Mental Health Interventions
The stereotype of interventionists still exists. And, families often minimize the crisis in their home. Both are cringe-worthy to think about. The popular TV show Intervention is also still very representative of what this could look like, especially if it’s related to substance use. What’s important to know, however, is that interventions are not strictly for those with substance abuse and/or addiction. There are clinically trained Interventionists that specialize in working with individuals struggling with mental health issues only. These are former therapists turned interventionists. There are more people that need mental health interventions than there are those who are available to help.
Before jumping into more details about mental health interventionists versus historical (or traditional) interventionist, we need to talk about why someone would do an intervention to begin with. The purpose of an intervention really falls into two categories. First, to activate change in those who are ready to make a change. And second, to confirm or review a true hierarchy of need. If you think about that for a second, you could really conclude that a lot of us could benefit from an intervention in our lives. Unfortunately, we still often think to interventions as only necessary for those addicted to opioids, or the like. Again, interventions do not have to be solely associated with those who are struggling with addiction.
In speaking with Mental Health Interventionists, you will discover common themes in who they are being hired to help. They do interventions for high school or college dropouts who are struggling to launch. They do interventions for those struggling significantly with anxiety and depression. Often, they even do interventions for young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Interventions can even be for the parents who are care taking for a capable young adult. Certainly, some of the young people (or parents!) listed above may also be wrestling with self-medication. Their primary struggle, however, is with mental health.
Often, I refer families to an Interventionist when it’s evident that there will be resistance to change – from the parents or the young adult. Most of those same families don’t believe they need to have an intervention, even if they are initially therapy resistant. As a professional, this recommendation is made for a reason. It could be because of split parents; not in agreement on what’s needed. Or it may be because the problems at hand have been ignored for years. As a professional after speaking with the parents, I see the writing on the wall in that getting their young adult into treatment is not going to be as easy. By bringing a professional into to help facilitate to conversation to engage in change, it could potentially bypass the power-struggles, manipulation to resist change, and traumatic emotional and verbal exchanges between family members. In the end, it’s all about love. Consider hiring someone who can help you with this process. Consider hiring a Mental Health Interventionist to help your loved one.
Not sure where to even look? Hire a Therapeutic Consultant to get you connected to the professional who will do a good job. A professional who will truly help your family.
For questions or comments contact Joanna.
