Therapists are licensed professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers or counsellors), while Recovery Coaches hold Certifications from trainings, and are experts in their respective fields of coaching. The coaching approach is often a very hands on process.
Recovery Coaching is a unique and groundbreaking method of helping people recover from a variety of issues.
These include mental health issues including depression, anxiety or other mood disorders; substance abuse such as alcohol, drugs and food; behavioural addictions including gambling, sex or forms of technology; and other life and emotional issues like relationship issues, codependency and family dilemmas. Recovery Coaching uses a combination of positive psychology approaches used by many such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Strengths-Based support.
Recovery Coaching is distinctive from most therapy as its primary focus is the present and future.
Recovery Coaches support positive change, help individuals make the transition from treatment to home, create solid recovery plans with clients to avoid relapse and build on community support and resources to get you connected. They also work on life goals, as well as recovery goals, and is action-based with an emphasis on improving ones life and reaching future goals.
Similar to Life Coaching, Recovery Coaching uses a collaborative process where the client is considered to be the expert of his/her life. The coach provides their experience and skills in supporting successful change. It focuses on achieving all goals important to the client. Recovery Coaches use powerful questioning and offers reflections and suggestions to help their clients find clarity and decide what action steps to take next. Recovery Coaching emphasizes recognizing values, creating a plan of action and using the clients’ strengths to reach their goals, while the coach provides accountability to help the client stay on track.
Recovery Coaching does not offer primary treatment for substance use and does not diagnose.