Woodbury Reports, Inc.
Bonners Ferry, ID

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What is a Real Intervention?

October 7, 2013

Despite the myths and drama associated with interventions, today's guests on Parent Choices for Struggling Teens: Arden O'Connor and Diana Clark who are professional interventionists, shared with Lon what a powerful tool a real intervention can be. "An intervention is a tool to get somebody (IP- identified person) to change their (sometimes) lethal behaviors and to accept help while they are struggling." Diana defines it as "a force of love", when the people who love you are coming together to ask the IP to get help.

The pre-intervention is the critical part of the intervention. The group or team meets up beforehand to strategize the goals and boundaries of the intervention. Where the intervention will take place, at what time, and most importantly- who will be present? "The pre preparation is key…in defining what roles each family member will play, to switch roles if one parent is used to/ or identified as the enabler, or weaker of the parents in holding boundaries. It is important for the team to present itself as a unified force and healthy boundaries are set in place if the IP does not get help." "It is like following a script" commented Lon. Ideally, there should be no surprises.

The benefits of a professional intervention affects everyone involved. The participants get to air their concerns and fears that have been bottled up for months or even years and parents can have control over their responses during an intervention. For the identified person, the amount of love and concern coming from the group may be just what they were looking for or needing in order to take that first step. "80% of those going through a professional intervention will seek help and 5-10% of them "will test the fortitude of the group" (in holding boundaries) and will then seek help.

When looking for an interventionist Arden suggests looking at their credentials, are they a member of the AIS? And to interview them in order to choose the right gender of the interventionist that will work for your family member. To learn more or to ask questions, you can contact O'Connor Professional Group.

To listen to the full interview, go to What Is a Real Intervention? on LATalkRadio.
Also available in Podcast

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports, Inc. and www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens.

Arden O'Connor founded O'Connor Professional Group in 2011. She received her MBA from Harvard Business School, where her focus was in healthcare and behavioral health services on the East Coast. Arden is a member of Windsor School Corporation, and a board member of the following: Harvard Business School Alumni Board of Boston, Victory Programs and Justice Resource Institute.

Diana Clark, JD, MA is an author and facilitator or several workshops specifically designed for family members and has recently releases her audio book- "What Love Looks Like: When Your Adult Child Struggles with Addiction". Diana holds a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Antioch University.

Stay Tuned for Upcoming Programs:

October 21:
Betty Kreisel Shubert: "What Teen Clothing Choices Say About Them"

October 28:
Devon Green: "Sober High Schools-A Model for Education"

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We are excited to announce that we have several openings for on-air advertising spots during our show on LA TALK Radio: Parent Choices for Struggling Teens.

If you are interested in reserving some air time to promote your school, program or services, contact Krisite Campbell at krisite@woodbury.com or 208-267-5550

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Attention:

Part 3 to the Parent Empowerment Handbook -Wilderness Therapy and Outdoor Adventure E-Book is now available on amazon.com. In addition, Part 1- the Introduction to the Parent Empowerment Handbook and Part 2- Single Sex Schools are also available on Amazon.com