Why Is a Life Coach Important in Recovery?

Written By: Marty Brenner Date: February 4th, 2010. Topic: Member Blogs.

It is important to have a life coach for many reasons but especially when one is recovering from an addiction or other disorder. Life coaching is different from therapy because coaching focuses on a more “forward” way of thinking and behaving; for those who are ready to move on and care for themselves in a more positive and productive way.

Life coaching works best for those on the “recovery path” if you are ready to receive additional support and encouragement, get past barriers that have been a hindrance, increase your courage and confidence, add a deeper meaning and appreciation of life, learn to be accountable for your actions and inactions, find and develop skills you were unaware of having, and becoming more independent.

In addition, recovery coaching is interested and focused on, helping you to change your focus from past worries and concerns to refocusing on the present and future. By focusing on the present and future, you will discover solutions that will assist you in your future goals and desires and of course, the main goal will be to stay off the drugs or alcohol. But the coaching aspect is there to enlighten you on potentials you have not been aware of for a long time, due to the alcohol or drug addiction. And, a life coach can also present to you strategies that are workable that will aid your recovery from the addiction and lead to positive life discoveries that will make your life more meaningful and purposeful.

Each person has their own reasons for hiring a life coach but some of those reasons other than recovery might be: a desire to achieve a particular goal but you don’t know how to achieve it, you’re thinking that maybe there are others that know how to achieve this goal and maybe they could help you, too. And, you are feeling deep inside, a longing to change your life; to make it better.

There are some who don’t know what a life coach is. So, a definition….A life coach is someone who is professional and reliable; who have a desire to work with people who want to make an improvement in their lives such as losing weight, improving their business or finding a new one, in recovery, or understanding themselves better so that they can be happier and healthier.

Life coaches deal with those who want to make their lives better such as finding a better job, seeking healthier relationships, working toward a healthier body image and overcoming personal problems. They also deal with stress management as well as time management, goal setting and other key areas of change to help their clients lead more balanced lives that better reflect clients’ personal values and priorities. It differs from therapy in that the focus is more on the present and future than the past, more on goals and behaviors than emotions and emotional patterns, and there is a more equal balance of power between the coach and client than between the typical therapist and client.

Some might also ask, “How does one find a life coach?” Or, “Where do I look for such an individual and how do I know that they are reliable, credible and can help me reach the goals I am seeking? And, what are the qualities of a life coach?”

Searching for a life coach is not difficult because its popularity and need are growing every year. Many good coaches can be found online. Coaches can also be found by referrals through personal or business friends. Often you can ask for a free trial to see if you are compatible with the coach. Most coaches specialize in such areas as body fitness and losing weight, or honing in on a work or hobby skill, such as golfing or speaking to large groups of people.

And, another question might be, “What are the qualifications/backgrounds of those who become a life coach?” Some life coaches take courses at coach training institutes while others have valuable life experiences that they can share, others have a background in psychotherapy that can help those who are low in self-esteem and needing encouragement and others who own their own business or have MBAs—are just a few examples of life coaches; those who can offer valuable insights on personal improvement and achievement. The cost of most life coach services varies in price.

So, if you are in need of a life coach and seeking guidance toward recovery or improvement in your life, do some research, experience a trial session and reach for the stars!

Marty Brenner, CCBCDC – California Certification Board of Chemical Dependency Counselors
Anger Management – Domestic Violence - Addiction Recovery
9171 Wilshire Blvd #660
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Web: www.Talktomartyb.com
Email: marty@talktomartyb.com