What Is An Intervention?
An intervention is an invitation to seek and accept care.
Substance abuse requires treatment.
How do you get someone from refusal of treatment to a “Yes”…without setting them up? Without shame or disrespect? Without an ambush?
You do so with the help of an expert. With the assistance of a trained and certified interventionist.
%
US families with at least one addict among their immediate family members.
%
Addicts in complete denial about their addiction.
%
Successful interventions when led by a professional interventionist.
%
Families who will make the decision to seek out professional help with an intervention.
Dr. Stanger is unstoppable in her quest to educate.
She encourages collective community interaction and invites dialogue that inspires true change.
We are so grateful and honored to have her in our community!
Executive Director, Milestones Ranch Malibu
I'm so glad that I was able to attend your presentation...talk about a relevant and timely topic!! You are a gifted teacher...knowledgeable, interesting, dynamic and accessible...great combination!.
Louise provides some of the most valued training that our staff receives. The moment that one of her trainings ends, team members begin to ask when she will be returning.
Paradigm Malibu
Dr. Stanger is well-known national expert in the addictions field with a breadth of knowledge of skills ranging from clinical interventions to public policy. She is an accomplished clinician, educator, program administrator and consultant.
The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
You and your work are such a gift to our profession and I thoroughly enjoyed learning and being with you today. I really appreciate the way you blend your expertise and personal story.
I and everyone there loved your presentation. I heard nothing but good things! A couple of people said they needed to hear what you were saying- the information was spot on. You are the best and I so appreciate you
We are so grateful and honored to have her in our community!
Today it all changed because of you.
When people come into your life and elevate your spirit they become your Champions.
I want to thank you for being there because it was my time to get and share your message.
California
Dr. Stanger’s Approach
In contrast to many intervention styles, Dr. Stanger has cultivated her own invitational intervention process. As such, she helps intervention teams – consisting of family, friends, business acquaintances, wealth managers, estate attorneys, personal assistants, employers, even hair and clothing stylists and anyone else who has an interest in and cares for the identified loved one to become healthier and stronger as well.
She works with each member of the team to develop and practice self-care and develop healthy boundaries. She believes each member of the intervention team can be motivated and challenged to become the person with a stable and healthy relationship with the family member or loved one they are meant to be.
I can tell you that the time we will spend together is some of the most valuable and dynamic time I get to spend in my professional life, and for this time I am honored and grateful. -Dr. Louise Stanger
Together, treatment options are explored, and arrangements are made for your loved one to accept the treatment being offered.
With experience, I adopted what I now call a Unified Intervention Strategy. These are my own processes that come directly from my experience working with thousands of families in over thirty years of social work practice. And the proof is in the pudding.
I offer a guarantee to the families that work with me.
I guarantee that everyone participating in a Unified Intervention will learn more about substance abuse, addiction, process disorders, chronic pain, and mental health disorders. I guarantee that participants will better understand how these disorders affect people in general, as well as their specific family situation. I guarantee that families will uncover the hidden stories around the addiction and their loved one, creating a more accurate picture of reality. And I believe that everyone experiences this approach to intervention will experience relief.
When we work toward a common goal of health, openings appear where there were none. It is my hope that intervention can lead you and your loved one toward a healthier, happier life. Together, we can make a difference.
“Your inspirational leadership saved our son & transformed our lives.”
–Greg
What Is an Invitational Intervention?
As a dedicated professional with many years of experience, Dr. Stanger is known for her concierge style, knowledge of family systems, and deep understanding of the ways in which addiction and trauma intertwine. She knows how to help your husband, wife, son or daughter get help to stop drinking and/or abusing drugs. In this way, she believes that interventions are a “process” not a “model.” This means that Dr. Louise meets each and every individual she works with where they are and not from any preconceived formula. One of the greatest strengths with this process is her ability to create movement within the family. This is the most important aspect of her work.
She often times works with other highly trained professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, marriage and family counselors, recovery coaches, addiction specialists, executive protection professionals, and other highly skilled interventionists) as she believes her clients get better service and value from a cohesive team of professionals. Safety issues are addressed in a robust fashion.
Dr. Louise and her team of trained professionals believe working with individuals who are in the midst of a mental health, substance abuse and other crisis demands the utmost confidentiality, sensitivity, flexibility and professional skills. As a licensed clinician for over 35 years and mandated reporter, clients are guaranteed the highest ethical standards.
Image what it would be like not to worry at night, to have hope.
We can get there together. Let’s talk.
What is an interventionist?
An interventionist is a trained professional in the field of addiction and family systems. Dr. Stanger, a seasoned and highly trained interventionist, helps identify people in the identified loved one’s life experiencing addiction that can be most influential in a recovery team. The team is usually composed of family, friends and coworkers who can help an individual accept and receive treatment. Family interventions are the most commonly requested service, though concerned friends and colleagues have become more involved in the process.
Often, people seek out the help from a professional interventionists like Dr. Stanger when they’ve reached the end of their rope. Watching a loved one struggle with addiction can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair. Denial is a part of most addiction, with approximately 50% of addicts in complete denial. As a result, the identified loved one’s relationships with family and friends can become tense and difficult and communication breaks down. Attempting an intervention without help can be intimidating, overwhelming and often unsuccessful.
