How do I choose an Interventionist to work with?

By asking about the Interventionist's experience and your own sense of comfort and trust.

Specialized training is required to guide a family and work colleagues through the Intervention process successfully. Most people, including many in the addiction field, have a simplistic view of Interventions, greatly underestimating the knowledge, skill, flexibility, and courage necessary on the part of an Interventionist. Although a background in addictions and human behavior is essential, the normal aims and methods of individual, group and family therapies are insufficient.

The amount of training, experience, skill and supervision among people doing Interventions varies considerably, and it is difficult to evaluate an Interventionist's qualifications or performance. So when meeting an Interventionist for the first time, inquire about how long he or she has been doing Interventions, about how he or she conducts Interventions. Develop a sense of whether or not the Interventionist knows what he or she is doing. Follow your instincts; you will know.

It is important that you trust the Interventionist. Should you ever find you are uneasy or that you are being asked to do something you do not understand or agree with, you would be wise to stop the process and find someone else.