How does a recovery coach assist a client in creating a recovery plan?

A recovery coach plays a crucial role in assisting clients in the development of a personalized recovery plan by facilitating the identification of goals and resources. This process centers on empowering the client, helping them to articulate their own aspirations, priorities, and available support systems.

In creating a recovery plan, it is essential for the recovery coach to engage the client in a collaborative process where the client's unique strengths, challenges, and preferences are considered. This approach fosters ownership and commitment, which are vital for successful recovery. The coach asks guiding questions, listens actively, and supports the client in identifying both short-term and long-term goals. Additionally, the coach assists in evaluating available resources, such as community services, support groups, or educational opportunities that the client can utilize to achieve these goals.

This supportive and collaborative method stands in stark contrast to other approaches that could undermine the client’s autonomy or fail to meet their specific needs. For instance, making decisions for the client would remove their agency, presenting a standard plan would ignore individual contexts, and focusing solely on past failures could lead to a negative mindset that is not conducive to recovery progress. Thus, the role of a recovery coach is to empower clients to develop a tailored plan that aligns with their personal vision for recovery.