Psychological effects of working with traumatized clients in nutrition counseling on nutrition professionals

Peer-reviewed / Manuscript (original contribution) received: 18. February 2023 / Revision accepted: 22. June 2023

Introduction

Nutritional psychology and communication are an increasingly relevant component of dietetics and therefore belong in every nutrition professional’s toolbox. The goal of nutritional psychology is to analyze and systematize the relations between the psyche and eating behaviors [1]. For example, the observations of how certain foods, social circumstances, or societal norms affect our psyche. But what happens when the psyche is suffering from symptoms such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression or burnout?

Causes for a mental illness can be, among other things, overwhelming and stressful events that can lead to an exceptional mental state of emergency, also known as trauma [2]. The symptoms and consequences of traumatization can make it difficult to work with affected clients in counseling [4]. This can also affect the counselor-client relationship. For example, the relationship building can be influenced by a client’s feelings of fear, loss of control, powerlessness, or insecurity. [5] In addition, clients may openly express their suffering, which can be overwhelming to the counselor if inadequately trained. This can further negatively influence the mental state of the client [2]. But how does the client’s traumatization affect the counselors themselves? ...

Abstract

It is already known that occupational fields that primarily work with traumatized individuals can cause various stress risks. In this study, the extent to which a client’s trauma can impact nutrition professionals in nutrition counseling was examined. Using a qualitative research approach, six interviews with nutrition professionals were conducted and analyzed. The data revealed both positive and negative impacts on the interviewed participants (PT). Furthermore, it was clear that the clients often tell the PT about their traumatization. These profound trauma symptoms and consequences can have an influence on the entire counseling process. In addition, the high value of the PT in the work with traumatized clients became visible. These results provide insight into working with traumatized clients in nutritional counseling and offers suggestions for further research. Additionally, the relevance of an investigation in the field of secondary trauma as well as the necessity for improvement to the training and qualification possibilities for nutrition professional was highlighted.

Keywords: nutrition counseling, trauma, nutrition psychology, psychology, nutritional behaviors, self-care, secondary trauma

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