The Needed Evolution of Recovery Coaching
RECOVERY COACHING IS UNSETTLED
Recovery Coaching is not fully cooked yet …. I do not accept the idea that the evolution of recovery coaching is anywhere close to being complete…
The training and supervision of recovery coaches is even more unsettled.
There has not been enough experimentation and innovation.
THE FINAL VERSION?
We need people trying new things before we settle on a training model that is essentially an offshoot of clinical trainings. Why are the trainings so similar to clinical trainings??
Also, there are relatively few practicing coaches and providers.
Such a small pool and small cross section.
I just don’t accept the idea that this current model is the “final” version of coaching.
We will continue to iterate and we fully intend to rewrite the training we use to reflect the needs of our community.
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
Another thing… being open to “multiple pathways to recovery” involves a behavior change on the coach’s part and an attitude shift.
Not just a tacit verbal agreement.
If you say you are “multiple pathways” and then coach the same as when you wear your “sponsor” mask, you should just go be a sponsor.
Being anti MAT “behind closed doors” won’t cut it… many people are on point in public and talk differently behind closed doors.
UNSPOKEN MESSAGES
You can see it in the unspoken messages.
I’ve gone to many events where MAT was clearly marginalized.
There were multiple pathways mentioned, but there was clearly a “preferred” pathway.
I went to one event that strongly emphasized peer support and, in theory, multiple pathways.
However, if I wouldn’t have known what the event was, I would have thought I was at an AA regional convention.
ONE SIZE FITS ALL
A person in MAT supported recovery would be completely marginalized at such an event.
And this was a “national” event focused on recovery.
This is where the world gets to see what recovery support entails.
It just reinforced all the existing stereotypes of one size fits all recovery.
DISGUISED AS COACHING
If recovery coaching is going to be established as a new and necessary professional service we are going to need to go all the way.
We can’t continue to accept sponsorship disguised as coaching.
A week long training does nothing to prevent the above mentioned reality. It’s just a training.
A necessary part of the equation. But only a training.
This profession will fade away unless we get our act together. People outside the echo chamber are not impressed. I spent a lot of time with healthcare organizations nationwide and they are skeptical.
There is an entire world out there who is put off by sponsorship in disguise. Stop it…. you make us all look bad and you are violating the traditions.
COMMITTED TO MULTIPLE PATHWAYS
FAVOR GREENVILLE is committed to the highest caliber coach and we won’t tolerate the alienation of any pathway.
Multiple pathways recovery coaching is an issue of organizational culture…. training does not influence culture.
Training gives you a foundation of understanding and gets you certified.
MORE ABOUT FAVOR GREENVILLE
Based on successful peer-based recovery center models around the country, FAVOR Greenville Center offers a variety of recovery support programs provided by trained and supervised volunteers.
Examples include Recovery Coaching, Outreach Meetings Leaders, Administration, Public Relations, Awareness Ambassadors, and Telephone Recovery Support.
