A Recovery Coach helps facilitate the action steps that are necessary to remain sober and navigate life, as well as support the addict/alcoholic with daily challenges.

For most people getting sober is like being re-born, everything seems new and fresh. When the individual is in the decision making phase of what to do with his/her life, (i.e., continuing work, changing jobs, going back to school, and rebuilding relationships) the anxiety and fear of the novelty of sober life can be debilitating without the right support in place. Structuring day to day activities can be a lot harder than one might anticipate. Peace of mind, fun and happiness are hard to achieve in sobriety without the necessary life skills.

A Recovery Coach helps support the individual in catching up with missed time and building up life skills that were not learned. Individualized goals are set weekly with each person to fit his/her own personal strengths and challenges. An empowerment approach is used to build self-esteem and confidence.

A Recovery Coach works with individuals at all stages of sobriety; whether the person is leaving detox and returning to work, leaving residential treatment, a psychiatric facility, currently in sober living house, in an outpatient/day-patient program, in their own home, in the process of transitioning from sober living/treatment to their own home, or recently relapsed.

A Recovery coach initially meets with the individual 3+ times per week for one-hour sessions, (the frequency & length of sessions are evaluated on an on-going basis). Location of meetings will vary depending upon where the client is in their sobriety and what the person is currently working on, (i.e., in office, person's home, sober living house, coffee shop, gym, outdoors, etc). In addition, the Recovery Coach is on-call by phone day and evening. This service alone can help prevent relapse and supports addicts/alcoholics with crisis that come up in between sessions.

 

I. ON CALL CRISIS SUPPORT

1. Phone support available days and evenings.
2. Education on how to ask for help.

II. DAILY, WEEKLY & WEEKEND PLANNING

1. As needed, learning how to use a day planner.
2. Support in following through with commitments and appointments.
3. Creating an hour by hour schedule when necessary.
4. Learning to deal with free time and/or unstructured time.

III. PHYSICAL WELL-BEING

1. Nutritional consulting (meal planning, food choice education, safe supplements to use).
2. Support with eating disorder issues.
3. Creating an exercise routine.
4. Hiking/walking/running/swimming sessions.
5. Creating a personalized self-care plan (acupuncture, yoga, body coach, personal trainers, etc.).

IV. CAREER/ACADEMIC GUIDANCE

1. Finding a job/volunteer work/internship.
2. Getting back to school (GED & College application support).
3. Resume/cover letter writing support.
4. Interview skill development.
5. Support with changing careers.
6. Study skills.

V. BUDGETING ISSUES

1. Addressing over spending and under spending.
2. Learning how to create a monthly and weekly budget.
3. How to use checkbook/credit cards/open bank account/pay bills.
4. Learning how to re-establish trust with family/significant other/friends around money issues.

VI. FUN/PASSION/PURPOSE

1. Learning how to have fun in sobriety and explore different hobbies.
2. How to build fun into weekly schedule.
3. Finding one's own aspirations and dreams.
4. Spirituality support.

VII. SOBRIETY SUPPORT

1. Daily relapse prevention plan.
2. Help in finding safe and comfortable meetings.
3. Support in finding a sponsor.
4. Education on Cycle of Addictions.
5. Addiction-Free Pain Management.
6. Support in establishing healthy friendships and relationships.

VIII. TEAM APPROACH

1. Works with psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, sober living & outpatient programs, and other service providers to provide an integrated team approach.
2. Referrals to various professionals with specializations in addictions provided as needed.

 

What distinguishes a recovery coach from a sponsor, or a therapist?

