The United States is a land of people with diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. There will be a time when every counselor is called on to serve clients from a culture different from his or her own. This guide promotes awareness of cross-cultural counseling problems, and provides information for counseling clients with different beliefs, customs, and behaviors related to food and health. A "standard" approach to counseling that does not consider a client's cultural background can create barriers that block effective communication. The following issues are discussed: (1) cultural values; (2) health beliefs, including health-related dietary practices, maternal health, and child health; and (3) approaches to dietary change. The attitudes held by the following cultural minority groups regarding the above issues are discussed in an appendix: (1) Asian and Pacific Americans; (2) Black Americans; (3) Hispanic Americans; and (4) Native Americans. The counselor's personality and communicating style affect the counseling process. The following aspects of nonverbal and verbal communication should be kept in mind: (1) silence; (2) distance; (3) eye contact; (4) emotional expression; (5) body language; (6) formality; (7) rapport; and (8) subject. If the client is not a native English speaker, the counselor should use simple vocabulary, and speak slowly and clearly. The advantages and disadvantages of using an interpreter are discussed. There are sometimes barriers to acquiring accurate information: approaches to overcoming them are suggested. A "Quick Guide for Cross-Cultural Counseling," and lists of references citing 80 sources are included. (BJV)