Photo of Open Minds Family Services, Registered Social Worker in Ontario
Open Minds Family Services
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, CCAC, LLMSW, ADR
Verified Verified
I am extremely skilled and passionate in providing successful therapy to individuals and couples experiencing emotional pain. With over 19 years experience specializing in the areas of mental health, addictions, trauma, crisis intervention and dual diagnosis, I am extremely skilled in empowering and applying effective treatment modalities helping my client cope, resume and return to live productive and satisfied lives. My strongest belief is that achieving optimal Mental Health is within reach for each of us.
I am extremely skilled and passionate in providing successful therapy to individuals and couples experiencing emotional pain. With over 19 years experience specializing in the areas of mental health, addictions, trauma, crisis intervention and dual diagnosis, I am extremely skilled in empowering and applying effective treatment modalities helping my client cope, resume and return to live productive and satisfied lives. My strongest belief is that achieving optimal Mental Health is within reach for each of us.
(226) 406-5941 View (226) 406-5941
Photo of Jennifer Zahrebelny, Registered Social Worker in Ontario
Jennifer Zahrebelny
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Matheson, ON P0K
Hello, my name is Jennifer and I am a registered Social Worker in the province of Ontario. I completed an undergraduate Social Work degree at Algoma University and a Master of Social Work degree from Laurentian University. I've worked primarily in the field of mental health and addiction for the entirety of my career including a correctional facility. I have recently left my position as a child and family intervention clinician and opened a private practice; Northern Wellness Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Hello, my name is Jennifer and I am a registered Social Worker in the province of Ontario. I completed an undergraduate Social Work degree at Algoma University and a Master of Social Work degree from Laurentian University. I've worked primarily in the field of mental health and addiction for the entirety of my career including a correctional facility. I have recently left my position as a child and family intervention clinician and opened a private practice; Northern Wellness Counselling and Psychotherapy.
(705) 990-3238 View (705) 990-3238
Photo of Angel Enrique Pacheco, Psychologist in Ontario
Angel Enrique Pacheco
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L4W  (Online Only)
I have specialized in diagnostic assessment and intervention in behavioral health psychology, working in primary care settings with complex emotional, psychological, and behavioral medicine disorders of individuals of all ages and groups of reference, with social and medical problems, involvement with the educational and judicial systems, and addictions.
I am a Humanistic Behavioral Clinical Psychologist with over four decades of professional experience, specialized in behavior therapy and behavioral medicine. I am dedicated to helping people function and feel better by providing them with individual, couples, and family psychotherapy. I work with persons of all ages and groups of reference; with persons of both sexes presenting sexual disorders, and with all couples in their interaction and intimacy problems, and specialized in performing individualized clinical assessments of children, youth, and adults. My goal as a professional is to help people... Learn to Live Better ®.
I have specialized in diagnostic assessment and intervention in behavioral health psychology, working in primary care settings with complex emotional, psychological, and behavioral medicine disorders of individuals of all ages and groups of reference, with social and medical problems, involvement with the educational and judicial systems, and addictions.
I am a Humanistic Behavioral Clinical Psychologist with over four decades of professional experience, specialized in behavior therapy and behavioral medicine. I am dedicated to helping people function and feel better by providing them with individual, couples, and family psychotherapy. I work with persons of all ages and groups of reference; with persons of both sexes presenting sexual disorders, and with all couples in their interaction and intimacy problems, and specialized in performing individualized clinical assessments of children, youth, and adults. My goal as a professional is to help people... Learn to Live Better ®.
(289) 312-1765 View (289) 312-1765
Photo of Debbie Berlin, Registered Social Worker in Ontario
Debbie Berlin
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4M  (Online Only)
I have received training and specialization in: Psychotherapy and crisis intervention for individuals, couples and families; Health Navigation for Eating Disorders, Mental Health, Paediatric/Adult Oncology and Palliative Care; Couples and Family Mediation; Clinical Supervision for interns and practitioners; Clinical Debriefing and Organizational Health.
I am a social worker and psychotherapist who has worked passionately and extensively with individuals, families and health-care organizations. Therapy is a way for people to get extra support, when you need it. If you are struggling with a personal crisis, overwhelming emotion, a life transition, problems with family or friends, career questions, or the need to move on from past events, therapy can help.
