more confident in counselling and better support your clients. I'm impressed with the thoroughness of this program - it gives you ALL the practical details and guides to run an effective counselling session.
Trista Chan, RD, MHSc
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Contact hello@dietitiansuccesscenter.com for more information about this program
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