Exploring Different Models of Recovery Coaching: Traditional vs Strength-Based Approaches

Entering a recovery program is a big step when you have a substance use disorder. Besides making a significant change in your life, there is also the question of what type of recovery program will work best for you. One type of program to consider is recovery coaching or addiction coaching. There are two primary models of recovery coaching: traditional and strength-based. Here is an in-depth look at both.

Principles and Techniques in Traditional Recovery Coaching

The traditional model of recovery supports and guides individuals suffering from an addiction. The principles and techniques used focus on guidance, accountability, and assistance. Clients are encouraged to make principle-based decisions, to provide a well-defined goal, and to use their strengths to achieve their future goals.

The sessions help clients understand the nature of their addiction, learn recovery skills, and identify goals to help them achieve sobriety. Here are some common principles and techniques in the traditional model:

• Peer Support and Empowerment: A peer-based approach can help those struggling with addiction feel supported and empowered.

• Setting goals: Recovery coaches help clients work on goals such as maintaining sobriety, finding work, or getting a degree. The goal is to help clients remain focused and motivated.

• Building Motivation: Recovery coaches help strengthen clients’ desire and motivation to change.

• Accountability: Recovery coaches typically help clients account for their progress, such as reporting progress or setbacks.

• Relapse Prevention: The traditional model also teaches clients how to manage their triggers and cravings.

• Education and Resources: Recovery coaches connect clients to essential resources like support groups.

The Traditional Model and 12-Step Programs

The traditional approach has much in common with 12-step programs. These include:

• Personalized Support: In 12-step programs, new members are often assigned a sponsor. Sponsors provide more personalized support. Similarly, recovery coaches share personal experiences to help build rapport with clients.

• Accountability: Both approaches teach that accountability is an important part of maintaining sobriety. The 12-step programs, such as AA or NA, encourage members to take responsibility for their past actions. In the traditional approach, clients are encouraged to share setbacks or relapses.

• Supportive Community: The 12-step programs provide a community of peers who share experiences and goals. The traditional approach helps clients find support groups.

Advantages of the Traditional Model

The traditional model offers some critical advantages.

• Offers a Personalized Approach: The traditional model is typically tailored to the client’s specific circumstances and needs.

• Helps Clients Set Goals: By setting well-defined goals, clients can feel a sense of progress and achievement.

• Offers Relapse Prevention Tools: Recovery coaches provide skills and tools to help prevent relapses.

• Encourages Accountability: Clients are held accountable for their own progress and setbacks, which can be empowering.

• Teaches Important Skills: The traditional method teaches ways to manage stress and anxiety as well as to help solve problems.

• Provides Non-Judgmental Support: The supportive environment encourages clients to be honest and open without being judged.

• Offers Flexibility: The traditional method is often customized to the client’s schedule and preferences.

• Provides Ongoing Support: There is ongoing support, which is useful when clients face new challenges.

• Complements Other Treatments: The traditional model offers additional support to other methods of therapy.

Challenges Experienced in the Traditional Model of Recovery Coaching

Although there are many benefits to the traditional model, there are some limitations as well.

One of the limitations is that the traditional model needs to have standardized regulations or training requirements. This can result in different levels of quality and effectiveness.

Some clients may be reluctant to embrace the traditional model, viewing it as unnecessary. Recovery coaches may not be successful in building up trust with their clients. Finding the right match between recovery coaches and clients is essential for success. A mismatch in personalities can be detrimental to the client.

Individuals with addiction issues often have co-occurring mental health issues. Recovery coaches may not have the training to address these mental health issues.

There may also be limited accessibility. The traditional model of recovery isn’t always accessible to everyone, which can make it challenging to integrate it into a formal addiction treatment system.

The Strength Based Approach Vs. the Traditional Model

The second approach is strength based. Here are the key differences.

• Philosophy: The strength-based approach believes individuals have innate strengths to overcome addiction. The traditional model, on the other hand, provides a variety of techniques to help clients, not just one that is strength based.

• Focus: The strength-based approach emphasizes an individual’s strengths and self-determination. The traditional model emphasizes coping and accountability.

• Collaboration: Coaches and clients collaborate so that clients can realize their own strengths. In the traditional model, recovery coaches collaborate by helping clients navigate challenges throughout their recovery process.

• Problem-Solving: Instead of solely focusing on problems, the strength-based approach encourages clients to find solutions. The traditional model combines past accountability to help clients deal with future goals.

• Relapse Prevention: By emphasizing strengths, the strength-based approach teaches clients to view challenges as an opportunity to grow and learn. The traditional model focuses on helping clients develop ways to manage their cravings and triggers.

Principles and Strategies of the Strength-Based Recovery Coaching Approach

The strength-based recovery approach uses strength based therapy as its model. Here are some fundamental principles and strategies.

• Positive Model: The focus of strength based therapy is to emphasize clients’ strengths rather than their deficits. The therapy shifts the focus to the positive.

• Collaborative: Coaches and clients work together as partners rather than from a teacher/student framework.

• Uncovering Strengths: The strength-based model uses tools to identify the individual’s strengths. Clients are then encouraged to use these strengths to control their sobriety.

• Goals: The strength-based approach helps clients set achievable and realistic goals. Larger goals are broken down into smaller steps.

• Problem-Solving: Clients are encouraged to use their strengths to problem-solve and brainstorm.

• Positive Reinforcement and Celebration: The strength-based approach continuously celebrates small and large achievements.

• Building Resilience: Setbacks and relapses are framed as challenges to grow and learn from.

Empowering Individuals Through the Strength Based Approach

The strength-based approach aims to empower individuals during their recovery journey by focusing on their strengths and inner resources.

• Fosters Self-Awareness: By identifying strengths, clients better understand their capabilities. This can help build their self-confidence.

• Improves Self-Efficacy: By emphasizing that individuals are strong enough to take control of their recovery journey, the approach helps individuals become more self-efficient.

• Improves Motivation and Builds Resilience: Encouraging clients to recognize and build their inner strength helps motivate them to make permanent changes in their life. This goes a long way in helping them build resilience as well.

• Encourages a Positive Mindset: The strength-based approach encourages individuals to have a positive mindset. A positive mindset is needed to maintain optimism in their recovery journey.

• Promotes Self-Discovery: By encouraging individuals to recognize their own strengths, they may see a side of themselves they have never seen before. This can help with personal growth.

Mind Body Wellness

Mind Body Wellness in Franklin, TN, is an innovative outpatient facility. We aim to combine clinical modalities with holistic interventions to create a whole-body healing experience. We treat mental health, addiction, and co-occurring disorders. We try to ensure that every single client achieves a lasting and fulfilling state of overall wellness. If you or a loved one needs treatment for a substance use disorder, please contact us to find out how we can help. We offer a variety of evidence-based treatments.