How can nutrition counselors increase a client's self-efficacy during relapse prevention counseling?

Nutrition counselors can increase a client's self-efficacy during relapse prevention counseling by (1) employing a collaborative counseling style, (2) setting clear, modest, and achievable goals, (3) providing feedback, and (4) employing lapse management. A collaborative counseling style encourages clients to take ownership of their behaviors and goals. As a result, clients are more likely to feel a sense of accomplishment when goals are obtained. Setting clear, modest, and achievable goals assists clients in meeting goals and this increases the belief that additional or more complex goals can be achieved. Providing positive feedback, regardless of the goal being met, can increase self-efficacy. Finally, employing lapse management involves having a plan in place for handling a lapse, so it does not escalate into a full-blown relapse.