Motivational interviewing was integrated into the counselling
approach so that clients were major participants in determining determining
personal goals and identifying strategies for lifestyle
change. Some of the participants made dramatic changes in
levels of activity (e.g., recreational dancing, sports), weight loss
(bariatric clinic programs), and smoking cessation.Most counselling
occurred by means of telephone conversations and
required only positive reinforcement of the health benefits of
the changes that were reflected in improved blood pressures.