Interventions are positive, solution-oriented services we offer to help families when a loved one is struggling with an addiction, compulsively damaging behavior, or other debilitating emotional condition that is ultimately affecting the whole family.
Not all cases that are brought to us will result in an intervention. We determine this based on an initial Family Consultation.
Interventions are positive, solution-oriented services we offer to help families when a loved one is struggling with an addiction, compulsively damaging behavior, or other debilitating emotional condition that is ultimately affecting the whole family.
Not all cases that are brought to us will result in an intervention. We determine this based on an initial Family Consultation.
In the initial family consultation, each person can share the story of how they’ve been impacted by their loved one’s behavior. We invite questions that help the family consider their options more thoroughly. In addition, we do a thorough assessment to determine the needs of the client and the previous approaches to treatment.
Sometimes the family gains insights and confidence to talk more assertively with their loved one. The family may decide to pursue counseling to understand codependency, addictions, or mental health more clearly.
In other cases, the family presents a scenario that is more complex or may even post a life threatening situation that requires immediate intervention. At this point, we begin planning a specific course of action that will move the individual and the family toward the first steps to hope and lasting change.
An intervention may be the most loving response someone can give to a loved one who is out of control. The family’s preparation for this process is a vital part of the success of the intervention. This is based on our belief that the family has tremendous influence because of a multitude of ways they may support the person.
Once a struggling person knows they may be jeopardizing their family support, we find that they respond more positively to the help they are being offered.
Upon agreeing on a family intervention strategy, we provide the family with the following services prior to the intervention:
While the loved one is participating in their recovery, the interventionist will stay in touch with the treatment center to make certain an effective discharge plan is prepared and meet with the family to prepare for their loved one’s transition to a healthy, addiction-free lifestyle. We find this is vital to the success of their loved one’s return into the family fold.
The traditional intervention approach was pioneered by Vernon Johnson in the 1960’s. Johnson was an Episcopal priest, Rutgers University professor, and a recovering alcoholic. He developed the classic intervention principles and technique now referred to by mental health and substance abuse professionals as a “Johnsonian Intervention.”
Johnsonian interventions are aptly represented by reality TV programs such as Intervention or Celebrity Rehab. Families typically meet a few times with the interventionist, create a plan, and invite the individual to a confrontation where they are presented with an ultimatum to enter treatment or risk losing valuable emotional, financial, and other support provided by the family and social group present. This approach may be appropriate in high risk or life-threatening circumstances.
Open interventions differ from Johnsonian interventions in that the intervention process is “open” to the person being intervened upon. The family does not have to “trick” the individual into showing up for a surprise confrontation. Instead, the family works with the specialist to form a plan to engage the person, followed by a gradual but effective process of confrontation.
Open interventions are often a very realistic way to approach a family member because he or she does not want to lose various forms of support provided by the family. Open interventions, by design, offer long term planning and long term support to the family as the individual moves past their initial recovery into a stable future.
Family members meet together with a trained and licensed therapist to assess reasonable options for the family.
Initial meeting with all parties present can be accomplished within 1-2 weeks minimum; however, preparation can be as long as the family/group chooses.
Meetings with the individual of concern can be flexible. Use of pre-written letters, large group meetings, one-on-one meetings with a therapist present, etc. are all optional parts of an overall plan that takes into consideration the personality and specific needs of the individual and the family.
The family member of concern, once sitting down with therapist and concerned family members, is provided with a combination of love and support as well as important ultimatums to motivate change.
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Directions Counseling & Coaching provides therapy services throughout greater Columbus, in person at our Powell location or online, for adults, kids, couples, and families.
