How do you decide what type of Intervention to use?

Of the several factors that need to be considered, the first is always the issue of urgency and safety. If you are responding to a crisis, the Intervention approach you choose will reflect that urgency.

Immediately address the crisis and ensure everyone's safety.

Family education and future plans can come later.

However, if you are dealing with a chronic problem, the Classic, the Family System, or a blend of these approaches are available to you . Your decision on how to proceed will depend on several factors including what your family members are prepared to do, on their geographic dispersion and to a great extent on the orientation of the Interventionist you find to help you.

Discuss with the Interventionist the most realistic and practical approach to take given the thoughts, feelings and location of the family members.

Remember, an Intervention is often a highly charged emotional experience and the family needs to be working with someone they trust. In theory all of the Intervention orientations work. However, most Interventionists have developed a personalized approach that leans to one form or the other. Look for someone whose approach makes sense to you. Choose someone you can trust and then let them help you.