Brief interventions

A brief intervention is a contact with a client when the worker addresses a client's problem by immediate referral. All team members should be able to do a brief intervention, because it needs to happen when the opportunity strikes.

You can provide a brief intervention yourself if:

• You know the issues of concern to the client.
• You know how ready the client is to make a decision
• You have the resources available
• Your organization is allowed to support that kind of work
• You personally are allowed to support that kind of work

When you intervene, do it one-to-one in private to keep your conversation confidential. Having physical and visual barriers will also contain it if the client become angry and it becomes a crisis. The intervention needn't take long but reduces harm and helps change behaviour.

Focus first on encouraging and motivating the client, giving some emotional support, and de-escalating any tension. Take the opportunity to discuss the matter with the client, but be friendly and sensitive. Sensitive questions, reflective listening and non-confrontational body language will help. Do what you can at the time to reduce harm and risk, and encourage them to change behavior. You might also need to offer carer respite (e.g. for clients with ABI) questioning, reflective listening and body language.

Be aware that the client may be shy or embarrassed about the issue. Is some cases, they might feel in danger if they tell you. For example:

• A pregnant girl might be afraid of getting kicked out of home.
• A young person who is bullied might feel in a danger of being beaten up if they tell.
• A victim of physical or sexual abuse in the home might feel in danger of more abuse if they tell.

Work with the client to develop a plan and get them to commit to it. Help them to make informed decisions. Tell them about the options and services available to them to address their issues, and help them to think about making changes to improve their well being. Give them resources as appropriate (e.g. contact details of people or organizations, brochures and information sheets, appointments with specialists). And don't forget, carers may need respite care.

You might find that the client becomes difficult or challenging, and you should be prepared to avert a crisis. Don't let the problem get worse. For example, you can identify and address the source of the issues and discuss the situation with the client in a way that calms them down. Be careful to contain emotional responses and escalating behaviour, both your own and theirs. You may need to negotiate to prevent escalation, mediate with other people, or give an immediate referral. But if it looks like it might get out of hand, get help from other workers or client carers. In the worst case, you might have to intervene to ensure physical safety.