I have received training and specialization in: Psychotherapy and crisis intervention for individuals, couples and families; Health Navigation for Eating Disorders, Mental Health, Paediatric/Adult Oncology and Palliative Care; Couples and Family Mediation; Clinical Supervision for interns and practitioners; Clinical Debriefing and Organizational Health.
I am a social worker and psychotherapist who has worked passionately and extensively with individuals, families and health-care organizations. Therapy is a way for people to get extra support, when you need it. If you are struggling with a personal crisis, overwhelming emotion, a life transition, problems with family or friends, career questions, or the need to move on from past events, therapy can help.
(647) 490-3135 View (647) 490-3135
Photo of Life Design Therapy , Counsellor in Ontario
Life Design Therapy
Counsellor, PhD, DCC, MCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North York, ON M2J
*General counselling, life coach, parenting issues, family issues, Psychological assessment and intervention for motor vehicle Accident claim, *WSIB claim, *personal injury, *Short term disability or *long term disability,* school or immigration purpose.
We are committed to helping individuals overcome the numerous struggles which are personal injury such as car accident or work injury, chronic pain, depression and anxiety, the overwhelming effects of grief and loss, separation and divorce and the many other crisis of life. Our goal is to empower our clients to realize the potential they have been given for success, happiness, and build healthy coping skills. During times like this, we provide psychological assessment and intervention to use of a digital platform that provides secure, encrypted, audio-video conferencing to communicate with a client in anywhere needing our service.
*General counselling, life coach, parenting issues, family issues, Psychological assessment and intervention for motor vehicle Accident claim, *WSIB claim, *personal injury, *Short term disability or *long term disability,* school or immigration purpose.
We are committed to helping individuals overcome the numerous struggles which are personal injury such as car accident or work injury, chronic pain, depression and anxiety, the overwhelming effects of grief and loss, separation and divorce and the many other crisis of life. Our goal is to empower our clients to realize the potential they have been given for success, happiness, and build healthy coping skills. During times like this, we provide psychological assessment and intervention to use of a digital platform that provides secure, encrypted, audio-video conferencing to communicate with a client in anywhere needing our service.
(647) 977-5985 View (647) 977-5985
Photo of Harrison Mungal Bth. Msw. McC. Ph.d. Psy.d. Rsw., Registered Social Worker in Ontario
Harrison Mungal Bth. Msw. McC. Ph.d. Psy.d. Rsw.
Registered Social Worker, PhD, PsyD
Verified Verified
Brampton, ON L6W
He has written over 28 books and received several awards and recognitions as a Crisis Intervention Specialist and Mental Health Specialist.
With dual doctorates in Clinical Psychology and Philosophy in Social Work, as well as master's degrees in Social Work and Counselling, Harrison is a seasoned therapist specializing in mental health, addictions, and family dynamics. Recognized as a leading cognitive therapy workshop presenter, he has spoken globally and authored over 30 books. Harrison employs a science-backed, creative approach to treatment, providing training and consultations to various community partners, including universities, medical professionals, police officers, EMS, firefighters, nurses, SWs, psychotherapists, psychologists, LGBTQ, and the general public.
He has written over 28 books and received several awards and recognitions as a Crisis Intervention Specialist and Mental Health Specialist.
With dual doctorates in Clinical Psychology and Philosophy in Social Work, as well as master's degrees in Social Work and Counselling, Harrison is a seasoned therapist specializing in mental health, addictions, and family dynamics. Recognized as a leading cognitive therapy workshop presenter, he has spoken globally and authored over 30 books. Harrison employs a science-backed, creative approach to treatment, providing training and consultations to various community partners, including universities, medical professionals, police officers, EMS, firefighters, nurses, SWs, psychotherapists, psychologists, LGBTQ, and the general public.
(844) 382-8975 View (844) 382-8975
Photo of FVB Psychologists, Psychologist in Ontario
FVB Psychologists
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
As one of the most established and comprehensive psychology practices in Ontario, we are able to offer professional, innovative, and timely intervention to individuals and families.
