Selecting an interventionist is one of the first and most important steps to take to bring your family together.
Most often, individuals seeking out help for an intervention are overwhelmed and worried about their loved one. You need help. An interventionist can offer that help, but it’s important to choose someone you feel comfortable with and trust.
The way to make the best decision for your family is to ask questions. You’ll want to gauge the process, but also get a feel for the professional’s qualifications and approach to working with clients. Trust is a very important component to this process. To guide you, ask these key questions to an interventionist as you work to gather more insight.
1. What Is Your Level of Training and Certification?
A professional is fully trained and licensed to provide interventions. One way to know you are working with a specialist is to look for the “CIP” designation after their name. This represents a Certified Intervention Professional.
Some professionals also hold other certifications such as a Board Registered Interventionist or a psychotherapist. Get an idea of where they went to school, how long ago they completed their education, and their overall experience with the treatment of substance use disorders.
2. What Model of Intervention Will Be Applied?
There are several intervention models. Most often, interventionists develop their own preferences and apply the proper model based on the situation. You should understand what model, specifically, they are following. This allows you to gain insight into what to expect. Common models include the simple intervention, The Johnson Model, and Pressures to Change. Numerous others exist as well.
3. What Type of Results Have You Had?
Nearly all interventionists will be frank – there are no guarantees here. Yet, you want to know the good and the bad. How often are they successful? What happens when they are not? It is appropriate to ask about the success rate of interventions. After all, you would ask a medical doctor about the success of his or her patients before undergoing major surgery. How often do individuals go to treatment immediately or in the coming days?
4. What Experiences Do You Have with a Patient Like My Loved One?
Individuals entering rehab, detox, and other treatment options come from all walks of life and living situations. Nevertheless, ask about your loved one’s situation. Does the interventionist have significant experience dealing with an individual who is under the influence right now? Does the interventionist have experience helping those who have suffered traumatic abuse? What about patients suffering from mental health illness as well as drug addiction? Gain insight into what steps the professional will follow based on your loved one’s needs.
5. What Steps Should I Take Before the Intervention?
In every situation, pre-meetings and discussions with family members are critical. To be successful, these events need to be well-structured. Most interventionists will recommend steps for you and other loved ones to take prior to the intervention This often includes meetings to discuss how to counter objections and how to present a united front to your family member with a substance use disorder.
Writing letters is often recommended as part of the intervention process to help the person with an addiction realize how their behavior has affected others. Your interventionist should offer specific advice on writing letters and bringing your thoughts and feelings together.
6. What Will Happen to a Loved One Immediately Following an Intervention?
Understanding the plan is always important. Individuals need to know what post-intervention support is provided. Generally, a basic plan is in place to allow the individual to enter into treatment immediately. This may mean making arrangements with a drug and alcohol treatment center. Nevertheless, you want to know what to expect so you can react accordingly.
7. Do You Think This Is Necessary?
This is the question many people have in the back of their minds. “Do I need to do this?” Not every situation requires an intervention. In some cases, an individual knows he or she needs help and is willing to seek it. In others, you may not be sure this method will encourage your loved one or that he or she will even participate. Yet, asking this question to the interventionist provides an opportunity to be frank and upfront with you about your loved one specifically.
You should make it a point to ask as many questions as you like about the intervention, the professional, and the treatment center. At the same time, really get to know the individual. When you do, you’ll find a sense of relief knowing this person has the means to truly help your loved one through this very difficult phase.