Frequently Asked Questions

A Therapist's focus will be on your past, and will focus on deeper rooted mental health issues. Therapists will also diagnose according to their expertise.
Recovery Coaches focus on you in the present in order to insight the goals that you want in the future.
A Recovery Coach helps you identify and address what is getting in the way of the things you want in life including health, work, relationships, and finances.
A Recovery Coach is not here to replace any professional help, rather to inform and support the work you are already doing. Think of it as another person on your team.
The best Recovery Coaches are willing and able to work with therapists and other mental health professionals to create a well rounded approach to your recovery.

Sponsors are volunteers with lived addiction recovery experience who assist others within a 12 Step Recovery program.
Recovery Coaches are well-trained professionals who specialize in helping you improve your relationship to drugs or alcohol, no matter which program or pathway of recovery you choose to explore.
Sponsors use 12-Step philosophy, and tell the sponsee what to do in order to stay sober.
Think of a Recovery Coach as an expert in the passenger seat of your recovery journey. They will be aware of the many paths that can be taken to your destination and may “Point out” directions. However, the client is the one in the driver's seat, choosing the direction that works best for them.
In this way, Recovery Coaches will adapt to your evolution during the process while holding accountability, compassion and understanding along the way.

Recovery Coaching is not typically covered by extended healthcare plans.
Some benefit providers have and do provide coverage for my clients. It depends on the Insurance Provider, the Benefits Advisor, and whether the advisor sees value in adding a Recovery Coach. Your coach can speak with providers to find an approach that could get your insurance provider to cover the work.
However, I am unable to directly bill insurers of any kind.
Recovery Coaching in Canada is currently in the process of becoming more organized with credentialing, supervision, and an oversight body with the hope to see an increase in insurance plans that provide coverage for our profession as the process moves forward.

Frankly, it differs from person to person depending on their needs and wants.
I work primarily online and over the phone but have provided in person in special circumstances and for Sober Companion work.
Online Recovery Coaching can be just as effective as in-person work.
Online sessions mean a further reach. I have worked with clients from the United States, Africa, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada:
- Some clients start with weekly 60-minute sessions in the beginning then move to bi-weekly, then monthly as needed.
- Some will pay for 6 hours up front and schedule time accordingly, refilling the hours as needed
Some clients use my services for 3 to 6 months, others 6 to 12 months, and some stay with us for two or more years if the connection holds value.

Recovery Coaching is starting to take off in Canada. That being said, it is important to work with someone who has integrity, confidentiality, professionalism, a good reputation and is on your side.
I feel that the most effective Recovery Coaches have lived experience. Some kind of history of addiction in all its forms and successful recovery, achieved through a variety of approaches.
At the very least, a Recovery Coach should have made the effort to be accredited and/or have Certified Recovery Coach training from a recognized company. Your coach should be insured, certified or working towards some sort of certification.
Your Recovery Coach should be open to many pathways. If they are pushing you towards one way of thinking (i.e. 12 Step or nothing) they are likely not acting ethically.
If a Recovery Coach seems desperate or pushing you to work with them they may be looking out for their own interests. Recovery Coaches should ask you to check out other Coaches even if you feel like a perfect fit.
Testimonials speak volumes about the work a Recovery Coach is doing.