Our assessment and therapy services are conducted by an experienced team of clinicians who joined Fleming Vigna Balmer after gaining many years of valuable experience in the public sector; for example, working in hospitals, universities, rehabilitation centres, social service agencies, and community-based clinics. As a team, we are able to offer a rich, experience-based range of clinical services. All of our clinicians are psychologists or psychological associates registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. This means we are independent practitioners licenced to assess, diagnose, and treat the full range of psychological disorders ranging from problems in living to serious mental health issues. In addition, we are consulting psychologists to the pilot recruitment programmes of a number of airlines including Air Canada, Jazz Aviation LP, and Sky Regional Airlines. At Fleming Vigna Balmer services are provided in English, French, Italian, Vietnamese, and Afrikaans.
As one of the most established and comprehensive psychology practices in Ontario, we are able to offer professional, innovative, and timely intervention to individuals and families.
Our assessment and therapy services are conducted by an experienced team of clinicians who joined Fleming Vigna Balmer after gaining many years of valuable experience in the public sector; for example, working in hospitals, universities, rehabilitation centres, social service agencies, and community-based clinics. As a team, we are able to offer a rich, experience-based range of clinical services. All of our clinicians are psychologists or psychological associates registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. This means we are independent practitioners licenced to assess, diagnose, and treat the full range of psychological disorders ranging from problems in living to serious mental health issues. In addition, we are consulting psychologists to the pilot recruitment programmes of a number of airlines including Air Canada, Jazz Aviation LP, and Sky Regional Airlines. At Fleming Vigna Balmer services are provided in English, French, Italian, Vietnamese, and Afrikaans.
(844) 245-7821 x1 View (844) 245-7821 x1
Photo of Erin Harding, Registered Social Worker in Ontario
Erin Harding
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Windsor, ON N9J  (Online Only)
If you're looking for a qualified therapist who is passionate about supporting individuals, children, youth and their families, with 20 years’ experience with crisis intervention, & a multitude of presenting struggles, I'm here to help.
Life throws A LOT of challenges our way. . Are you currently going through it? Are you, your family members, children or your partner and you starting to feel like you can't keep afloat? Perhaps you're worrying 24/7, you can't seem to stop your thoughts. Maybe you experience physical symptoms of the stress or anxiety you've been feeling. Maybe you're trying to support a loved one, but aren't sure what the solution is. Whatever the struggle, I'm here to help. I work with clients of all ages to help them find the solutions that work for them. I help clients to find satisfaction again, to ease worry, become confident & commited.
If you're looking for a qualified therapist who is passionate about supporting individuals, children, youth and their families, with 20 years’ experience with crisis intervention, & a multitude of presenting struggles, I'm here to help.
Life throws A LOT of challenges our way. . Are you currently going through it? Are you, your family members, children or your partner and you starting to feel like you can't keep afloat? Perhaps you're worrying 24/7, you can't seem to stop your thoughts. Maybe you experience physical symptoms of the stress or anxiety you've been feeling. Maybe you're trying to support a loved one, but aren't sure what the solution is. Whatever the struggle, I'm here to help. I work with clients of all ages to help them find the solutions that work for them. I help clients to find satisfaction again, to ease worry, become confident & commited.
(226) 271-4992 View (226) 271-4992
Photo of Interventionist for Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Counsellor in Ontario
Interventionist for Addictions
Drug & Alcohol Counsellor, ICADC, CAI , RPS
Verified Verified
Ottawa, ON K2A
My name is Catherine MacDonald, I am a Certified Addiction Interventionist. I have a wealth of knowledge and life experience that allows me to help families transition from the chaos created by addiction and addictive behaviours of a loved one, towards a new beginning and a healthier family lifestyle for everyone. I will guide and support you through the intervention process, helping your loved one get the help they need and provide continuing care and support for families and friends.
My name is Catherine MacDonald, I am a Certified Addiction Interventionist. I have a wealth of knowledge and life experience that allows me to help families transition from the chaos created by addiction and addictive behaviours of a loved one, towards a new beginning and a healthier family lifestyle for everyone. I will guide and support you through the intervention process, helping your loved one get the help they need and provide continuing care and support for families and friends.
