Teen Intervention

An intervention may be a parent or guardian's best hope for saving a troubled teen. An intervention is a structured, caring, and solution-focused process wherein a group of family members, friends and others close to the teenager come together and discusses their feelings and observations about the teenager's problems. A trained professional should lead these events and plan them well in advance. Typically, an intervention catches a teenager off-guard. If they knew in advance what was coming, they might not show up, or be prepared with rebuttals and arguments.

The Intent of Intervention

It is crucial that an intervention be loving. It is not a time to vent anger and frustration or lay blame. The message from the group intervening should be consistent. The professional in charge can ensure that the meeting is led in a constructive fashion.

Interventions can be very successful, but they can also be very unpleasant. Parents and friends should know this in advance. Your teenager may well be furious at what is happening, or feel humiliated and want to lash out. While this is normal, it is imperative that you know how you will react if this occurs.

If plans are in place to take the teenager to a treatment center following the intervention, those arrangements must be made in advance. Know also what you will do once the intervention ends. Will you let your teenager go out? Will you go away for a day or two together? What kind of follow-up will you have? If you aren't prepared, the problem or problems could deepen.