A recovery coach is not a sponsor, therapist, physician, or priest. Even though there is a strong spiritual component in the recovery coach's repertoire, the recovery coach is not a clergy member promoting a specific religion or church. ACIS' coaches follow both the International Coaching Federation's Core Competencies and the Core Competencies drafted by Recovery Coaches International (a professional association of recovery coaches) emphasizing the differences in a therapist, doctor, a 12-step program sponsor and a recovery coach:

1. Therapy is for those clients seeking relief from emotional or psychological pain. Therapy focuses on the past and how the past unresolved issues are impacting the present. Coaching focuses on the present and what can be done, today, to move the client forward. Ethical guidelines require coaches to refer clients to a therapist or doctor if emotional or physical pain is evident. Recovery Coaching is often used in conjunction with therapy, but not as a replacement for it.
2. Coaching separates itself from other professional healthcare relationships and roles such as a physician or a nurse, because a coaching-client relationship is a partnership. Whereas in a professional relationship, the physician or nurse has expert knowledge and they impart this knowledge as a form of advice, diagnosis, or offering solutions. Coaches do not diagnose or impart solutions. Coaches encourage their clients to come up with self powered solutions.
3. Sponsors from a 12-step program are different from coaches, as there are not paid professionals and they encourage abstinence from addictions by advocating use of a 12-step program. A recovery coach is not limited to using the twelve-steps and traditions as a pathway to recovery. A recovery coach can suggest using SMART Recovery, yoga, or the Buddhist path to freedom from alcoholism and addiction in order to help their client in recovery. Recovery coaching is not affiliated with any 12-step program or mutual aid group and does not promote a particular path of recovery; a recovery coach encourages the client to select their path and works with their client along that particular selection.

A recovery coach has established certain ethical standards in order to help a recovering client. Simple emotional characteristics such as compassion and empathy go a long way, but do not help the coach in a crisis with their client. Educated with the knowledge of ethical standards, the core competencies and their experience, a knowledgeable recovery coach can greatly benefit a client.

 

ACIS specializes in providing recovery needs for professionals with addiction and other behavioral health problems. Our primary focus is to develop long-term recovery strategies that extend the benefits of treatment for professionals, leaders, and executives returning to their home environments.

I combine intensive leadership and organizational development; recovery from addiction and/or behavioral health expertise, and recovery coaching executives; and I've worked with families affected by addiction. Similar dynamics occur in the relational aspect of work teams as they do with family dynamics on the ‘home team’:

• Healthy and unhealthy approaches to conflict.
• Identified roles and functioning - Role changing dilemmas.
• Communications issues that require clarity, honesty, compassion, including active listening.
• Distraction caused by anxiety with key relationships that are avoidant or aggressive.

Our process is unique as it draws on proven alcohol and addiction recovery processes as well as a wide-range of high-impact coaching methods for personal and professional development. I believe that individuals develop in different ways and our support is custom designed to fit the specific needs of our clients:

I provide services to small, mid size, and large companies working with high potential executives experiencing performance issues and behavioral challenges. These services may include intensive executive coaching, substance abuse and behavioral assessments, and possible referrals/ongoing support if addiction and/or behavioral health issues are present.

I provide long term recovery strategies for individuals extending the benefits of substance abuse and/or behavioral health treatment with specific expertise in executive recovery and work re-entry support. A rigorous three to nine month customized therapy focused on gaining recovery capital; recovery support, personal vision; identifying values with a special focus on executive impact and re-entry into the leadership team.

Our Approach

With executive development, family systems work, and long-term recovery experience, I am an expert in integrating recovery into all areas of life. I coach clients through developing new behaviors and new results - at home, and in business.

Supporting Recovery:

• Strengthen relational and family vitality.
• Encourage practicing the 12 step recovery process.
• Ensure the client initiates and follows through with treatment recommendations.
• Identify relapse issues to better develop proactive life skills.
• Support faith-based recovery programs.
• Support recovery from grief and loss events that may block deeper relationship intimacy.
• Refer clients to professionals and specialized groups/intensives as needs arise.

Living with Passion, Purpose, and Personal Values:

• Facilitate creation of a personal vision.
• Establish specific goals and strategies for a life of sobriety.
• Determine and minimize barriers that prevent vibrant and dynamic living.
• Encourage and embrace inherent strengths and talents.

