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Ep. 39. Chris Huitfeldt: Interventionist to Celebrities, Stars, and Regular Folks

Dr. James Bramson Interviews Chris Huitfeldt.

Chris Huitfeldt (pronounced Wheatfelt) owns a company called, Terra Firma, which means solid ground. It provides intervention services for celebrities, professional athletes, and common folks. He even does pro bono work to help the economically disadvantaged. His philosophy is that “every good foundation starts on solid ground.” Terra Firma usually provides interventions for individuals with addiction and dual diagnosis disorders. His group also offers recovery coaching, consultation, and case management work.

Chris believes that interventions are not designed to surprise, jolt, shame, or corner someone into getting help. Instead it is a thoughtful, caring, and loving process that can lead to miraculous changes. He believes that interventions —when done correctly — can have a very positive ripple effect. Successful interventions can provide healing to individuals, families, and communities.

Chris’s philosophy is that interventions work best when they are predicated on love, kindness, and compassion. He is also realistic that the work often starts after someone lands in a facility. Yet, getting someone into a facility is a success story in and of itself.

Chris bears a striking resemblance to the erudite punk rocker, Henry Rollins, from the band, Black Flag, in his younger days. (Chris took this comparison as a compliment during the interview. Phew.) Interestingly, Rollins and Chris share some of the same philosophy. Rollins once said that “someone, somewhere is thinking about you,” and “scar tissue is stronger than regular tissue.” Interventions work because someone is thinking about you (and loving you) enough to help you, especially when you least want help but most need it. And the recovery process can help become stronger in the broken places that adhere beneath the scar tissue.