Thus, Dr. Stanger brings hope and acceptance to a difficult reality. She provides a new perspective and creates an opening to facilitate a loved one getting help. Family and friends can begin to learn new ways to take care of themselves and support each other and healing can begin.
What Does An Interventionist Do?
They can provide a new perspective and create an opening to facilitate a loved one getting help. Family and friends can begin to learn new ways to take care of themselves and support each other and healing can begin.
What Is The 3 Step Process?
- Louise begins the process by learning more about the loved one experiencing addiction or other disorders, the situation and the most significant relationships in the loved one’s life. She then identifies the most appropriate people to be a part of the intervention meeting and recovery team. The right approach will be determined based on the client’s unique circumstances and mental health conditions.
- Then, in collaboration with clients, Dr.Louise creates a plan, sets a date for an intervention and facilitates the process, each step of the way. Throughout the process, she provides education, support and guidance.
- After the intervention, Dr. Louise evaluates different treatment options and potential aftercare programs specific to the loved one’s needs and situation. Each plan will be designed to ensure that the client’s process is beneficial for all involved.
How long does an intervention take?
Dr. Louise provides coaching for vocabulary and encourages patience as family members learn the right words to communicate effectively during the intervention. Interventions can take place very quickly in several days or depending on clients needs will be done over time. Once an intervention is completed, Solution focused recovery coaching may continue for up to 12 months.
What is the cost for a professional interventionist?
Dr. Louise discusses the specifics of your situation with you and provides an engagement which outlines exact services and cost.
- Louise begins the process by learning more about the loved one experiencing addiction or other disorders, the situation and the most significant relationships in the loved one’s life. She then identifies the most appropriate people to be a part of the intervention meeting and recovery team. The right approach will be determined based on the client’s unique circumstances and mental health conditions.
- Then, in collaboration with clients, Dr.Louise creates a plan, sets a date for an intervention and facilitates the process, each step of the way. Throughout the process, she provides education, support and guidance.
- After the intervention, Dr. Louise evaluates different treatment options and potential aftercare programs specific to the loved one’s needs and situation. Each plan will be designed to ensure that the client’s process is beneficial for all involved.
What's the success rate?
How do I choose an interventionist?
Also look for additional credentialing or licensure. Many interventionists will hold Masters degrees or licenses for mental health or substance abuse issues. Many times addiction is coupled with other mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Interventionists with advanced education and experience in counseling can address each person’s individual needs.
Dr. Louise has advanced degrees and licenses in social work, a doctoral degree in Educational leadership, is a Brene Brown Daring Way-Rising Strong Facilitator, and has been trained in Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and 12-Step. She has had a distinguished career as a university administrator and lecturer teaching others and is nationally known for her work with families.
Experience is imperative. Ask the interventionist how many interventions they have done and inquire about success rates. Finding someone with a history or proven success will bring you confidence and relief through this difficult process.
Are interventions confidential?
Can an interventionist help with my family?
Dr. Louise helps a variety of families in crisis – from those struggling to cope with substance abuse, mental health, chronic pain, process disorders or other complex behavior issues.
What An Intervention Is Not
Confidentiality, concierge service, exclusivity, ethics and discretion are paramount.
Interventions are not conducted:
- When a person is intoxicated to the point that it requires medical or in-patient psychiatric attention
- Suicidal
- Known to be violent
- Extremely depressed
- Experiencing mania
- Suffering from another serious mental health disorder
Families are carefully assessed to confirm that Dr. Louise’s method of intervention is the right approach. For example, extra precautions are taken when doing an intervention with a male client who has a history of violence. Or when a patient is addicted to cocaine and is also in a manic stage. Or when a young girl is suffering from both anorexia and depression.
The utmost care is taken that the entire process is safe, caring, and beneficial for everyone involved.
I
Choose
Family Interventions
Family Interventions Are Delicate
Family interventions are difficult and delicate matters. Anger and profound sorrow often result when someone is forced to look at his or her own behavior. Family members often experience mournful rage, deep sadness, and powerful guilt over previous failed efforts.
Family members are gently asked to look at their own behaviors and explore the intricacies of relationships and behaviors that have been built around the addiction.
Professional Intervention Guidance
It is imperative for a professional to be present to help coach everyone along the way. As a professional interventionist, Dr. Stanger has learned that a safe, comfortable, and respectful atmosphere is essential for success.
After careful coaching, planning, and wise deliberation, the intervention is conducted in a respectful, loving, caring manner in which all participants come together for a common cause – helping your loved one get treatment. In doing so, you strengthen your bond and respect for one another.
While your loved one is in treatment, Dr. Stanger provides case management services with the treatment center. Additionally, she continues to work with the family to provide Solution-Focused Coaching to help each person identify a plan for their own healing process. Support and guidance for the family and client during their transition from treatment to home or new living situation is also included.
Family Resources
It is important for every family to have their own resources for healing. In addition to Dr. Stanger’s services, it is always advised that each family member consider going to their own support group the find the healing community that is right for them. Long-term healing is often more successful when it involves a community. Depending on your situation, you and your family may each consider one or more of the following resources:
Al-Anon
Alcoholics Anonymous
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
National Institute on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence
Adult Children of Alcoholics
Overeaters Anonymous
Debtors Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous