What is an 'intervention'?

What is an 'intervention'?

Intervention in counselling involves a group of friends or family members arranging professional help for another experiencing a situation. The intervention happens when one suffers from drug addiction, alcoholism, compulsive gambling, eating disorders, self-harm, abuse. Often, the person denies or might not recognise the extent of their problems and behaviours.

In an intervention, concerned friends and family members have a chance to reveal their true feelings about the problems with a therapist’s help. Intervention counselling works best when everyone is on the same page.

How to Start Intervention Counseling

Before beginning the session, the group must understand the intervention's aim - to help heal trauma. They will need to open up to each other about their feelings towards the person involved and prepare for what could happen for the session's duration.

Having a mediator with you is essential to help you guide the event, and they may give their perspectives if required. One great technique that most therapists request from the group is to write a letter to the subject about their feelings and concerns. The method includes how, in their point-of-view, the traumatic experience affects the subject's life. The therapist handles the disagreements, then gives everyone a chance to share their concerns further.

It can be difficult for the subject to participate in the mediation. The participant may get angry, conflicted, confused, or may even become violent in the beginning. It's is essential to never respond in the same manner. As part of the group, getting into an intervention requires excellent empathy towards the subject.

However, when you are the subject, get into that mindset that the intervention is for your sake and it is a small step towards your recovery. Feelings of anger and the attitude of unwillingness will not get you anywhere. As the subject, you need to be prepared to make changes to your life. Otherwise, the sessions will be all for naught.

Interventions are Only the Beginning

By participating in an intervention counselling session, the subject and the group must accept that help is needed. They understand the significance of the need to change and the weight of the subject's actions and behaviours, and what should be adjusted.

As part of the group, you must become the robust support system the subject needs to prevent him/her from relapsing or resorting to adverse acts.

As the subject, you must be willing to participate and be open to advise and feedback from your group and your therapist. The goal is to slowly get yourself back together by reinforcing positivity into your life and change for the better.

When you need intervention counselling in the Newcastle area, Cooks Hill Counseling is available. Please book an appointment in advance via telephone at 0421 598 486, or visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cooks-Hill-Counselling/259206244287245 for more information.