Phone: +1-614-439-7449
COURAGE – "Courage is also known as bravery, fortitude, will, and intrepidity. It is the ability to confront fear, pain, risk and danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. “Physical Courage” is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, death, or the threat of death–while “Moral Courage” is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement."
~Anne Sexton
HHP/RC/LC
Life/Recovery Coach
Holistic Health Practitioner
DO I NEED TO GO TO TREATMENT OR DETOX TO UTILIZE A RECOVERY COACH?
It is not up to a coach to guide or inform you of matters regarding medical conditions! Withdrawal from certain substances can cause extreme discomfort and in some cases can put a person’s life in jeopardy and even cause death! The decision to receive professional care to overcome the physical disruptions and detoxification associated with addiction is best determined by treatment professionals, doctors, and trained counselors. The Recovery Coach is best suited to help a physically stabilized person move forward in their regimen of recovery. The best point to contact a coach is unique to the individual and can be determined upon an interview.
WHO IS COACHING GOOD FOR?
A Recovery Coach works with people to remove the barriers that can impede ones' quest for a sober life. They help develop personal strategies that are relevant to the individual and tailored to fit their needs. Privacy, confidentiality, and discretion are of paramount importance!
The Recovery Coach role can support a person who is just confronting their problem and may need assistance in finding treatment providers and work with their family to seek professional help. The Recovery Coach can also work as part of an "after-care" regimen for someone who is just leaving treatment and needs ongoing personal support to continue the message of their treatment team. A Recovery Coach may also fit as a partner-to-peer support from those in a 12-Step program who feel they need expanded help beyond the scope of their current ongoing step work. It can also be a fit for those who need or require privacy and discretion and do not wish to work on their recovery in a public setting.
DO I NEED TO GO TO A 12-STEP PROGRAM TOO?
In recovery, the more you can do to stabilize yourself during recovery the better. The principles in 12-Step programs are very useful. Expanding your sober social network is helpful too – the more people you know in sobriety, the easier it is to feel less “different.” That being said, since every individual has a unique set of circumstances, it is not always mandatory that people go though these programs, but it is advised that you experience them before making a decision.
HOW LONG DO I NEED A COACH?
This is a personal decision made by the person in recovery. Often the person will need more help in the initial transition while restabilizing. After some time perhaps only bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly meetings may be desired. The goal of any coach is progression and performance to meet a desired goal; those benchmarks are personal and are updated and regularly evaluated. If a need arises, more frequent contact can also be discussed too if it is in the best interest of the individual. The key goal is to create comfort in the recovering person for them to be able to handle arising challenges with greater ease on their own.
WHAT DOES A COACH TEACH?
A coach is not so much a teacher as a guide. Of course certain skills will be shared, but the coach is there to help the person develop enhanced capability in overcoming potentially disarming obstacles. Assistance in reframing strategies and looking at situations with a new perspective is key. Since it will be the same world you enter back into, it is imperative to see it in a new light. A wise coach tries to offer flexible, usable concepts more often than new techniques.
IS A COACH LIKE A SPONSOR? *
A Sponsor’s role is mainly to be a representative of a specific recovery program and to share their experience, strength, and hope while assisting in completing the journey associated with “step work.” A coach’s role embraces more of the person's lifestyle and is there to integrate all the programs of improvement and strategies to the needs of the individual. The coach works on not only sobriety, but also in the facets on one’s life that secures recovery which may expand beyond the scope of a 12-step program. The skill sets offered go beyond the exclusive parameters and beliefs of a sole program outline. A Recovery Coach can become more creative and personalized as needed as they can expand beyond a 12-Step protocol, however a sponsor and coach should work toward the same goal for you and NOT conflict one another!
(* Read “Sponsor, Recovery Coach, Addiction Counselor: The Importance of Role Clarity and Role Integrity by William L. White here for greater clarity on the comparisons.)
DOES A COACH HAVE TO BE IN RECOVERY TOO?
Not necessarily. Coaches are trained with the skills necessary to guide a person to their own desired outcome. These skills are often proven to be effective in a variety of arenas and not just in recovery making them effective in other areas. However, a coach who has indeed gone through a similar path can be more compassionate in understanding the pain, emotional detachments, physical ailments, and can also share what personally worked for them. Although not essential, it can make your coach more effective in some cases.
WILL MY COACH MAKE ME DO STUFF I DON’T WANT TO DO OR BE MEAN?
A coach’s job is to move you forward and not to be a bully! At times this can consist of advising you on overcoming fears and obstacles that may be holding you back. It is through overcoming fear and discomfort we grow. Through trust of your coach you should feel that anything asked of you or presented to you is in your best interest. Although compassionate, your coach will not enable backsliding or weakness either. It is a coach’s duty to guide you with the promise of everything being in your best interest to achieve your greater good. You must come together to achieve your recovery goals and work as a solid team! Sometimes the best won awards require the most strenuous efforts!
