CANADA ALCOHOL AND DRUG INTERVENTION SERVICES

An intervention is a structured method of assisting an individual who has resisted previous attempts by concerned others to get help for a drug or alcohol problem. The objective of an intervention is to confront a person in a non-threatening way and allow them to see their self-destructive behavior, and how it affects themselves, family and friends. A well-executed intervention is professionally facilitated by an interventionist: an individual with expertise in drug and alcohol counselling and specific training in the intervention process.

Other problem areas that interventions can address include eating disorders, internet addiction, sexual addiction, and compulsive gambling.

WHAT IS AN INTERVENTION?

By Trudy Annand, RPC

For years, I have been asked the question, "What is an Intervention?" With the introduction of A&E´s television show, "Intervention,"more people are being introduced to the theory of interventions. Interventions are not a new concept in fact Vernon Johnson developed the first model in the 1960´s. The three models primarily used today include the Johnson, ARISE, and the Systemic Models.

Interventionists generally determine which model to use based on the circumstances presented by the family. Originally, the Johnson model was developed for alcohol and drug addiction; however, other addictions such as gambling, sex, eating disorders, computer/ internet, and shopping addiction are successfully intervened on by using these techniques. In addition to family interventions, workplace and executive interventions are commonly carried out. For this article, I will use the term "concerned persons" to include all types of interventions.

The Interventionist works with the concerned persons to form the appropriate intervention team, develop strategies for the intervention, provide education on addiction, assess the needs for referral and make arrangements with the appropriately identified residential alcohol and drug treatment program, and transport the client to such facility.

Interventions that are properly executed allow the concerned persons to begin resolving the hurt and anger that has developed by the relationship with the addicted individual. Through properly facilitated interventions, concerned persons are transformed in ways that are necessary for lasting change to occur within the addicted individual.

Interventionists require specialized training to guide concerned persons through the intervention process successfully. Although a background is addictions and human behaviour is essential, intervention training is paramount. It takes a great amount of knowledge, skill, and flexibility to become an Interventionist. When enquiring about an Interventionist, ask how long they have been doing interventions, how they conduct them, what training they have had, and if they are certified. It is important that you trust the Interventionist!

Trudy Annand is a Senior Interventionist with AXIS Intervention Services Ltd. She is a member of the Association of Intervention Specialists and conducts interventions throughout Canada for families, employers and executives. See below for more information on Trudy.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON INTERVENTIONS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON INTERVENTIONS

For individuals who require additional information about interventions are recommended to visit a site created by Vaughn Howland, an interventionist located in the United States.

Increasingly, families are choosing to perform their own interventions. While you may decide, in the end, to perform your own intervention you may still consider having the interventionists listed in this directory to assist in a consulting capacity.

The listings below include known interventionists in Canada. Interventionists regularly travel to other cities. For rates please contact the interventionist directly.

Note: This website does not list interventionists based out of the United States. If you would like a listing of American interventionists visit the Association of Intervention Specialists (AIS) or Contact Us at canadadrugrehab.ca for a list of recommended US-based interventionists.

 

BRITISH COLUMBIA ALCOHOL AND DRUG INTERVENTION SERVICES

Sue Donaldson

Pegasus Interventions
550 - 2950 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC
Phone: (250) 514-1083
Email: sue@pegasusrecoverysolutions.com

Qualifications: Sue Donaldson is a trained and Board Registered Interventionist who has conducted many successful interventions.  She is a full member of the Association of Intervention Specialists , a Registered Social Worker and Certified Executive Coach.  She brings her 15 years of experience in Mental Health and Addictions working with individuals, families, groups and organizations, in both residential and outpatient settings.  She has extensive counselling, coaching and facilitation training which she draws upon when working with individuals and groups to move them towards change and a positive outcome.  She is energetic, utilizes humour liberally and has been described as tenacious - all of which combine to put the intervention participants at ease while, staying with the goal of getting the affected individual to accept help.  She has offices located in Victoria, Vancouver and Nanaimo  and also travels all North American or international destinations to facilitate interventions. 

Sue lives with her family in Victoria, British Columbia, daily celebrating and relishing the fruits of her own 21 years of sobriety. 

In her own words: With the support, guidance and facilitation of an intervention specialist, the family or workplace can play a critical role in supporting the addicted individual to get the help they need.  Often people are quite desperate by the time they seek this type of support and the situation has often deteriorated significantly.  Most people don’t really understand that addiction is a chronic, progressive - and often ultimately fatal - disease, and therefore don’t know how to confront the issue in a helpful way.  They are often trapped in a cycle of despair, blame, anger and futile attempts to control or change the situation.    Because circumstances vary widely, the intervention is individually structured based upon a thorough assessment of the family or organization and the situation.  This customized approach best ensures an optimal, two-fold outcome:  the addictive person agrees to accept treatment and the family or workplace  is able to openly identify and address the problem - often for the first time -  and learn how to support and participate in the recovery process.