(855) 974-4372 View (855) 974-4372
Photo of Lori Slaunwhite Mindful Path, Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario
Lori Slaunwhite Mindful Path
Registered Psychotherapist, RCT, RP, CSAT, NADA-RT
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6P
Waitlist for new clients
Intervention, Assessment and Individualized Treatment.
You may be considering counselling therapy for a specific reason such as a grief or sadness, difficulty in controlling your use of drugs or alcohol, or life changes such as separation and divorce. Perhaps life simply seems difficult. Many of us will have had difficult experiences at some stage of our lives that may have affected our sense of self or leave us searching for more. Although it may be difficult to reach out for help, please know that I will hear your story with compassion, openness, and a willingness to support you in your healing process.
Intervention, Assessment and Individualized Treatment.
You may be considering counselling therapy for a specific reason such as a grief or sadness, difficulty in controlling your use of drugs or alcohol, or life changes such as separation and divorce. Perhaps life simply seems difficult. Many of us will have had difficult experiences at some stage of our lives that may have affected our sense of self or leave us searching for more. Although it may be difficult to reach out for help, please know that I will hear your story with compassion, openness, and a willingness to support you in your healing process.
(855) 773-8317 View (855) 773-8317
Photo of The Therapy Centre, Psychologist in Ontario
The Therapy Centre
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Hamilton, ON L9A
The Therapy Centre is a full service psychology practice. We offer services to children, teens, adults, couples, and families. We offer psychological and neuropsychological assessment and treatment services for a wide variety of issues listed below. All of our clinicians are well trained in empirically validated treatment models, including: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Relational Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and EMDR. Each of our clinicians has an area of expertise, such as: eating disorders, depression, anxiety, addictions, trauma, chronic pain, postpartum mood issues, and obsessive compulsive disorder. We tailor our treatment approach to suit the needs of each individual client.
The Therapy Centre is a full service psychology practice. We offer services to children, teens, adults, couples, and families. We offer psychological and neuropsychological assessment and treatment services for a wide variety of issues listed below. All of our clinicians are well trained in empirically validated treatment models, including: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Relational Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and EMDR. Each of our clinicians has an area of expertise, such as: eating disorders, depression, anxiety, addictions, trauma, chronic pain, postpartum mood issues, and obsessive compulsive disorder. We tailor our treatment approach to suit the needs of each individual client.
(289) 274-3157 View (289) 274-3157
Photo of Family TLC, Registered Social Worker in Ontario
Family TLC
Registered Social Worker, MEd, Counsel, BAFN, CYC, RSW
Verified Verified
Barrie, ON L4N
Are life struggles causing you unhappiness? It can get better. We are a group of highly trained psychotherapists, social workers and mediators. Many with over 25 years of experience in the field. Hundreds of individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents have benefited from our services. At Family TLC we truly believe in you and that you are bigger than the concern. With our diversely experienced team we are confident that a potential client will find someone best suited to their concerns that will help them make positive changes in their life.
Are life struggles causing you unhappiness? It can get better. We are a group of highly trained psychotherapists, social workers and mediators. Many with over 25 years of experience in the field. Hundreds of individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents have benefited from our services. At Family TLC we truly believe in you and that you are bigger than the concern. With our diversely experienced team we are confident that a potential client will find someone best suited to their concerns that will help them make positive changes in their life.
(844) 332-2854 View (844) 332-2854
Photo of David Blair Corbett, Registered Social Worker in Ontario
David Blair Corbett
Registered Social Worker, BSc, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2E
I see adult individuals and male/female couples (premaritally and maritally). I specialize in attachment, emotional maturation, and trauma recovery with individuals (primarily men) . I also do a sizeable amount of addictions recovery or relapse prevention work with men. Maritally, I often work from an Emotionally Focused approach. In Christian Counselling, I utilize The Life Model/Thrive/HeartSync/Immanuel processes in understanding & assessing brain skills and trauma recovery needs. I also help new private practitioners set up their businesses and develop their clientele successfully. Please call for a consultation.
