What Does a Recovery Coach Do?

Recovery isn’t easy. Many people in recovery need guidance, support, and understanding from someone who truly gets it. This is where a recovery coach steps in. Unlike a therapist or sponsor, a recovery coach offers hands-on, practical support to help clients rebuild their lives. Recovery coaches bring both empathy and experience, helping clients tackle the real-life challenges of staying sober and building new routines.

A recovery coach can be a lifeline. They are there for the hard days and celebrate the good ones. Recovery coaches help clients with everyday tasks that can feel overwhelming, from attending appointments to learning coping skills. They don’t just give advice—they listen, encourage, and walk alongside their clients. They know the ups and downs of recovery and create a safe space for clients to grow, learn, and find their strength.

This list covers the many things a recovery coach might do to support a client’s journey. From setting goals and handling crises to building self-care routines, recovery coaches meet clients where they’re at. Each of these actions helps create a path forward that is realistic, compassionate, and tailored to the client’s needs. Recovery coaching is all about helping people reclaim their lives, one day at a time.

• Assisting clients in booking and managing appointments with healthcare providers.
• Encouraging clients to rediscover or develop hobbies and interests.
• Listening attentively to clients share their feelings without interruption.
• Offering immediate emotional support during moments of intense cravings.
• Celebrating clients’ sober anniversaries with personalized cards or small gifts.
• Breaking larger goals into smaller, manageable action steps.
• Providing a non-judgmental space where clients feel seen and understood.
• Guiding clients through exercises to explore core values and passions.
• Teaching basic hygiene and self-care routines, if necessary.
• Helping clients establish a balanced diet for stable energy and mood.
• Reviewing goals monthly to ensure they align with the client’s needs.
• Helping clients find local or online support groups, like AA or NA.
• Practicing assertiveness skills to help clients set healthy boundaries.
• Offering guidance on legal, financial, or employment issues.
• Encouraging self-reflection through guided journaling prompts.
• Providing referrals for legal resources or financial counseling.
• Sharing personal stories to foster connection and reduce stigma.
• Recognizing “firsts” in recovery, like holidays or new jobs.
• Encouraging regular physical activity for mental and physical health.
• Helping clients create a relapse prevention plan with coping techniques.
• Checking in after significant events, such as holidays, that may be triggering.
• Developing a plan for high-risk situations, like social events.
• Providing feedback and guidance if clients struggle with their goals.
• Offering resources that allow clients to explore self-discovery.
• Encouraging clients to reflect on their progress since beginning recovery.
• Being available via text or phone for support during difficult times.
• Teaching clients the importance of a consistent sleep schedule.
• Reflecting clients’ own words to encourage self-recognition of strengths.
• Educating clients on the psychological and physical impacts of addiction.
• Guiding clients through mindfulness practices to manage stress.
• Reviewing self-reflection exercises to track client progress.
• Introducing journaling as a tool for processing emotions.
• Guiding family members on how to support their loved one’s recovery.
• Modeling effective communication and healthy relationship boundaries.
• Helping clients create a list of emergency contacts for crises.
• Encouraging clients to set aside time each week for enjoyable activities.
• Assisting clients in finding vocational or job training programs.
• Teaching clients grounding techniques to use during intense emotions.
• Highlighting client achievements during sessions to boost morale.
• Encouraging family meetings to discuss boundaries and expectations.
• Helping clients reconnect with aspects of themselves outside addiction.
• Educating clients on the science of addiction, including brain effects.
• Using affirmations to build clients’ confidence in their ability to change.
• Helping clients set specific, measurable, and realistic recovery goals.
• Encouraging daily meditation or relaxation exercises for calm.
• Assisting clients in navigating insurance options for treatment.
• Recognizing and celebrating client milestones to boost motivation.
• Assisting clients with financial organization and budget creation.
• Reflecting on past successes and how they relate to current goals.
• Accompanying clients to important appointments if necessary.
• Encouraging clients to reward themselves for achieving milestones.
• Helping clients discover or explore their spiritual beliefs and practices.
• Introducing wellness practices like acupuncture or massage for relaxation.
• Introducing resources, such as books and articles, for further education.
• Organizing sober outings, like hikes or creative workshops.
• Sharing strategies for handling high-risk situations and triggers.
• Guiding clients through role-playing social scenarios.
• Checking in with clients regularly to track goal progress.
• Teaching relaxation techniques to use in high-stress moments.
• Creating alternative plans if clients experience a relapse or setback.
• Offering daily encouragement through text to support positive starts.
• Helping clients find fitness classes or wellness activities.
• Teaching clients problem-solving skills for life challenges.
• Assisting clients with developing a personalized self-care plan.
• Providing guidance on handling legal appointments or disputes.
• Helping clients set new milestones aligned with evolving needs.
• Providing emergency support and guidance during high-stress events.
• Advocating for clients with landlords or employers when necessary.
• Coaching clients on rebuilding trust in family relationships.
• Discussing the difference between sobriety and emotional recovery.
• Role-playing scenarios to build confidence in healthy interactions.
• Recommending community services for housing or financial aid.
• Encouraging clients to re-evaluate goals based on personal growth.
• Providing reassurance during challenging moments in clients’ lives.
• Coaching clients on self-care, nutrition, exercise, and sleep.
• Celebrating clients’ accomplishments in recovery, big or small.
• Helping clients navigate applications for public assistance.
• Assisting with finding sober recreational activities and social groups.
• Working with clients to create a list of enjoyable and fulfilling activities.
• Reassuring clients during difficult or triggering social situations.
• Teaching coping mechanisms for cravings or overwhelming emotions.
• Encouraging clients to explore their identity and interests.
• Being a role model of balanced living, demonstrating a healthy lifestyle.
• Reviewing clients’ triggers and developing strategies to avoid them.
• Helping clients communicate effectively with family and friends.
• Encouraging clients to volunteer in their community for fulfillment.
• Providing motivational affirmations to reinforce self-worth.
• Educating clients on the value of self-care and relaxation.
• Discussing the role of personal growth and goals in recovery.
• Working with clients to strengthen their support network.
• Assisting clients in preparing questions for health professionals.
• Helping clients celebrate and reflect on their recovery journey.
• Encouraging clients to attend recovery events, such as AA meetings.
• Offering a calming presence during emotional or stressful moments.
• Celebrating clients’ progress by organizing recognition events.
• Discussing the importance of patience and self-compassion in recovery.
• Supporting clients in prioritizing self-care routines.
• Guiding clients through relapse prevention planning.
• Exploring spiritual or religious practices that support recovery.
• Encouraging clients to explore self-discovery beyond addiction.