 

James Dunn LLB, MACAM and Janice Dunn, RPN
685 Western Acres Road
Nanaimo, BC V9R 5W9
Phone:(250)714-0055
Email: jamesnrdunn@shaw.ca

Qualifications: James and Janice are highly skilled intervention specialists with years of experience in the addictions field. James´ experience as a lawyer and mediator provide him with the necessary skills to take charge of difficult clients dealing with addiction problems. In addition to his legal degree, James has a Masters of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Management. Janice´s expertise as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse includes mental health and addictions, psycho geriatrics, sexual abuse and family violence, and eating disorders. Together, James and Janice have the expertise to handle many self destructive behaviours including

In their own words: Our philosophy is that an intervention is the best thing you can do for the person you care about that needs your help. Their approach is to provide professional guidance and support throughout every aspect of the intervention, letting their clients know that they are being served by competent and caring professionals.

Janice and James recognize that each intervention is a unique experience for that family or business. They believe that what may work for one family or business may not work for another. Nothing is taken for granted and Janice and James ensure that everything is done to make the intervention a success.

James and Janice have offices in Nanaimo, Vancouver and Victoria. They will travel anywhere in North America or internationally to facilitate an intervention.

Janice and James live in Nanaimo BC with their three young boys. They have a blended family and have grown through many challenges to enjoy a balanced life and a happy fulfilling marriage.

Kima Jones, MBA
Know How Education
Vancouver, BC (Servicing all of Western Canada)
Phone: 604-818-5669
Email: info@knowhoweducaton.com

Qualifications:

Kima has been working with children with specific needs for over 20 years and has experience with a wide range of behavioural issues including drug and alcohol misuse. She has a Masters degree in Educational Management and an extensive history of professional development in special needs subjects including McMaster University's Addiction Education Program. Kima dedicates much of her time to community education; she gives workshops to parents and school counsellors on dealing with at-risk youth and presentations to secondary school students on behalf of the Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of British Columbia

In Her Own Words:

My own life experiences have given me insight, compassion and a genuine desire to help families heal and initiate positive change. I know first hand the feelings of fear, shame and confusion that loved ones experience when someone they care about is in jeopardy. As such, I am just as much a source of moral and emotional support for parents, as I am an advocate for youth.

I like to describe myself is as a resource for families who want more that just the default options available to them. My expertise is in helping parents find private programs which take a holistic approach to treatment, health, and education. I can provide interventional opportunities unavailable through our public system and unknown to many professionals.

Kathleen Landry and Associates

Kathleen has two offices for your convenience
North Vancouver in Deep Cove
2588 Badger Road
Phone: (604)924-0042

Vancouver in Yaletown
977 Mainland Street
Phone: (604)669-7964
Cell: 604-762-5305
Email: kathleenlandry@shaw.ca

Qualifications: Kathleen Landry MCS RCC has conducted hundreds of successful interventions, ranging from drug abuse, sexual inappropriateness, compulsive gambling, over work and many more destructive behaviors. Kathleen is a Bowen Family system s therapist that believes that that addiction is a family disease that needs a family solution. Her gentle intervention process derived from her experience in family systems and the intervention approach outlined by Debra Jay's book "No More Letting Go, The Spirituality Of Taking Action Against Alcoholism And Drug Addiction."

In her Own Words: At Kathleen Landry and Associates, an intervention is the loving process into a troubled person's life to help motivate them to change and seek help. It is a process that begins long before the troubled person is even spoken to and continues long after the person seeks help. It involves the caring support of the troubled person's closest friends, family and business associates. It is a process that brings the person's "bottom up" rather than waiting for the person to "sink to the bottom"

ALBERTA ALCOHOL AND DRUG INTERVENTION SERVICES

James Canniff, Chartered Psychologist, PhD, MEd, CSATII

Canniff and Associates

Edmonton Office

11503 124 St.

Edmonton, AB T5M 0K5

Phone: 780−453−1873

Fong Ailon Canniff

Calgary Office

115, 205 Riverfront Avenue SW

Calgary, AB T2P 5K4

Phone: 403−266−2017

E-mail: jim@canniff.ca

Qualifications: Dr. Jim Canniff has been in private practice in Alberta since 1983. Through his practice he heads a team of therapists with expertise in counseling, assessment and consultation of adults, teens and children.

His practice currently includes Foster Care Programs, Teen Groups, Addiction Groups, including Sexual Addiction. Jim also provides support for a variety of professional assistance programs working with physicians, pharmacists and other professionals struggling with substance abuse or other maladaptive behaviours. As the Director, Jim addresses issues for these groups on a daily basis. He works actively to promote a healthier environment for his clients, his employees and his community.

His voice has been heard on national radio, and he has appeared on national television addressing child care issues. Jim has presented internationally as well, at various conferences on addiction issues and aftercare.

Jim has been called to the Provincial Court of Alberta and the Court of Queen´s Bench as an expert witness on matters of sexual abuse, and child custody and access.

