Training to Become an Interventionist

When the decision is made to become an interventionist, it pays to become certified. A certified interventionist undergoes a two day (or sometimes more) of programing that teaches the individual about the various skills and traits that will be needed to lead a successful intervention.

In training the interventionist learns that there are a lot of self destructive behaviors out there, including excessive drinking, drug use, anorexia, extreme gambling, and seniors needing assisted living. The interventionist only needs to have caring friends and family of the affected individual so that an intervention can take place and the addict or other individual can receive the car they need.

An interventionist learns that the process needs to be done with the utmost of respect and care for the individual being intervened upon. There should be as little conflict as possible and it is the job of the interventionist to keep everyone calm and focused on the specific issues at hand. The certified interventionist learns the best ways to give the addict the courage it takes to take the first steps toward recovery. It is important to be trained on the traps that can wreck the entire process and learn how to get out of them, or avoid them altogether.

The certified interventionist learns to replace the frustration of this harsh process with the concepts of hope and positive action toward getting better. He or she is quick to decide who best should be involved in the intervention and who could make things worse. The interventionist must navigate the difficult aspects of inviting some people to the intervention while excluding others.

The interventionist helps determine the consequences of failing to enter treatment and helps the addict understand those consequences. There must be some negative consequences to not attending treatment and the interventionist must get those things across to the addict during this time. It is important to focus on the need to enter a facility because that is ultimately the most helpful for the addict.

The certified interventionist knows when to go ahead with the intervention and when to abort the entire thing. If there is not readily available treatment, it may be best to intervene after the individual has a treatment program to go to. A good interventionist also learns how to keep control over the situation, even if the addict acts inappropriately or does not seem interested. All in all, every person involved in the intervention must leave feeling satisfied that it was worthwhile. Training to be a certified interventionist Is a diverse job that takes a special set of skills, but it can also be rewarding for all involved.