Hiring an interventionist means hiring a professional who you will be welcoming into one of the most emotionally vulnerable and intimate area of your and your family’s life. Deciding on the right person can be a bit of an interview and research process. Knowing the right questions to ask can help you make the right decisions for your family.
What are your certifications?
There are different certifications an interventionist can have from different organizations or boards. As well, a licensed counselor or therapist can conduct interventions but may not specifically have any interventionist certifications. You will want to research their credentials, education, and background in the field of addiction and recovery.
How many interventions have you done?
All interventionists have to start somewhere. In order to be certified, interventionists have to complete a certain number of required hours active in the field. Someone who has not officially done an intervention, worked with a mentor, received a certification, or has no professional background as of yet, may not be the best choice for you and your family. You’ll want to find someone who has done a bulk amount of interventions, preferably successfully. Someone who claims to do multiple interventions a day is likely exaggerating because interventions take careful planning with families over a period of time.
What intervention models do you use?
Due to the use of a particular intervention model in mainstream media and on TV shows, most people think an intervention consists of a family surprising their addicted loved one, reading them letters, providing ultimatums, and pleading with them to go to treatment. This is just one of many models of intervention that an interventionist can use. Interventionists may have a favorite model or one that they have found to be more successful than others. If they have only been trained in one model, it may not be the model which works best for you and your family. An interventionist does not necessarily have to be experienced or well versed in every model of intervention. Getting an understanding for your interventionist’s approach, as well as their flexibility, is important.
What is your pre-intervention plan?
Addiction doesn’t happen in a day. Neither should an intervention. Interventionists should take time to meet with you, and the family, multiple times before the actual intervention begins. They need to learn about the loved one who is addicted, the family dynamic, the nature of the relationships in the loved one’s life, and other life circumstances. Additionally, the interventionist should take time to help the family research treatment, decide on the best treatment options, and make a plan. In certain models the interventionist might work with family members individually to help them cope and strategize their personal approach to the intervention.
Life is meant for living. Tree House Recovery helps return men to living their life in a new sustainable way. Start your journey to freedom from addiction today by calling us for information on our men’s treatment programs: (855) 202-2138