Reintegrating Professionals and Leaders:

• Evaluate leaders’ impact on the organization and team effectiveness.
• Utilize comprehensive feedback processes to distinguish between productive and non-productive behaviors.
• Create a growth plan emphasizing a strength-based approach and improving areas that need development.
• Discover how family dynamics are also a part of the work environment.
• Set key goals and weekly coaching to develop high-functioning leadership skills.

ACIS' Recovery Coaches are certified and licensed addiction counselors. They have the education and years of experience to guide anyone through developing their path to recovery. Call us today to setup a time for a complimentary consultation.

 

What types of people have Recovery Coaches?

People from all walks of life work with professional recovery coaches to help attain their goals. Recovery coaches work with people in all areas of their life including relationships, career, finance, health and more. Working with a personal coach is not limited to any type of person, but is best for those who want to take this initiative in their own life. People who get a Recovery Coach are committed to a more fulfilled life and are willing to do the work needed to get there.

How will Recovery Coaching help?

The results will vary depending on what brings you to a Recovery Coach. If you get a Recovery Coach to help you out professionally, recovery coaching can help you gain better focus on managing your work, and market yourself more effectively. If your reasons are personal, you can find a Recovery Coach to help you improve your relationships, resolve ongoing negative behaviors, and grow spirituality. With recovery coaching, you can learn to live a well balanced life.

What happens in a Recovery Coaching Session?

Each session is tailored to the client and will vary based on individual needs. In the beginning, we will discuss what you are committed to accomplishing through our work together and we will begin to create a plan to achieve your goals. Periodically, I will give you assignments to help direct your progress. We will work together to acknowledge obstacles, explore alternate perspectives and celebrate successes. With the conclusion of each session, we will revisit your goals and evaluate the next steps that are needed to achieve these results.

Do I really need a personal recovery coach, can't I just do it by myself?

Recovery coaching can take you above and beyond your own personal limitations. More often than not, people try to achieve their greatest potential, but don't even realize what stands in their way. A personal Recovery Coach can offer an unbiased and objective perspective, and can help you realize your patterns and habits. Most people experience that they are more efficient when working with a Professional Recovery Coach and that this provides the opportunity for them to better realize their potential. Recovery coaching can help you attain your dreams and will give you support and encouragement along the way.

How is Recovery Coaching different from Therapy?

While the recovery coaching and counseling I provide can be therapeutic, it is not psychotherapy. Coaching and counseling are distinct from traditional psychotherapy because it is not designed to address psychological issues. While emotional issues may arise, the primary focus of recovery coaching and counseling is to help you identify your goals, achieve them, and develop constructive habits and skills. There is little emphasis placed on the past with coaching, but instead the focus is on creating what you want now and in the future.

What is a Professional Life Coach?

A Professional Life Coach is a trusted mentor who can help you identify and uncover what keeps you from reaching your fullest potential. It is a one-on-one relationship that provides a supportive and non-judgmental space to help you create what you want for yourself. You can find a Recovery-Life Coach to help you strategize and acquire the tools you need to achieve your goals. It consists of steps to help you identify and reframe your thoughts and attitudes. It can also help you break negative habits, acquire new methods of identification, and take action to achieve your maximum potential!

What is your cancellation policy?

I require a 24 hour notice to cancel all sessions. Please be sure to contact your Recovery Coach-Counselor if you will not be able to make your scheduled appointment in order to avoid being charged for the session. I am happy to re-schedule your session.

How long do people generally work with a Recovery Coach?

To experience the effectiveness of a recovery coaching therapy, I suggest clients make an initial three-month commitment. At the end of the three months, I will evaluate progress and discuss options for continued coaching.

Is personal Recovery Coaching confidential?

What we discuss will be held in confidence and not shared with others. However, our discussions are not privileged for legal purposes. The privilege of confidentiality that exists for the clergy, doctors, and attorneys is not granted to coaching-counseling professionals. That said, recovery coaching and counseling is a confidential process, and your personal information will always be protected.