I see adult individuals and male/female couples (premaritally and maritally). I specialize in attachment, emotional maturation, and trauma recovery with individuals (primarily men) . I also do a sizeable amount of addictions recovery or relapse prevention work with men. Maritally, I often work from an Emotionally Focused approach. In Christian Counselling, I utilize The Life Model/Thrive/HeartSync/Immanuel processes in understanding & assessing brain skills and trauma recovery needs. I also help new private practitioners set up their businesses and develop their clientele successfully. Please call for a consultation.
(226) 458-4599 View (226) 458-4599
Photo of Mary Anne Bedington, Counsellor in Ontario
Mary Anne Bedington
Counsellor, RMFT, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waterdown, ON L8B
I have been providing therapy for many years and I consider it an honour to come along side others (individuals, couples and families) as they seek change and transformation. When you are faced with life's unexpected challenges, distress or overwhelming anxieties, seeking help and consulting with a therapist is a significant step.
I have been providing therapy for many years and I consider it an honour to come along side others (individuals, couples and families) as they seek change and transformation. When you are faced with life's unexpected challenges, distress or overwhelming anxieties, seeking help and consulting with a therapist is a significant step.
(855) 977-0194 View (855) 977-0194
Photo of The Therapy Centre, Psychologist in Ontario
The Therapy Centre
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4S
The Therapy Centre is a full service psychology practice. We offer services to children, teens, adults, couples, and families. We offer psychological and neuropsychological assessment and treatment services for a wide variety of issues listed below. All of our clinicians are well trained in empirically validated treatment models, including: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Relational Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and EMDR. Each of our clinicians has an area of expertise and tailors treatment to target therapeutic goals.
The Therapy Centre is a full service psychology practice. We offer services to children, teens, adults, couples, and families. We offer psychological and neuropsychological assessment and treatment services for a wide variety of issues listed below. All of our clinicians are well trained in empirically validated treatment models, including: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Relational Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and EMDR. Each of our clinicians has an area of expertise and tailors treatment to target therapeutic goals.
(647) 492-3156 View (647) 492-3156
Photo of Remedy, Psychologist in Ontario
Remedy
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6G
Remedy is a vibrant and open-minded clinical practice that is committed to the personal growth of our clients. Our philosophy is to innovate mental health care and to work with our clients to amplify and support the lives they want to live. People seek therapy for a number of reasons, including to pursue personal exploration and an enhanced experience of life, as well as to address specific mental health concerns. However your goals for therapy may look, we are here to hold space for you. We believe that you are the expert in your own life, and we will work collaboratively with you to design a therapy plan that meets your needs.
Remedy is a vibrant and open-minded clinical practice that is committed to the personal growth of our clients. Our philosophy is to innovate mental health care and to work with our clients to amplify and support the lives they want to live. People seek therapy for a number of reasons, including to pursue personal exploration and an enhanced experience of life, as well as to address specific mental health concerns. However your goals for therapy may look, we are here to hold space for you. We believe that you are the expert in your own life, and we will work collaboratively with you to design a therapy plan that meets your needs.
(647) 691-4772 View (647) 691-4772
Photo of Leticia Akparah, Registered Social Worker in Ontario
Leticia Akparah
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Thank you for viewing my profile. I am ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. My practice services individuals, children, youth, families, and groups. We provide psychotherapy to support emotional distress, but not limited to anxiety, lack of motivation, sadness or depression, grief, feeling overwhelmed, feeling stuck in your life and relationship issues. Taking the first step can be difficult, we understand. If you are struggling with mental health issues, the team at Support & Growth Counselling Services can help. We offer a variety of counselling and psychotherapy services to ensure that you and your loved ones can build happy and healthy lives.
Thank you for viewing my profile. I am ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. My practice services individuals, children, youth, families, and groups. We provide psychotherapy to support emotional distress, but not limited to anxiety, lack of motivation, sadness or depression, grief, feeling overwhelmed, feeling stuck in your life and relationship issues. Taking the first step can be difficult, we understand. If you are struggling with mental health issues, the team at Support & Growth Counselling Services can help. We offer a variety of counselling and psychotherapy services to ensure that you and your loved ones can build happy and healthy lives.
(289) 277-4994 View (289) 277-4994
Photo of Philip Greer, Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario
Philip Greer
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M3H
I specialize in working with adults and teenagers who struggle to control anger. I also help couples looking to mend breakdown in communication, and experience healthier relationships in all aspects of their daily lives. I would love to work with someone wanting to gain back control of his or her life.
