FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Coaching FAQs

  • Peer Recovery Support FAQs

  • Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life FAQs

  • Family & Loved Ones FAQs

  • Recovery Program Transition FAQs

  • Logistics & Practical Questions

  • Coaching FAQs

    What is an ICF Professional Certified Coach?

    Anyone can call themselves a coach - but not everyone is ICF certified. this credential reflects training, supervised experience, and ethical accountability.

    A Professional Certified Coach, or PCC, is someone who has been trained and certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) — the leading global organization that sets the standards for professional coaching. A PCC coach is a highly trained and experienced life, leadership, or wellness coach who helps people reach goals, make changes, and grow — but not by advice or therapy. Instead, they use thoughtful questions, listening, and accountability to help clients find their own answers and take action.

    How Can Coaching Help Me?

    Coaching offers a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can focus on your wellbeing, clarity and growth; especially if you’re navigating stress, major transitions, or the impact of someone else’s struggles. Together, we identify what’s weighing you down, strengthen your coping skills, and build healthier patterns around boundaries, communication, and self-trust. Coaching helps you reconnect with your own strengths, gain perspective, and create practical steps toward feeling more grounded, confident, and in control of your life.

    What Can I Expect From a Coaching Session?

    Each session provides a safe, compassionate space to focus on you. Together, we’ll explore what’s been weighing on your heart, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop tools for greater peace, confidence, and balance. You’ll leave each session with clarity, emotional grounding, and practical steps toward your personal growth.

    How is Coaching Different From Therapy?

    Coaching is forward-looking and action oriented — it’s about helping you set goals, create change, and move forward with confidence. While therapy often explores past experiences or trauma, coaching centers on your current challenges and the future you want to build. Coaching is not a substitute for mental health treatment, but it can complement it beautifully.

  • Peer Recovery Support FAQs

    What is a Peer Recovery Specialist?

    A Peer Recovery Specialist is a trained professional who uses their lived experience of recovery—whether from addiction, trauma, or major life transitions—to support others on their own healing journey. Unlike clinical providers, peer specialists focus on connection, encouragement, and skill-building through shared understanding rather than diagnosis or treatment.

    In the words of Shery Mead, Peer support enables peers to “be with” each other without the hierarchical relationships of expert/patient or helper/helped (2004).

    How is Peer Support Different From Therapy or Clinical Treatment?

    Peer support is non-clinical, meaning it does not involve therapy, diagnosis, or medial recommendations. Instead, Peer Recovery Specialists walk alongside individuals, offering practical tools, emotional support, and real world insight. The relationship is collaborative and equal, centered on hope, empowerment, and helping clients take the next step in their recovery or reintegration.

    What Can I Expect From Working With a Peer Recovery Specialist?

    You can expect judgment-free support, open conversations, and guidance rooted in lived experience. Peer Recovery Specialists help you build coping tools, awareness, navigate everyday challenges, and reclaim confidence at your own pace. The focus is always on what you want to change, improve, or explore.

    Who Can Benefit From Peer Recovery Support?

    Peer Support if helpful for anyone navigating recovery, reintegration, or life changes, including loved ones of those struggling with addiction, individuals completing treatment programs, and veterans transitioning back to civilian life. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit. Peer support is about having someone who understands and walks with you.

  • Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life FAQs

    What Do Coaching and Peer Recovery Support Do For Veterans?

    Coaching and Peer Recovery Support both offer support from someone who “gets it".” We focus on connection, practical tools, and navigating everyday challenges like identity changes, stress, reintegration, or rebuilding routines. Support is peer-to-peer, not hierarchical, and centered on your goals.

    How is Peer Support Different From VA Services or Therapy?

    Peer Support is non-clinical. That means no diagnoses, no evaluations, and no formal treatment plans. Instead, you get a companion in the transition process—someone who listens, relates, and helps you find direction at your own pace, while still being compatible with therapy or VA resources if you choose to use them.

    Do I Need to Be in Crisis or Have a Diagnosis to Receive Peer Support?

    Not at all. Many veterans simply want someone who understands what it feels like to leave military structure, reconnect with family, or rediscover purpose. Peer support is for anyone navigating change, not just those in crisis.

  • Loved Ones of Individuals Struggling With Addiction FAQs

    How Can Coaching and Peer Recovery Support Help Families and Loved Ones?

    Peer Recovery Specialists Support you, not the addiction. Families often feel overwhelmed, unseen, or unsure how to set boundaries. Peer support offers tools for coping, communication, self-care, and emotional resilience; all through a non-judgmental, lived experience lens.

    Is This Family Therapy?

    No. Peer Support is not therapy and does not replace professional treatment. Instead, it provides a safe, collaborative space where you can explore your feelings, strengthen your boundaries, and regain balance while navigating a loved one’s recovery journey.

    What If My Loved One Isn’t Ready For Treatment?

    You can still get support. Peer recovery focuses on your emotional wellbeing, stability, and empowerment—regardless of where your loved one is in their recovery process.

  • For Individuals Entering or Completing a Recovery Program FAQs

    What Kind of Support Does a Peer Recovery Specialist Provide During or After Treatment?

    Peer Recovery Specialists help you bridge the gap between treatment and everyday life. We talk through real-world challenges, practice coping strategies, build confidence, and celebrate milestones. The support is completely non-clinical—just two people working together toward lasting stability.

    Is Peer Support Part of a Treatment Program?

    Not necessarily. It can complement treatment, aftercare, coaching, or therapy; but it is independent. Peer support is about encouragement, accountability, and helping you stay connected to your goals.

    What If I’m Unsure What I Need Right Now?

    That’s okay. Many people start peer support without a clear plan. Together, we explore what feels overwhelming, what you want to change, and what strengths you already bring to the table. The process is collaborative and paced according to your readiness.

  • Logistical & Practical FAQs

    How Long Are Sessions and How Often Do We Meet?

    Sessions usually last 60 minutes. Most clients meet weekly or biweekly, depending on their goals and schedule. We’ll create a rhythm that feels supportive and sustainable for you.

    Do You Offer Online Sessions?

    Yes - all sessions are currently held online via secure video. This allows you to connect from the comfort and privacy of your own space.

    Is What I Share Confidential?

    Yes. Your privacy is extremely important, and our work together is held in strict confidence. The foundation of my ethical practice is rooted in biblical principles of compassion, integrity, and honoring the dignity of every person. In addition to these values, I am professionally bound to the confidentiality standards set by the:

    • International Coaching Federation (ICF)

    • NAADAC: The Association for Addiction Professionals

    • Peer Recovery Specialist Code of Ethics

    These codes require that information shared in sessions remains privates except in rare situations where safety is at risk—such as danger to yourself, others or cases involving abuse or legal obligation. Within those boundaries, you can expect a respectful, judgment-free, and confidential space where you are safe to speak openly and explore what you are experiencing.

    How Do I Get Started?

    You can schedule a free consultation to learn more and see if coaching feels right for you. There’s no pressure — just an open, supportive conversation to help you decide your next step.

Mead, S. (2004) Peer Support: what makes it unique. Academia.edu. https://www.academia.edu/49892379/Peer_support_What_makes_it_unique