SOBER COACHING – ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
Many people do not ask enough initial questions when hiring a Sober Coach or a Sober Companion in Los Angeles. Usually, the family, the business associate, or the client is more interested in getting a “quick fix” for the their perceived problem than in making sure the company the hire has the qualified and experienced staff to do the work.
More often than not, they do not take the necessary time required to set up parameters that will guarantee the greatest success with the Sober Coach they intend to use. It is essential that you be sure that the person, team, or firm you select is willing to comply with your wishes and vision. If the addict or alcoholic in question in willing to seek residential treatment, it is crucial that you discuss the treatment concept with caring professionals who already have taken an interest in your case.
You need to be sure of a couple of things. First, be sure the individual or firm you select has experience – verifiable experience. Right now, this field is wide open. There are neither California State nor Federal guidelines for Sober Coaching or for Sober Companionship. This means you will have to rely upon their general reputation and standing among their peers. While we hope the State of California will address this lack, we doubt that guidance will come anytime soon; after all, the State has enough trouble balancing a budget and staffing prisons with psychologists, psychiatrists, and other health professionals.
When you are ready to hire a Sober Coach or a Sober Companion, be sure to ask for references – not only from their clients, but also from treatment professionals in the field. Use your best judgment, and do as much research as possible.
Any special needs or concerns the client might have, such as medical or dietary needs, lists of medications, names of the client’s doctors, etc., should be readily available to the Sober Coach or Sober Companion before the relationship commences. Be sure to make your Sober Coach aware of names and locations of treatment facilities, Sober Living facilities, or favorite 12-Step meetings with which the client has had some contact.
Most important: talk to your intended Sober Coach or Sober Companion a few times; make sure they remember your name & the general idea of what the client’s needs are. Listen for their active interest in your case, and you will save yourself a lot of grief (and a lot of money).
Recovery is not only possible, it is probable – with the right help.
