+ What is an intervention?

An intervention is the "interruption" of the vicious cycle of drug and/or alcohol misuse or addiction, in which the goal is to bring healing to the entire family system.

A proper intervention is conducted by a professionallly trained interventionist who guides the family through a formal meeting with their loved one that is centered in compassion and love. The ultimate goal is to guide the loved one into specialized treatment for their addiction and/or mental health disorder.

+ Why would I need an intervention?

In most cases, the person suffering from addiction is unable to see the problem to the depth that is actually affects their lives and/or their family, friends, and co-workers. An intervention is meant to provide a loving and compassionate conversation to help the loved one see their addiction and the damage it is causing, and then offering a treatment solution developed specifically for their current life sitation.

An intervention is an opportunity to begin a journey of healing and recovery so that your loved one can live a full and healthy life and your whole family can find a healing path.

+ What if my loved one has a dual diagnosis?

An intervention offers the stable and loving environment necessary for someone with a dual diagnosis of mental health and substance abuse.

+ What does the process look like?

The first time we talk, we'll spend some time on the phone gathering information and to determine if I am the right person to help, or if I can point you in another direction. On this call, we will discuss what led you to pick up the phone, and then look at your loved one's history of addiction and/or mental health and how it has affected your family.

+ What does a successful intervention look like?

Every intervention provides some level of progress. No matter what, an intervention serves as an opportunity to uproot the current destruction, either with the loved one suffering from addiction, or with the entire family. While many clients do begin treatment at that point, some do not. However, even when the loved one is not yet ready for immediate help, the intervention is an opportunity for everyone in the family system to gain the resources needed to begin their own process of recovery. And in many cases, it is this part that becomes the catalyst for your loved one to eventually seek additional help.

+ I've done this before... why should I try again?

Hope is never lost, even when it feels most hopeless. Not every treatment center is created equal, and it is often difficult to predict when your loved one will finally be open and willing to accepting help. We never know when a client is going to have a moment of clarity that wakes them up and gives them the ability to fully surrender and the willingness to take the first step. There are many factors involved, and each additional effort is one more opportunity to wake someone up.

+ Do you send all clients to the same treatment center?

No. Every treatment center is different, and I take the time to match each client with the best facility for them. I have toured treatment centers nationwide that I would trust with my own family member, and I will not send a client to a facility before i have sat down with their clinical team to discuss the details of their program. Finding the right fit is the most important part, and I do not get paid by any treatment centers to send clients to their facility.

+ What does it mean when people say "addiction is a family disease?" I'm not the one who is addicted to a substance.

When one family member is suffering from addiction, the entire family is affected by the behaviors that invariably occur. Anger, resentment, anxiety, shame, guilt, isolation, hopelessness, depression, dishonesty, promiscuity, sadness, domestic violence, divorce, financial difficulties, legal problems, and more, often occur as a result of one person's addiciton. Destructive feelings and behaviors never exist within a vaccuum, and the family needs time to heal as well.

+ What types of interventions do you use?

I use three different intervention models:

1. The Invitational Model: This style of intervention is similar to the Johnson model (below), without the element of surprise. The addict is fully aware of what will occur at the meeting and can decide whether or not to attend. Without the element of surprise, the person suffering from addiction is often less defensive and more willing to listen. With this technique, family and friends are encouraged to meet, even if the intended client refuses to attend.
   
   
2. The Johnson Model: This is the most recognized model of intervention. As described above, the Johnson Model utilizes the element of surprise. The goal here is to help the intended client remove any sense of denial about their current life situation and offer support if they choose to take the first step in getting help. There are often boundaries put in place if the intended client refuses help.
   
   
3. The Field Model: This method combines elements of both models. This model is known for its flexibility and adaptability to the situation at hand, allowing the interventionist to make decsions "in the field".
   
   

+ What happens after the intervention?

I remain a part of the recovery process for 90 days after the actual intervention. This gives clients and their families a chance to make long-lasting changes that gives everyone involved an opportunity to begin the recovery process.