How to Set Up an Intervention for My Dad
Watching your dad struggle with addiction or mental health challenges can be incredibly difficult. If his behavior has started to affect his health, relationships, or daily life, an intervention might be the best way to encourage him to seek help. At Intervention Help, we’re here to guide families through this emotional process with a compassionate and professional approach that prioritizes your dad’s dignity and well-being. Here’s how to start setting up an intervention for your dad.
1. Recognize the Signs That an Intervention is Necessary
Interventions are typically needed when the person’s behavior is creating serious consequences and attempts to talk with them individually haven’t been successful. Common signs might include:
Struggling with physical or mental health issues.
Experiencing conflicts at work, home, or in social settings.
Engaging in risky or harmful behaviors.
Becoming increasingly isolated from loved ones.
Acknowledging the problem is a brave first step and lays the groundwork for creating change.
2. Reach Out to a Professional Interventionist
Partnering with a skilled interventionist is key to ensuring the process is both effective and respectful. At Intervention Help, our team—led by Stacy Plaisance, a seasoned interventionist with more than two decades of experience—specializes in tailored, family-focused interventions. Through an initial consultation, we’ll help you explore your dad’s specific challenges and goals, creating a plan that fits his needs.
3. Build a Supportive Intervention Team
The people involved in the intervention can make all the difference. Choose close family members and friends who:
Have a meaningful relationship with your dad.
Can approach him with care and understanding.
Are willing to follow through on agreed-upon boundaries and commitments.
With guidance from Intervention Help, your team will participate in pre-intervention training to learn how to approach your dad in a way that feels supportive rather than confrontational.
4. Create a Thoughtful Plan
Planning is essential to ensure the intervention is productive and stress-free. Important considerations include:
Writing Personalized Statements: Each participant should prepare to express their concerns in a way that reflects love and support rather than criticism.
Choosing the Right Setting: Select a location that’s private and comfortable, where your dad will feel safe.
Planning for Reactions: With professional input, anticipate how your dad might respond and prepare strategies for addressing resistance or denial.
5. Use an Empowering Approach
Our interventions at Intervention Help stand out because of their collaborative and non-confrontational nature. Using approaches like the ARISE model, we focus on empowering your dad to make his own decisions about seeking help. This method fosters trust and makes it more likely that he’ll embrace the recovery process.
6. Conduct the Intervention
On the day of the intervention, follow the plan developed during the preparation phase. Speak calmly and compassionately, sharing your concerns and hopes for your dad’s future. Your interventionist will facilitate the conversation, ensuring that everyone stays on track and that the environment remains supportive.
7. Present Clear Options for Next Steps
An intervention is more effective when there’s a clear path forward. Before the meeting, work with your interventionist to:
Identify appropriate treatment options.
Address any logistical concerns, such as transportation to a treatment center.
Establish firm but compassionate boundaries if your dad chooses not to accept help.
8. Commit to Continued Support
Recovery is a journey, and the intervention is just the starting point. Whether your dad agrees to treatment right away or needs time to process the conversation, your ongoing support will be crucial. At Intervention Help, we remain a resource for families, offering guidance throughout the recovery process.
Moving Forward with Hope
Intervening when your dad is struggling can feel daunting, but it’s an extremely loving and courageous step. At Intervention Help, we’re here to provide the expertise and compassion you need to navigate this challenging time. By focusing on respect, empathy, and collaboration, we aim to inspire your dad to take the first step toward healing and recovery.
If you’re ready to take the next step or have questions about setting up an intervention, contact us today. Together, we can create a pathway to hope and healing for your dad and your entire family.