VENA Counseling Framework

Counseling Framework Establish Rapport Set Goal Identify & Explore Concerns Complete Assessment Forms Encouragement Collaboration Critical Thinking Active Listening Close on Positive Note

Establish Rapport Welcome client Smile Greet client by name Introduce everyone in room Acknowledge wait time if appropriate Ensure privacy Keep voice low Close the door Move to a private location

Establish Rapport Demonstrate caring Be patient Use nonjudgmental language Display respect & understanding for other cultures Offer help

Establish Rapport Promote positive communication Handle distractions politely Use appropriate non-verbal communication Focus on the client when using translators

Complete Assessment Forms Review client’s past history Seek relevant information without dwelling on irrelevant issues Share findings with client in a nonjudgmental manner

Identify & Explore Client’s Concerns Involve client in determining the main health concern Use open-ended question Use agenda setting tools If nothing is offered by participant, lead discussion based on nutritional risk while maintaining rapport

Identify & Explore Client’s Concerns Help the client to explore feelings and attitudes about the main health concern Clarify problems and identify strengths Assess the client’s readiness to change

Identify & Explore Client’s Concerns Provide accurate and appropriate nutrition education Ask permission Tailor nutrition message Keep the message simple and concise Assess the participant’s understanding of nutrition message

Set Goal Summarize the conversation Ask the client what issue he/she is willing to work on Help the client tailor the goal to fit his/her family’s lifestyle Remember that the client is the best judge of what will work.

Close on Positive Note Restate the goal Express appreciation for client’s time Be enthusiastic about following up next time Complete the VENA Documentation Tool

Recap of Counseling Framework Establish Rapport Set Goal Identify & Explore Concerns Complete Assessment Forms Encouragement Collaboration Critical Thinking Active Listening Close on Positive Note

Throughout the Session Encouragement Identify and praise the client on his/her personal strengths Provide a positive outlook and encouragement Collaboration View client as the expert on his or her problems

Throughout the Session Critical Thinking Use your professional judgment Use relevant information Active Listening Validate Allow for silence Don’t interrupt

It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself. – Ralph Waldo Emerson.