ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the feeding counsellor as a unique member of the multi- disciplinary team and describes how the intensive coaching protocol is used. The protocol may be used for children treated in hospitals either as in- or outpatients. The feeding counsellor is a relatively unique role in the Netherlands and links important aspects of psychology, dietetics and paediatrics through a long-term practical experience of feeding problems within a multi-disciplinary setting. The role of the feeding counsellor has been developed over a period of more than 30 years of assessment and treatment of young children and their feeding problems. The feeding counsellor manages an average of 120 new patients a year, 60% of whom begin as inpatients and proceed to the outpatient system mode. The outpatient programme follows an assessment procedure by the same multi- disciplinary team, with the feeding counsellor observing and analysing the behavioural components of the feeding problem within the actual situation at home.