IS SECURING A RECOVERY COACH EXPENSIVE?
It is less expensive than the habits that got people where they were. It is less expensive than rehab or a hospital stay. It is less expensive than a funeral, divorce, and at what cost can you recover the respect of those around you? In all seriousness, it is an investment like anything else to improve our lives. Sessions can be obtained in a variety of packages. Upon an initial consultation, it is wise to discuss fees as well as your goals to make sure you are comfortable in your path.
IS RECOVERY COACHING SUCCESSFUL?
In recovery from addiction there is no fool-proof method. Sadly, the statistics show that many do relapse into old behaviors often falling further each time especially without proper recovery help. Recovery Coaching is simply a way to insure to a greater level that you are doing the things that make recovery the most obtainable. Studies have been done to conclude that those with a Recovery Coach are more successful in avoiding relapse than those who do not. Recovery can be a lengthy struggle for some. In evaluating many areas of your life, and not simply the addiction itself, you may find there are other facets of your life that intertwine causing you conflict you may not be aware of. The more work you do with others who care and support you the more successful you can become. It is up to you to continue with the skills presented to you to be the most prosperous.
WHAT IF I RELAPSE?
Unfortunately it happens. You simply need to pick up where you left off and evaluate where you were tripped up. Relapses vary in the depth and duration, and getting back into the guidance and care of capable hands is imperative. Whether it is back to a hospital, rehab, or the care of your coach, this is a determination made upon re-stabilizing. Frequent relapses or disregard for care and guidance may be an indicator that alternative methods or ongoing professional help should be sought.
HOW DO I GET A RECOVERY COACH?
As this field is increasing, resources may vary depending on your location. At times a counselor in a treatment center may have a lead, or perhaps a referral is given by another in recovery, even a search on the web can produce names. It is wise to set up an interview/consultation to make sure you are comfortable with the coach’s energy, demeanor, and message. Then you can discuss ongoing strategies and schedules to best insure your recovery success.
IS A RECOVERY COACH A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL?
Not necessarily. Your coach however should have completed a training program allowing them to represent the position. Some states may require certain licenses or certifications. A Recovery Coach does not have to be licensed as a drug addiction counselor as the roles are different.* Their skills are there to complement other professionals and programs helping you seamlessly blend into life after treatment; guiding and helping you reinvent yourself in sober life. They ARE NOT to replace doctors, drug counselors, and other licensed professionals! After a period of time coaches can receive progressive degrees, accreditations, and accommodations in their field and others. Some coaches hold certifications on other skills that also complement recovery ranging from Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Hypnotherapy, Reiki, Holistic practices, Hypnotherapy, Spiritual Counseling, and EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) to name a few.
(* Read “Sponsor, Recovery Coach, Addiction Counselor: The Importance of Role Clarity and Role Integrity by William L. White here for more clarity on the comparisons.)
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A COACH?
It is an intuitive process initially. Trusting your gut is a good way (after an interview) to start the journey if you did not get a referral. As with any relationship, you may find over time that you are thrilled or less-than-thrilled, that remains to be seen. Trying to sense the person’s personal energy, delivery, and compassion is a good start, but mainly if you feel that they have you and your recovery in their focus.
A person who desires to act as your “Guru” or that lacks humility may be a deterrent especially in Recovery Coaching. Look for a “finger pointing the way” rather than a “finger pointer.” There should be a good balance between firm guidance and suggestions, and a person who is trying to be “controlling.”
Also be sure to watch for the “never-ending improvement” syndrome. You should feel like you are progressing on some levels. If you are being told that you always need “more help” yet are not receiving progressive and evolving guidance, the coach may not be for you. Although your coach may utilize a variety of skills and modalities to achieve your best path to recovery, your recovery should be tailored to you and your current needs. Do not feel that you cannot question or challenge why you may be advised on a certain aspect.
Finally, as it took you a while to get where you are, it can take you a while to return to a “normal” life free from some of the anxieties related to your situation. Be wary of anyone who promises a quick-fix or quick-steps to healing. Of course you can progressively feel physical improvement sooner; sober coping skills are improved over time. The coach’s main goals, aside from abstinence and sobriety, should be that you are acquiring personal coping skills allowing you to feel secure in dealing with life and its challenges.
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* I also meet people in other locations to accomodate need and convenience!
ON RECOVERY COACHING Some Frequently Asked Questions
Click HERE for more insight on MOVING FORWARD and the Six Components I focus on in Recovery Coaching!
©Tony Anders 2012
aka - "Sober Coach"
Tony Anders
