Motivational Interviewing is a communication style to help people achieve their desired goals. It helps the individual overcome discrepancies and barriers in their life that interfere with the ability to get to where they want to be. 

It's a client-centered approach used by dietitians to help their clients/patients meet their desired goals. 

Not only does Motivational Interviewing help the client, it's also a great way for you, the dietitian, to get the information you need to truly connect with the client/patient. 

If you're an RD2Be preparing for the RD Exam, this epsiode covering Motivational Interviewing will help you with any questions that might show up on the exam. And...if you're a dietitian who needs a refresher on Motivational Interviewing, this episode is for you. A lot of information discussed in this episode is relevant throughout your career as a Registered Dietitian - long after passing the RD Exam. 

This is what you'll learn in this episode:

• How to get the conversation started
• The importance of maintaining a client-centered approach
• The 4 general principles of Motivational Interviewing
• How to use Reflective Listening plus examples of reflective listening statements
• Open-ended versus close-ended questions 
• Stages of change and how to determine the patient/clients readiness for change

Here's a glance at this episode:

[05:15] Strategies on how to get the conversation started

[06:30] Why taking a client-centered approach is the best way to help elicit change talk

[09:00] An overview of Reflective Listening and example statements you can use 

[14:40] A discussion of the 4 general principles of Motivational Interviewing

[16:36] Why open-ended questions are best for drawing out information and keeping the conversation flowing...plus some great examples of open-ended questions