I specialize in working with adults and teenagers who struggle to control anger. I also help couples looking to mend breakdown in communication, and experience healthier relationships in all aspects of their daily lives. I would love to work with someone wanting to gain back control of his or her life.
(647) 930-0219 View (647) 930-0219
Photo of By Peaceful Waters , Registered Social Worker in Ontario
By Peaceful Waters
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, 422601
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2V
Life is difficult. Complex circumstances hit us all, often resulting in a diminished ability for us to live life to its fullest. Unresolved emotional pain and trauma can give rise to depression, anger, anxiety, low self-esteem, and abuse of self and others. By Peaceful Waters therapists combine our professional training and our Christian faith to bring healing and restoration to spiritual, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and relational hurts. We offer a safe, non-judgmental and empathetic environment, nourishing hope and healing, in which the whole person is valued, affirmed and empowered, not just to survive but to thrive.
Life is difficult. Complex circumstances hit us all, often resulting in a diminished ability for us to live life to its fullest. Unresolved emotional pain and trauma can give rise to depression, anger, anxiety, low self-esteem, and abuse of self and others. By Peaceful Waters therapists combine our professional training and our Christian faith to bring healing and restoration to spiritual, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and relational hurts. We offer a safe, non-judgmental and empathetic environment, nourishing hope and healing, in which the whole person is valued, affirmed and empowered, not just to survive but to thrive.
(226) 910-0979 View (226) 910-0979
Photo of Cobblestone Counselling Group, Registered Social Worker in Ontario
Cobblestone Counselling Group
Registered Social Worker
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paris, ON N3L
No Waitlists. We offer private In-person, phone and video Counselling and Psychotherapy services in Paris, Ontario. Are you struggling to understand and cope with challenges in your personal or professional life? Cobblestone Counselling and Psychotherapy group offers children, individuals, families and couples counselling. Like all services at Cobblestone, Counselling services are focused on treating people holistically. We see the person as a whole and employ a person centred, collaborative and integrative approach to counselling and therapy. Finding a therapist uniquely fitting to your needs is significant to us at Cobblestone.
No Waitlists. We offer private In-person, phone and video Counselling and Psychotherapy services in Paris, Ontario. Are you struggling to understand and cope with challenges in your personal or professional life? Cobblestone Counselling and Psychotherapy group offers children, individuals, families and couples counselling. Like all services at Cobblestone, Counselling services are focused on treating people holistically. We see the person as a whole and employ a person centred, collaborative and integrative approach to counselling and therapy. Finding a therapist uniquely fitting to your needs is significant to us at Cobblestone.
(519) 442-2237 View (519) 442-2237

See more therapy options for Ontario

Intervention Counsellors

How does an intervention work?

An intervention is a planned, structured meeting in which a person’s family or friends voice concerns about the person’s behaviour and its consequences; the goal is for the person to accept treatment. In this meeting, the person’s loved ones (often with the guidance of a trained interventionist) share how the person’s behaviour has harmed them and the consequences if the person refuses treatment. They collectively ask the person to accept a proposed treatment plan.

How effective are interventions?

There isn’t extensive research on the efficacy of interventions, in part because success is difficult to measure. Individuals often enter addiction treatment after an intervention, for example, but treatment itself may not work, especially if the person only begins due to external pressure from others rather than due to internal motivation to change. However, if all other attempts at helping someone have failed, an intervention may be worth exploring.

What are the limitations of interventions?

While a friend or family member’s intentions are in the right place in wanting to help a loved one through an intervention, there are significant limitations to the approach. The surprising nature of the event can make the person feel ambushed or judged. They may feel embarrassed or ashamed as a result, and relationships may be strained or broken. This can make it difficult for the individual to be receptive to the concerns of their loved ones and the interventionist.

Are there alternatives to interventions?

Rather than confronting a loved one through an intervention, an effective and less pressured approach is to create space for a caring, open, one-on-one conversation. This works best if the loved one asks open-ended questions, listens attentively to the answers, and frames their observations and statements with concern rather than judgment. More than one conversation may be needed, but change can take root over time.