Why invest recovery consulting or coaching with us?

12 step programs are excellent resources, we are big proponents.  However, there are numerous barriers to applying their value for many individuals.

• 12 step programs can feel as they require "rock bottom".  Not everyone has reached, nor do they need to reach, that level of desperation.
• The messages can be muddled or even misconstrued by fellow participants.  It can be quite difficult to extract the healthy, actionable, targeted information.
• Their doors are open to anyone and everyone.  This is great in some respects, not so great in others.
• Often the lifestyles and communication styles of those in a meeting do not align those seeking help.  This can make relating to shared experiences difficult.
• Religious overtones can make it difficult for many to hear the core messages.

We understand and have experience in all of the common 12 step groups, AA, NA, CMA, HA, CA, MA, CR, Coda, Al-Anon, Nar-anon.  Extracting the needed support, information, action items, and relationships from meetings is a skill that can be taught.  With help these vast but often troubled groups can be immense sources of value.

We believe whole-heartedly in quality treatment programs for those struggling.  Rehab, IOP, PHP, etc. are all excellent steps on the path to recovery.  The problem with treatment is that it is temporary and isolated.  The skills introduced need to be integrated into the real world.  Rarely will a 30-60-90 day program introduce a new way of thinking and living that will persist.  The tools learned in treatment need to be applied, re-applied, and modified as one re-integrates into life.  This is a process that takes time and experience.  It cannot be compressed into a schedule or obtained in relative isolation.

For individuals that are not high risk we can teach many of the recovery tools treatment centers will teach while simultaneously working on practical application.  For high risk individuals we will suggest consultation with medical professionals about a potential 30 day residential program, to establish a base level of clarity.  We are not associated to any particular treatment programs but can make recommendations if desired, and are certainly happy to help verify the veracity of specific providers.

We are also open to working with, and encourage, enrollment in PHP, IOP, group therapy, or similar programs for those interested.  

All of these programs undoubtedly provide value.  Where applicable they should absolutely be used as part of the recovery plan.  Our founder is even a certified SMART Recovery facilitator and personal believer in the value delivered by that program.

We believe there are some mild cases where these programs may be sufficient or could at least be used as the base of one's recovery.  However, they are limited and have gaps that will inevitably cause issues in recovery for individuals with any more than mild symptoms with addiction.  These are also limited resources, not having nearly the same level of presence as their 12 step peers.

More often than not we see these programs as excellent supplements in a recovery plan.  These programs can be specifically helpful for certain individuals, e.g. highly intelligent people tend to find SMART Recovery very helpful,  Buddhists enjoy Refuge, etc.

Whether or not our clients choose to participate in these programs, we are familiar with them, and will use their tools when applicable.

Maybe the cruelest irony of addiction is that all of these traits can be liabilities to getting started in recovery. They do become assets again once in recovery but can be quite the barrier to entry.  Highly intelligent people can spend years trying to solve the problem on their own.  Sadly, it is a problem in our thinking, trying to think our way out of it isn't likely to do much good.  High aptitude people have a hard time accepting failure, "I always succeed, I can do this on my own".  Attractive and/or wealthy people tend to find ways to mitigate the consequences, thus dragging the issue out longer.  Religious people tend to rely on their religion solely, and then become resentful when it fails as a solution.

We've been here, helping these "advantaged" groups understand how their gifts became liabilities is a specialty for us.  We show our clients how to turn these gifts back into assets that serve them for the better.  

While we help setting goals, talk through issues, and offer recovery suggestions, we are not therapists.  We are guides, peers, mentors, and coaches.  We do believe in the value of therapy, and encourage it, especially from therapists that are well versed in the subject.   

We 100% believe in the value of CBT, DBT, EMDR, MBCT, and many other therapy modalities.  Many of the programs we work through incorporate concepts from these therapy models.

• We are not insurance based, we are not beholden to the whims of corporate insurance.  
• We are not directly affiliated with any treatment center or dedicated to any one recovery methodology.  Our client is our ONLY stakeholder.
• We are not focused on quotas, you are not a number.  We are focused on the wellness of every person we work with.  We will not accept new clients if it will compromise our commitment to our current clients.  
• Our network of associates and resources is truly amazing.  While we are not tied to any entity, we know who the truly amazing ones are based on the individual.
• Our network of communities and people in recovery is unheard of.  We can surround you(or your loved one) with positive peers you/they will identify with.
• We've lived it.  We were taught the science and phycology, but we experienced the journey.