An intervention can be described as a skill or tool to help foster new behavior and create functional interpersonal and relational patterns. After an initial assessment, interventions are frequently used to create movement in therapy, to intervene as it were in those areas contributing to problematic behaviors. Some examples of interventions include: Genongrams (also known as a family map), identifying triggers, replacing dysfunctional scripts, role plays, and assignments that can help facilitate and measure positive gains.
Interventions are often the method for improving behavioral and relational outcomes. For example, in a study examining the impact of group treatment on bulimia nervosa, an intervention was used to reconstruct those thoughts and behaviors that maintained maladaptive coping methods and bulimic symptoms. Through the use of alternative coping strategies, such as support-seeking, improvements were made in mental health and adaptation. Furthermore, it suggested that changing thoughts might change the presence of symptoms.1
Interventions may be effective in addressing personal and relational problems, as well as activities involving, drug abuse, alcoholism, compulsive gambling, pornography, eating disorders, tobacco smoking, and self-mutualation. They may also benefit those struggling with less severe, but harmful behaviors such and game addiction, excessive television viewing, and computer use.
