Recovery Coach Or Counselor, What is the Difference?

Let us first look at how they may be considered thepsychological homework as one method for the client
same. Both Counselor and Coach are basically askingto make progress outside of the meetings. These
the individual to dig a little deeper, and find the answerssessions keep the past alive, and focused in their
they are seeking with in themselves. Counselors areminds.
focused on understanding of events, where as aCoaching in combination with a counselor helps you to
Coach is not concerned with the how or why of theput into perspective where the past belongs. Working
addiction, but in the action you are ready to take today.with a client they begin to experience a shift and a
It is extremely common for our coaches to work inseparation between looking at the pas with their
concert with other Mental Health Professionals for ourcounselor, and living in today.This allows for the
coaching clients that need to understand events fromcounseling sessions to take on a new, more rewarding
the past and move into the present to take action.result.The counselor is able to get much deeper faster,
Each of us is different in how we internalize and movebecause of the new experience the client is having on
through information we have received. A client maya daily basis.
not be suited for coaching, especially when they haveCoaches also help to uncover those beliefs that are
no interest in setting and achieving a goal that is futureoften times not shared with the counselor. Our
based, but choose to work on the past.Coaches talk to their clients every day, so we know
How are they different?what is going on in a client's life on a daily basis. For
Alcohol and Drug counselors are modeled on the rolesmany, we track how they feel on a 1 to 10 scale. We
of Psychiatrist, psychologist and psychiatric socialshare this with the clients and what many are
worker. They have a solid foundation in counselingsurprised to find is that for most of the month, they are
theories and techniques, processes and content.in good spirits, with one or two bad days. When they
Primarily, Alcohol and Drug Counselors focus onvisit with their counselor they no longer talk only about
teaching individuals about their disease and how tothe bad days. Resulting in the counselor getting a full
cope with it. In a clinical setting they help the individualpicture of what is happening with this client. Coaches
look to their past to resolve issues that are inhibiting theare able to defuse most situations with confidence and
client to maintain sobriety. The counselor has a specificskill allowing clients to let go of events quicker, rather
agenda and methodology. They are an authority figurethan hold on to the emotional charge until their next
whose time is limited during treatment.session. Leaving the counselors office, clients lose that
A coach is a trained professional who focuses onexcitement to take action on what they recently
today and the future. Their primary focus is to assistdiscovered. A Recovery Coach from Motivate 4
the client in taking ownership for their program andSuccess keeps that excitement going, gaining more
developing that program to give them the most benefit.leverage, and taking the action to truly progress. The
Coaches will challenge you to drop re-living eventsresult is a highly rewarding experience for the client,
from the past, and using them as excuses for yourand the counselor.
choice of action. Coaches invite you to take on theThe real bottom line is truly what the client needs at
responsibility for how you act and feel.A coach is notthis time. All programs of recovery ask the client in the
an authority figure as much as a cheerleader orend to go find someone that is living in recovery to
motivator, which is enhanced by the non clinical settingguide them, a sponsor, clergyman, or any one else. At
and use of alternative communication such as theMotivate 4 Success we believe your investment in
telephone and web conferencing.recovery is worth taking the next step. That is finding
How Coaching works with Counseling.a qualified individual who will keep you enthusiastic
Most people go to counseling once per week forabout living in recovery, who is knowledgeable about all
several weeks to work on their concerns. During theseprograms, is focused on you alone, and can help you
meetings clients talk about their issues with thefind your way down the long road to the life of your
counselor. Sometimes the counselor may assignwildest dreams.