What can an interventionist help with?

An interventionist can help when people are unable or unwilling to curb behaviour that has become debilitating or dangerous to themselves or their loved ones. Interventions are often used in the context of alcohol and drug addiction, but interventions may also be used for other challenges such as depression, eating disorders, and gambling disorders.

Who is a certified or qualified interventionist?

A qualified interventionist is a licensed addiction specialist or mental health professional who has experience conducting interventions. The person might be a certified intervention professional (CIP), a licensed alcohol and drug counsellor (LADC), a certified addiction professional (CAP), a certified chemical dependency counsellor (CCDC), or a certified alcohol and drug counsellor (CADC).

What are interventions most commonly used for?

Interventions are often used to help people in the throes of addiction. The person may be addicted to alcohol, drugs, or harmful behaviours such as gambling. People may be driven to maintain an addiction at all costs, leading to dire consequences such as neglecting a spouse or child, excessive spending or stealing, and reckless behaviour such as drunk driving. The severe repercussions, both for the person and for their loved ones, are why interventions most commonly address addiction.

How do I recognise a good interventionist?

A good interventionist has excellent communication skills; they can help an individual’s friends and family members express themselves clearly, and they can help the individual process the experience and respond. Interventions have the potential to be damaging if the person feels attacked, judged, or betrayed, so an experienced interventionist should be able to help manage the difficult emotions involved in the process.