QUESTIONS
Some things are worth knowing before we talk.
You don’t need to understand recovery coaching before getting in touch. These are some of the questions people may have when they’re deciding what — if anything — they want to do.
A FEW ANSWERS
Read through whatever feels useful. You can come back to the rest later.
What does a recovery coach actually do?
A recovery coach helps you work with what is happening in your life now.
That might mean changing your relationship with alcohol or drugs, preparing for treatment, coming home afterward, dealing with a difficult period, or building a life that makes recovery easier to sustain.
The work is practical and individual. We talk, make decisions, try things, and adjust as we learn what actually helps.
Do I have to stop drinking or using drugs completely?
No.
Abstinence is the right goal for some people. It isn’t the goal everyone arrives with.
We can work toward stopping, cutting back, reducing harm, or simply understanding what is happening before you decide what you want to do.
The goal doesn’t have to be mine.
Do I need to be in recovery already?
No.
You don’t need to call yourself an addict, be sober, have been through treatment, or even be certain that you have a problem.
You can come to the conversation exactly where you are.
Is recovery coaching the same as counselling or therapy?
No. Recovery coaching is generally more focused on what is happening now and what you want to do next.
I don’t diagnose or provide psychotherapy. My work is practical: helping you understand what is happening, make decisions, navigate options and put changes into everyday life.
Counselling or therapy may also be useful, and the two can work alongside each other.
Do I have to go to treatment?
No.
Treatment can be very useful for some people, but it isn’t the only way to make a change.
If you’re considering treatment, I can help you understand the options and think through whether it makes sense for your situation. My role isn’t to steer you toward a particular program.
Can you work with me after treatment?
Yes.
Coming home can be one of the most challenging parts of recovery. Treatment provides structure; ordinary life usually doesn’t.
We can work together on what happens afterward — routines, relationships, work, difficult situations and the practical business of building a life that supports the changes you’ve made.
Can you help if I’m concerned about someone else?
Yes.
We can talk about what you’re seeing, what you’ve already tried, what options may exist, and what is — and isn’t — yours to manage.
Sometimes having a clearer view of the situation is useful before deciding whether to do anything.
Is what we talk about confidential?
Our conversations are private. I don’t report to family members, employers or treatment programs simply because they are involved in someone’s life.
If there are specific limits or circumstances that affect confidentiality, we can discuss those clearly before working together.
Do we meet in person or online?
Either can work.
I work with people in person in Vancouver and can also meet by video or phone. Sometimes a combination makes the most sense.
How much does it cost?
Weekly support is $500 per month and includes four one-to-one sessions.
More frequent contact can be arranged when needed, with the level of support and fee agreed on together. Intensive support is $2,500 per month.
What happens in the first conversation?
We talk.
You can tell me as much or as little as you want about what brought you here. I’ll probably ask some questions. You can ask me anything you want to know about how I work.
There is no charge for the initial conversation and no obligation to continue.
You don’t need to know exactly what you want before getting in touch.