Professional Recovery Coach Training
Turn lived and professional experience into purposeful support
Recovery coaches provide practical, person-centred support to people affected by substance use, addictive behaviours and related mental health challenges.
Professional Recovery Coach Training can help you develop the knowledge, skills and ethical awareness needed to support people before, during and after formal treatment. The training brings together recovery education, coaching practice, experiential learning and an understanding of the wider systems that influence recovery.
Whether you bring lived experience, professional experience or a desire to contribute to your community, the programme offers a structured pathway for developing your ability to support others responsibly and effectively.
Who is the training for?
The training may be suitable for:
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people with lived experience who want to use that experience constructively;
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family members who want a deeper understanding of recovery;
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coaches, counsellors and helping professionals;
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treatment-centre and recovery-support staff;
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peer supporters and community workers;
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workplace wellness practitioners;
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facilitators and group leaders; and
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organisations wanting to strengthen recovery-informed support.
You do not need to have all the answers or arrive as an experienced coach. A willingness to learn, reflect and practise is an important place to begin.
What is recovery coaching?
Recovery coaching is a collaborative and practical form of support that helps people identify their strengths, needs, goals and available resources.
A recovery coach does not diagnose, prescribe treatment or take over responsibility for another person’s recovery. Instead, the coach works alongside the individual to help them build recovery capital, consider different pathways, strengthen supportive routines and translate their intentions into manageable action.
Recovery coaching can take place alongside medical care, psychological treatment, peer support and other appropriate recovery services.
What you will explore
The training introduces participants to the principles and practice of professional recovery coaching.
Areas of learning may include:
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different understandings of substance use, addiction and recovery;
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multiple and individual pathways to recovery;
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recovery capital and whole-person wellbeing;
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the role and scope of a recovery coach;
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ethical practice, confidentiality and professional boundaries;
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person-centred and strengths-based coaching;
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motivational communication and reflective listening;
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creating a safe and purposeful coaching conversation;
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contracting, goal-setting and accountability;
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recovery planning and relapse-prevention tools;
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supporting families, groups and communities;
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co-occurring mental health concerns;
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working alongside treatment and healthcare professionals;
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recognising when referral or additional support is needed;
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group coaching and facilitation skills; and
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professional resilience, supervision and ongoing development.
The focus is not only on learning concepts. Participants are also encouraged to practise coaching skills, reflect on their own development and consider how the work may be applied responsibly in real-life settings.
Learning through experience
Recovery coaching is a relational practice. It cannot be learned through theory alone.
The training therefore combines guided learning with discussion, reflection, practical exercises and opportunities to practise coaching conversations.
You will be encouraged to:
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experience coaching from both sides of the relationship;
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develop confidence through supported practice;
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receive constructive feedback;
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reflect on your values, strengths and limitations;
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recognise how your own experiences may influence your work;
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learn how to use lived experience without making the work about you; and
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begin developing your personal and professional coaching approach.
This experiential process helps turn knowledge into skills that can be used thoughtfully and ethically.
A systemic approach to recovery
Recovery does not happen in isolation.
It is affected by relationships, family circumstances, housing, work, physical and mental health, financial stability, culture, community, opportunity and access to support.
A systemic approach helps recovery coaches look beyond an individual behaviour and understand the wider context in which change is taking place.
The training encourages coaches to support the whole person while respecting the roles of medical, psychological, social and community-based services.
Training with U-ACT
The training is offered in collaboration with U-ACT -Ubuntu Academy Coaching Training.
Guided by the principle of Ubuntu, U-ACT focuses on developing recovery coaches, peer supporters, systemic wellness practitioners and community-based recovery leadership.
Its approach values both lived and learned experience and recognises the importance of strengthening individuals, families, organisations and communities.
Training is supported through an international learning community, with opportunities for continued professional connection and development.
Training for organisations
Bespoke training can also be developed for treatment services, community organisations, workplaces and other professional groups.
Training may be adapted to focus on areas such as:
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recovery-informed practice;
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workplace mental health and substance-use support;
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coaching and communication skills;
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peer-support development;
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employee and organisational wellness;
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recovery capital;
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ethical boundaries and referral;
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group facilitation; and
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building a supportive coaching culture.
Please contact me to discuss your organisation’s needs, the intended participants and the outcomes you would like the training to support.
Course format and certification pathway
Course dates, duration, fees, learning requirements and certification options may differ according to the programme and training pathway selected.
Please enquire for current information about:
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upcoming course dates;
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live online and group-learning sessions;
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course duration and time commitment;
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assignments and practical requirements;
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learning materials and online access;
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professional support and supervision;
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certification or accreditation pathways; and
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payment and enrolment options.
I will help you understand the available options so that you can decide whether the training is appropriate for your experience and professional goals.
What this training does - and does not - qualify you to do...
Recovery coach training develops coaching, peer-support and recovery-planning skills. It does not qualify a participant to practise as a psychologist, psychiatrist, medical practitioner, social worker, registered counsellor or other regulated healthcare professional.
Recovery coaches must work within the limits of their training and competence. They should not diagnose mental health or substance-use disorders, provide medical advice, alter medication or attempt to manage dangerous withdrawal or psychiatric emergencies.
Ethical practice includes recognising when a person requires clinical care, referring appropriately and working collaboratively with other professionals where consent and circumstances allow.
Begin with a Conversation
Choosing a training programme is an important decision.
You may have questions about whether your experience is suitable, what professional opportunities may be available or which training pathway best fits your goals.
An introductory conversation can help you understand the programme, ask practical questions and decide on a realistic next step.
