A few months ago our family received intervention training from a counselor. We were ready to proceed but then our son got a construction job in another state and left the area. Now he’s back and still in pretty bad shape. We’re going ahead with the intervention but are trying to decide whether we need to spend the extra $1500 to have the intervention counselor come to our town to participate with us. What’s the best way to make the decision?
The power of an intervention comes from the family, not the interventionist.
A well-prepared intervention team is almost impossible to ignore. You represent key people in the alcoholic’s life. You’ve taken the time to plan and prepare. You offer a consensus opinion on a very important issue. That’s impressive. And the reluctant alcoholic is not immune.
Now– does the paragraph above describe the present state of you and your family? Are they organized, intent, and determined? Prepared for objections? Do you have a viable treatment program waiting for the moment you hear the magic word ‘yes’?
If that’s not the case– if some members of your team have become hesitant, mired in doubt, lost their motivation– then you want the professional with you. He or she has little influence on the alcoholic. The professional’s role is to help you.
Does that simplify things a bit?
Given the lapse of several months, it’s probably a good idea to meet with the pro at least once, to rehearse.
Lots more on intervention here.
