Lori Leonard, Interventionist

The Basics

Lori Leonard has been a practicing interventionist based in Austin, Texas since 2003. Through Hope Interventions, Leonard provides interventions to adult men and women both in Texas and all throughout the country. About 75% of Leonard’s clients are dealing with substance abuse issues. Leonard also treats client with eating disorders, sex and addiction, gaming and technology addiction as well as those with mental health issues.

Background

Leonard received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Work from Texas Christian University in 1998 and her Master’s in Social Work in 2003. From there she worked in the Substance Abuse Consult Team at the University of New Mexico Health Science Centers. While there, she conducted research in substance abuse treatment including studying the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing (MI). Leonard has gone on to work at several treatment organizations and residential facilities. Today, Leonard works at Hope Interventions and has over 15 years of experience in both substance abuse and mental health. In addition, she is a member of The Network of Independent Interventionists (NII).

At a young age, Leonard witnessed her own alcoholic mother undergo an intervention that led to her agreeing to attend treatment afterwards. Since then, Leonard has been incredibly passionate about the potential for change that interventions offer.

The Approach

Leonard does not believe in a cookie-cutter method for interventions and takes a highly individualized approach to her strategy for each client.

She also provides family recovery coaching while the client is in treatment. These meetings are designed to help the family recover from the pain of the client’s addiction issues before the client returns home. In addition, she offers prevention techniques aimed at training the family on how to most effectively deal with co-dependency issues and setting boundaries.

About 60% of Leonard’s interventions are surprise and 40% are invitational. She sets up both types of interventions to have a loving and respectful environment where the client feels welcome in the meeting.

The goal of the intervention is always to have a next step ready, including referring clients to the appropriate level of care for their needs, whether it’s a detox, residential or outpatient program. Leonard follows the clients while they are in treatment and tracks their progress throughout.

Although the amount of prep time with the family of the client varies from client to client, on average, each intervention requires 30 hours of both direct and indirect communication (calls, emails, texts) with the family.

Post-Intervention and Summary

Leonard stays in touch with clients for up to six months following the intervention. During this time, she not only checks on their treatment but also aims to establish an aftercare plan.

Leonard is attentive to family members while the client is in the program. In addition to the recovery coaching and prevention training, she does a weekly accountability call with the family to check and see if they are following up on any changes she suggested. These calls become bi-weekly after a period of time and adjustment.

Leonard also stays on board if the client relapses. In the case of a relapse, Leonard aims to help them re-enter treatment and get back on track as soon as possible.

Lori Leonard-Hope Interventions
14900 Avery Ranch Blvd, Ste C200
Austin, TX 78717

Reach Lori Leonard by phone at (512) 222-6986 or by email. Find Lori Leonard on Facebook and Hope Interventions’ website

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