For nearly twenty years he has had the opportunity to present on various topics to groups such as the Child Welfare League of America, B.C. Interior Child Care Workers´ Association, Alberta Child Care Workers´ Association, Foster Parent, groups and many smaller associations/groups.

M. J. Macleod, Chartered Psychologist

Suite 400−609 14 St NW

Calgary, AB T2N 2A1

Main 403−289−0056

Email: mj@spots.ca

Qualifications: MJ is a Chartered Psychologist who specializes in addiction counselling, as well as depression, adult AD/HD, trauma and interpersonal skills workshops.

In her own words: "Through honest, direct, solution-oriented discussion we can identify appropriate options and resources. My approach is tailored to each individual´s needs.

When someone needs help but refuses to accept it, an intervention can be appropriate. This is an action taken when a person is involved in self−destructive behaviour. It involves preparing a select group of people to provide non-judgmental feedback and encourage the individual to participate in a course of treatment. Consequences of not making a behavioural change are clearly outlined. It allows individuals and/or families to rest assured they have made a concerted effort to positively influence the situation."

ONTARIO ALCOHOL AND DRUG INTERVENTION SERVICES

Andrew Galloway The Clinic
101 Dupont Street
Toronto, ON M5R 1V4
Work: (416) 413−4932
Cell: (416)882−2641
Email: andrewgalloway@sympatico.ca

Qualifications: Andrew Galloway, a recovering addict, completed the Addiction Program at McMaster University by finishing at the top of his class and was honoured with the Award of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Achievement.

He has a supervised private practice at The Clinic under Dr. Randy Katz in Toronto where he offers counselling, interventions and referrals. His work has taken him across Canada, the USA, Italy, Germany and the Caribbean. Andrew has guest lectured at University of Toronto and at the University of Waterloo. In addition to his private practice, he is a counsellor for the National Hockey League/ National Hockey League Players Association Substance Abuse and Behavioural Health Program.

In his own words: The goal of an intervention is to help the addict make an informed decision about going to treatment. It is NOT a confrontation but rather those involved describing in a loving and caring way how the addict´s behaviour is affecting those doing the intervention. We don´t want the addict to get defensive because we want to get past the guilt, fear and anger so that the addict can make an informed choice. The addict will be made aware of (if needed) of the consequences of his/her decision of not going to treatment because we can only control our response (and therefore our own well−being) NOT the addict themselves. Sometimes this can be hard for families and we work together to find what is best for your family. Therefore, each intervention is different and is ultimately a collaborative experience.

Rosemary Munro ICADC

4211 Yonge St. Suite 420

Toronto, ON M2P 2A9

Phone:(416)361-0641

email: rosemary.munro@sympatico.ca

Qualifications: Rosemary is certified as an addiction counsellor with CACCF (Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation) and offers specialized help for families with an alcohol or drug problem. Rosemary is also a trained Intervention Specialist, coaching families on how to help someone who doesn't want help. In addition to her private practice, Rosemary facilitates workshops to train other professionals in Intervention, and offers an Intervention internship program.

Rosemary has been invited to speak on intervention to many community organizations, and was a guest on the Canada wide Drew Marshall radio talk show and has appeared twice on Rogers TV Medical Intelligence Show.

In her own words: "There is a lingering myth in our society that until an alcoholic or addict reaches their bottom, nothing can be done to stop this self−destructive process.

Today more people are becoming aware of the Intervention Process which, simply put, is a way of presenting the reality of the addict's addiction in a caring way so that it can be heard by the alcoholic/addict. Sometimes this happens when a friend or family member has the courage and insight to tell a loved one how their addiction is affecting them and those around him/her. The alcoholic experiences a moment of truth and seek help. Sometimes it requires the combined effort of several family members, friends, employer etc. to break through the defense system of the addict

With the help of a trained Intervention Specialist, this team (of friends and family) can be educated about the nature of addictions. They learn about the enabling process and identify their part in the merry−go round of denial. Through specific training, they will learn how to present the reality of the addict´s behaviour and the harm it is causing in a non−judgmental, respectful and caring way. This process usually takes about ten to twelve hours; the actual intervention takes approximately half an hour. Treatment is pre−arranged so the addict leaves the intervention and goes directly to treatment."

 

Sam Waldner, M.Ed.

2025 Sheppard Ave. E., Suite 3204

Toronto, ON M2J 1V7

Phone: (416( 630−0818

Email: freedom@samuelwaldner.com

Qualifications: Sam has a master of education in Counselling Psychology and was trained as an addiction counsellor at the Hazelden Foundation in Center City, Minnesota. He has counselled in both outpatient and residential settings and has been counselling and coaching people since 1984.

In his own words: "I believe that no matter how hopeless you feel or how terrible your current situation seems to be, there is a way out. The solution for many people begins with the awareness that they cannot solve their problems on their own.

Individual and group services are offered to family members, friends and associates who seek to assist the addicted person in breaking the destructive cycle of dependency. By learning to work as a ´united front,´ they can effectively encourage the addicted person to seek help.

I encourage you to reach out and ask for help."