This page contains the resources to complete the VENA Training. If you have questions, please contact your Regional Nutritionist Consultant.

To help ensure a successful learning experience, prework (below) must be completed before training. Trainees who have not done so may be asked to cancel their registration and re-register once complete.

1. Watch four informational webinars

  • Part 1Introduction (18 Minutes)
  • Part 2: Webinar: Assessing Protective Factors and Nutrition Risks (20 minutes)
  • Part 3: Sensitive Topics and Topics for Nutrition Services (21 min)
  • Part 4: Family Assessments and Moving from Assessment to Nutrition Services (15 minutes)

2. Please print/access the Using VENA to Guide WIC Services: Activity Workbook

a. Complete the activities listed below before the live training (trainer will ask you to reference these during the training)

  1. Activity: 1A Focus on Strengths, Not deficiencies (8 minutes)
  2. Activity: 2B Probing for Further Information (5 minutes)
  3. Activity: 3A Crafting Strong Affirmations (5 minutes)
  4. Activity: 4A Avoiding the Expert Trap (5 minutes)
  5. Activity: 5A Asking About Sensitive Topics (8 minutes)
  6. Activity: 6A Connecting the Dots (7 minutes)
  7. Activity: 7A Family Based Springboard Questions (8 minutes) 

Additional Counseling Resources

Vena Guidance

NPS- Counseling Approach

Circle Charts

Dawn Clifford’s MI Tips - YouTube

USDA ‘VENA Guided Goal Setting’ Training: Log into your WIC works Percipio account to access.