The Basics
Shari A. Ferguson is an intervention specialist based out of Encinitas, California. Before founding her organization Inspire Interventions, Ferguson attended the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington for undergraduate studies and later became credentialed as a Certified Intervention Professional (CIP). Ferguson is also a member of the Association of Intervention Specialists (AIS).
Ferguson operates out of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, a beach community in Encinitas, but does not have any affiliations with specific substance abuse treatment facilities. Ferguson treats clients struggling with both drug addiction and alcoholism, eating disorders, process addictions, co-occurring disorders and other behavioral health issues. All treatment and recovery plans are tailored to the individual and the needs of the support system and family.
The Background
Prior to working in the field of addiction, Ferguson studied theatre and attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London followed by a decade in the finance industry. After being the subject of an intervention in 2003, Ferguson decided to focus her life’s work on the treatment of addiction and substance abuse.
After getting clean and sober, she employed the assistance of an interventionist to help one of her loved ones. With now more than a decade of sobriety, Ferguson is now committed to working with and helping families and addicted individuals get the help they need. After years in the field of recovery, her work led to the creation of Inspire Interventions in 2015.
The Approach
Ferguson trained with several well-respected professionals in the field of addiction and recovery including Judith Landau, John Southworth, Ken Seeley, Jane Mintz and Brad Lamm. By combining the ARISE Intervention Model, the Johnson Model, Field Model and the Break Free Intervention Model, Ferguson employs a range of methods to best meet the needs of each client.
Drawing from these proven intervention methods, Ferguson works directly with the family to create a plan of action from start to finish. First, Ferguson meets with the family and creates a plan based on an assessment of the loved one. Treatment facilities are suggested, then a place and time is arranged for family members, colleagues, associates and the addict to meet. Depending on the client, interventions can either be a surprise or an agreed-upon meeting.
Preparatory meetings with the family are given the time and attention they require, with the key to success being a strength-in-numbers approach. The support team must attend these introductory meetings in order to participate in the intervention and to be a strong member of the support network.
If the intervention is successful and the loved one agrees to receiving treatment, they are immediately transported by the Inspire Interventions escort team and admitted to the agreed-upon treatment facility. Ferguson follows up with the family and support team, staying in contact every step of the way. Referrals for additional treatment for the family are offered as well as referrals to community resources including 12-step and Alanon meetings.
Post-Intervention and Summary
Inspire Interventions works with the support team and the treatment facility to ensure each individual is participating in the treatment process. The intervention team connects with the family and support system once per week. Decisions about the treatment process and the individual are not made unless the entire support team is on board. A strong focus is placed on relapse prevention and resolution of grief and codependency as the keys to lasting recovery success while the individual is in treatment and upon exiting care.
Aftercare is provided for clients following the treatment phase. For six months, the individual, support and intervention teams continue to work together. Psycho-education classes, 12-step meetings and dual diagnosis support are all incorporated into continuing care. By focusing diligently on the addiction details and ensuring support throughout the recovery process, Shari Ferguson works with the families and loved ones to create a network of care to support lasting recovery.
Shari A. Ferguson
c/o Inspire Interventions
140 Encinitas Blvd #114
Encinitas, CA 92024
Reach Inspire Interventions by phone at (855) 694-6734 or by email at shariferguson@me.com. Find Inspire Interventions on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn
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Photo courtesy of Mikefairbanks (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons (resized and cropped)
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