What is the Role of an Interventionist?

Whether a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, a significant mental health condition, or co-occurring disorders, there can be many challenges in planning an intervention without the proper guidance. When a formal intervention is necessary, determining the right approach and coordinating all aspects of the process can be complex. As a result, consulting with a trained interventionist can be extremely beneficial in simplifying an often overwhelming situation.

Is an interventionist trained? 

There are many different intervention training methods and certifications that an interventionist can acquire. They can also be board-certified through the Association of Intervention Specialists (AIS), as Certified Intervention Professionals (CIPs). Many are also licensed through the state where they practice.

At Feinberg Consulting, our interventionists have gone through significant training and are very experienced in supporting families through an intervention. We feel it’s important to have a deep understanding of all aspects of the intervention process to better help our clients.

What is the role of an interventionist?

The role of an interventionist is to guide and instruct people, often family members, and friends, on how to conduct an intervention. They can be involved from the very beginning, helping to choose the format for the intervention, outlining the structure for those involved, and taking charge of the planning process. An interventionist will take the lead on the actual intervention, making sure that the intervention has a higher chance of achieving its desired outcome — getting a loved one to agree to, and accept help.

The purpose of an intervention is to help a loved one recognize that they need to start a treatment program. When an intervention takes place, loved ones can show the person of concern how their actions are impacting those around them and the toll that their addiction, or untreated mental health condition, has taken on their lives.  

How does an interventionist offer support during the intervention?

Many mistakes can occur when those who are not properly trained attempt to perform an intervention. An interventionist can help to prevent these mistakes from happening, and ensure that everything runs smoothly.

For example, it’s common for emotions to run high during an intervention, and loved ones can react emotionally when the person of concern denies that there is a problem. Additionally, family and friends can get defensive if they feel that everyone is being “too hard” on their struggling loved one during the intervention. Due to this, an interventionist is able to mediate these challenging dynamics and provide objective and compassionate support to everyone involved.

An interventionist will conduct “planning meetings” before the actual intervention. These meetings are designed to help everyone participating by preparing them for the possible reactions and outcomes that could take place. They will be informed of the strategy, the best way to react, what to keep in mind, what to avoid, how to write an intervention letter, and the best way to communicate with their struggling loved one.

On the day of the intervention, the interventionist will keep everyone in the meeting on track and moving in the right direction. They can provide external support and offer a calm, professional perspective. It is common for the person of concern to feel blamed and get defensive, or make excuses and try to leave. The presence of an interventionist can prevent this from happening, as they can help those involved to list the facts and better express their concerns in a clear, non-confrontational manner. An interventionist acts as a moderator to guide both the person of concern and their loved ones so that the intervention can be finished peacefully.

How does an interventionist help after the intervention?

An interventionist’s role does not solely entail coordinating and running the intervention itself. Conversely, it consists of helping the care team with many different aspects. Responsibilities may include: researching treatment centers before the intervention, setting up transportation to treatment centers (if necessary), helping with the enrollment process, working with insurance companies to confirm the program is covered, escorting the person of concern to the facility (ensuring that they stay stable/sober on the way there), and answering any questions along the way.

Do you have a loved one in need of help? 

At Feinberg Consulting, our intervention services are unique because, in addition to getting the support of a trained interventionist, we provide a multidisciplinary team of addiction and mental health professionals that support the entire intervention and treatment planning process. Contact us today to learn more: 877.538.5425.