MockQuestions

Addiction Counselor Mock Interview

Question 13 of 30 for our Addiction Counselor Mock Interview

Addiction Counselor was updated by on June 8th, 2017. Learn more here.

Question 13 of 30

What are you thoughts regarding involving a client's family in their treatment, and how do you go about doing that?

"I have found that family involvement when treating addiction disorders can be very beneficial. Of course, the family can only be involved with consent from the client. I usually bring the idea up to the client and ask how he feels about involving loved ones. I explain that having a strong support system is very important in recovery, as these are the people that the client can call on when there are times of stress or when he is exposed to a trigger."

Next Question

How to Answer: What are you thoughts regarding involving a client's family in their treatment, and how do you go about doing that?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Addiction Counselor job interview.

  • 13. What are you thoughts regarding involving a client's family in their treatment, and how do you go about doing that?

      How to Answer

      Consulting with the patient's family can be extremely helpful in addictions treatment. Finding ways to include them in support groups or educational seminars can be highly constructive. Explain to the interviewer that you understand how family involvement can aid in the progress of your patients. Tell the interviewer how you reach out to family members and how you coach the family to know how to help their loved one.

      Written by Heather Douglass on December 22nd, 2018

      Entry Level

      "I think that involving family in treatment can be a great option for some clients. However, I like to look at things on a case by case basis. Not everyone's family is receptive to the idea of counseling and don't understand the strongholds of addictions. With those cases, I like to try to educate family members on addiction and the necessity of strong support systems before introducing them to a family-based approach."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Answer Example

      "I have found that family involvement when treating addiction disorders can be very beneficial. Of course, the family can only be involved with consent from the client. I usually bring the idea up to the client and ask how he feels about involving loved ones. I explain that having a strong support system is very important in recovery, as these are the people that the client can call on when there are times of stress or when he is exposed to a trigger."

      Written by Heather Douglass on December 22nd, 2018

      Experienced

      "I believe that counseling that is inclusive of a client's support system is something that can have far-reaching effects for many of our clients. I have learned that it is important to evaluate the family dynamic of each client, as not all families are willing to participate and there are times when the introduction to family therapy may need to be delayed until a client is at a more secure place in his independent counseling. With that in mind, I do like to present the option to my clients as early as they are comfortable. I have seen many patients who have involved family or loved ones that actually provide a great deal of support and become integrated into the plan of care, especially the after-care plan, and this helps to decreases the chances of slips or relapses."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "I think it's imperative that a client's family members are involved in their recovery unless it becomes counterproductive to the client's treatment. For example, when family involvement creates more problems than it can possibly solve. Some family members of clients are angry with them and blame clients for their addiction. It's important in a situation like this to educate family members about the nature of addiction to avoid such issues."

      Kristine's Feedback

      Good answer! You know family involvement must be decided on a case-by-case basis. I assisted with wording to help with clarity.
      "I think a client's family members must be involved in their recovery unless it becomes counterproductive to the client's treatment. For example, it's not a good idea to advocate for family involvement if it's creating more problems. Some family members of clients are angry with them and blame clients for their addiction. In a situation like this, instead of advocating for family involvement, it's important to first educate family members about the nature of addiction."

    • Next Question