What to Expect from Recovery Coaching

Step 1: The Free Consultation

Everything starts with a conversation. During your free consultation, we'll:

• Learn about your situation, history, and goals
• Answer your questions about how coaching works
• Discuss which package might fit your needs
• Help you decide if recovery coaching is right for you

This is a no-pressure conversation. Many people use the consultation to explore their options, and we're happy to help whether or not you decide to work with us.

Schedule your free consultation to get started.

Step 2: Your Personal Recovery Profile

If you decide to move forward, your first session is a comprehensive Personal Recovery Profile (PRP). This 90-minute assessment covers:

• Your history with substances and recovery
• Past treatment experiences and what worked (or didn't)
• Your current life situation — relationships, work, living situation
• Your personal strengths and challenges
• Your goals for recovery and beyond

This isn't a clinical intake — it's a conversation to help us understand your complete picture so we can design support that fits your unique path.

Step 3: Creating Your Recovery Plan

Based on your PRP, you and your coach will create a personalized recovery plan. This includes:

• Short-term goals — What do you want to accomplish in the next 30 days?
• Long-term vision — Where do you want to be in 6 months or a year?
• Session schedule — How often will you meet? Where?
• Support between sessions — Check-ins, messaging, app usage
• Key focus areas — Daily routines, triggers, relationships, career, etc.

Your plan isn't set in stone. It evolves as you progress, and you can adjust it anytime.

Step 4: Regular Sessions

Depending on your package, you'll meet with your coach 1-4 times per week. Sessions typically last 60 minutes and can happen:

• In person — coffee shops, parks, your home, our office (Oakland / Bay Area)
• Virtually — secure video calls from anywhere
• By phone — when video isn't convenient

Sessions are practical and action-focused. A typical session might include:

• Reviewing how the week went — wins, challenges, triggers
• Working through specific situations you're facing
• Practicing skills — stress management, communication, saying no
• Planning for the week ahead
• Adjusting your goals as needed

Learn more about what coaches do: What Does a Recovery Coach Do?

Step 5: Support Between Sessions

Recovery doesn't pause between appointments. Most packages include support between sessions:

• Daily check-ins — Quick morning or evening touchpoints (via app or text)
• Text and phone support — Reach your coach during challenging moments
• Recovery Compass app — Track your progress, access resources, message your coach

The goal is to provide enough support to stay on track without being intrusive. You decide how much contact feels right for you.

Step 6: Family Involvement (Optional)

Addiction affects the whole family. With your permission, we can include family members in your recovery support:

• Family coaching sessions to improve communication
• Education for loved ones about addiction and recovery
• Help setting healthy boundaries
• Support rebuilding trust and relationships

Family involvement is optional and always happens with your consent. For adolescent clients, family involvement is a core part of the process.

Adjusting as You Progress

Recovery isn't linear, and your support needs will change over time. We regularly review your progress and adjust your plan:

• Increase support during challenging periods
• Step down to maintenance as you stabilize
• Shift focus as your priorities evolve
• Add family sessions if relationships become a focus

There are no long-term contracts. You can increase, decrease, or pause services at any time.