Starting Your Sobriety Journey?
Here’s How to Choose the Right Coach
Deciding to embark on a journey of sobriety is a powerful, personal choice; and the right support can make all the difference. A sobriety coach (or recovery coach) offers guidance, accountability, and day-to-day encouragement, helping you stay on track with your recovery goals. But how do you find the right sobriety coach for you?
Here are smart tips for finding the right sobriety coach from SOBRI; especially if you’re ready to move forward, but don’t want to do it alone.
The Unique Advantages of Discreet Sober Companioning
Tailored Support for High-Profile Individuals:
There’s a reason this is the first tip on the blog. Why you might ask? Many of the best sobriety coaches have gone through their own recovery journey, and understand the personal challenges that arise in recovery. Although lived experience isn’t required—for many people, it’s incredibly valuable to work with someone who truly understands the highs, lows, and realities of getting sober.
A coach with lived experience can offer an inside perspective, given they have walked a similar path. Another bonus working with a coach with lived experience would be empathy without judgment (given they have walked miles in the same shoes) helping you feel seen, understood, and less alone.
Ask:
- Are you in recovery yourself?
- How does your personal experience influence your work as a coach?
While lived experience is invaluable, professional training adds a critical layer of expertise. A strong sobriety coach should have some form of certification, licensure, or structured training in recovery coaching, peer support, or a related field like addiction or mental health.
If you can find a coach who is also a licensed professional—such as a licensed mental health counselor, social worker, or addiction specialist—that’s an added bonus. Licensed professionals have completed years of formal education, clinical training, and supervised hours, which means they bring a deeper understanding of the psychological and behavioral complexities involved in recovery.
This additional expertise can be especially valuable if you're navigating co-occurring mental health challenges, trauma, or need an informed higher level of support alongside your sobriety journey.
Ask:
- What training, certifications, or licensures do you hold?
- Are you affiliated with any coaching or recovery organizations?
Sobriety coaches are different from therapists—they focus on action, structure, and real-life decisions, not deep emotional processing or trauma work. Before committing, make sure the coach offers the type (and frequency) of support you need.
Ask:
- Do you offer daily check-ins, weekly sessions, or emergency support?
- Do you work in person, virtually, or both?
A good sobriety coach helps you define your goals—whether that’s full abstinence, harm reduction, or building a healthier lifestyle. They shouldn’t push a one-size-fits-all recovery model onto you.
Ask:
- What approach do you take as a sobriety coach?
- Are you open to different recovery paths (12-step, non-12-step, etc.)?
You’ll be sharing vulnerable parts of your life with this person. It’s important to feel comfortable, supported, and safe. Some people prefer a more direct, tough-love approach, while others do better with a gentle, affirming style.
Ask yourself:
- After speaking with the potential coach, do I feel seen, heard and respected?
- Does their style help me feel motivated and empowered to make changes in my life?
Client feedback can give you a sense of a coach’s reputation, reliability, and effectiveness. Many coaches share testimonials or are happy to provide references if asked.
Ask:
- Can I see any client testimonials?
- Do you have any professional references I can contact?
Especially in early sobriety, consistency and availability matter. Ask about their schedule, response times, and what happens if you’re struggling between sessions.
Ask:
- How quickly do you respond to messages or check-ins?
- What happens if I need extra support between sessions?
Coaching is a personal investment. Make sure you understand what’s included, how much it costs, and whether there are package options or sliding scale rates available.
Ask:
- What type of services do you offer; one on one individually or a package?
- Do you offer different types of packages and what is the difference between those packages?
When choosing a sobriety coach, accessibility and local experience matter— especially when you need consistent, responsive support. While many coaches offer remote options, finding someone familiar with your city can make sessions more personalized and practical.
At SOBRI Recovery, we proudly serve clients in key metropolitan areas with sober coaching tailored to their unique environments:
- Atlanta, GA
- New York, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Miami, FL
- Houston, TX
We also support nationwide and international travel, including transitions to and from treatment centers, sober companioning, sober transporting, and extended live-in support.
Your Next Chapter Starts Here
Sobriety isn't about going back, it's about moving forward. The right sobriety coach can help you build a life that’s not only substance-free but also fulfilling, grounded, and aligned with who you truly are.
Take your time. Ask questions. Trust yourself. Finding the right support is one of the most important parts of the process.
Ready to Find a Sobriety Coach?
If you're seeking nonjudgmental, practical support in your recovery journey, I’d love to connect. Schedule a consultation with SOBRI Recovery below, and see if coaching is right for you.
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