Linda,

The answer to this question will vary depending on who you ask. Some people in the field have no professional training and are performing interventions based on what they read in a book or see on television. While I don’t condone this, that is the reality of what is going on out there. I think the answer also varies based on what populations you are looking to work with. At Intervention 180 we utilize several models of intervention, motivational interviewing and various counseling techniques. This is based on the diverse populations we assist. We find that different models and approaches work best for different people. Most of our team worked as counselors and therapists in some type of clinical setting prior to performing interventions.

For me personally I find my years as a primary counselor gave me the confidence to enter a family system and interrupt the addictive cycle. Working as a counselor, with a team allows you to be supervised and learn from co-workers. It also gives you the chance to work in a controlled environment prior to being in high-pressure crisis situations. I would recommend taking a job in some type of treatment setting to get your feet wet. Once you have a feel for that start attending conferences and trainings focused on the intervention field. Consider getting trained in several intervention models to give you a more thorough foundation. The ARISE, Systemic, Storti and Johnson Models of Intervention are all very useful when you are working with a diverse population of clients. Take all the trainings and find your own style.

Lastly I would advise you to find a mentor. This could be a particular interventionist you relate to or admire. Then ask them if you could tag along with them. Most interventionists in the field are willing to help someone out and share their experience. I have learned so much from those who came before me. Good Luck!