What is indicated when a nutrition counselor's verbal and nonverbal behaviors are consistent?

When a nutrition counselor's verbal and nonverbal behaviors are consistent, this indicates congruence. Congruence refers to the alignment between what a person says (verbal communication) and their body language or other nonverbal cues. In a counseling context, this consistency enhances the counselor's credibility and fosters trust and rapport with clients. When clients observe that the counselor’s words and actions are aligned, they are more likely to feel understood and supported, which can facilitate a more effective counseling process.

In contrast, other terms like discrepancy, inconsistency, and ambiguity suggest a disconnect between verbal and nonverbal communication. Discrepancy refers to a mismatch that can create confusion or mistrust, inconsistency implies a lack of reliability in the counselor's message, and ambiguity suggests that the message is unclear. Thus, congruence is essential for effective communication and building a solid therapeutic relationship.