The Client is Resourceful: In the context of 12 Step Recovery, this principle highlights the inherent strength and potential within each individual embarking on the journey of recovery. Like the foundational belief in the 12 Steps that individuals possess the capacity to overcome their addictions through a higher power and community support, coaching starts with the recognition that the client has untapped resources and strengths. The role of a coach, akin to the support provided in mutual aid groups, is to help the client uncover and harness these inner resources to navigate the challenges of recovery, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-reliance.
 

The Coach’s Role is to Help the Client to Develop this Resourcefulness: The coach's primary function mirrors the guiding principles of the 12 Steps by facilitating a process where clients can develop and utilise their internal strengths and capabilities. This involves creating a supportive environment that encourages exploration, reflection, and growth, much like the supportive and nonjudgmental atmosphere found in 12 Step meetings. The coach acts as a catalyst, helping the client to discover and refine their skills and resilience, enabling them to tackle the obstacles inherent in recovery and personal growth.
 

Coaching Addresses the Whole Person: This principle aligns with the holistic approach of the 12 Steps, which considers recovery as a comprehensive transformation that encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Coaching, in this light, goes beyond addressing specific issues or behaviours; it engages with the client's entire being, including their values, beliefs, and life experiences. By acknowledging the complexity and interconnectedness of the client's life, coaching facilitates a deeper and more meaningful change, reflective of the transformative journey encouraged by the 12 Steps.
 

The Client Sets the Agenda: Just as individuals in 12 Step programs take personal responsibility for their recovery journey, defining their paths through the Steps, coaching empowers the client to set their own goals and priorities. This client-centred approach ensures that the coaching process is relevant, personalised, and aligned with the client's values and aspirations. It respects the client's autonomy and acknowledges their expertise in their own life, creating a collaborative and customised path toward change and growth.
 

The Coach and the Client are Equals: Echoing the principle of fellowship in 12 Step programs, where members support each other as peers, the coaching relationship is built on equality and mutual respect. This partnership is devoid of hierarchy, recognising that both coach and client bring valuable insights and experiences to the table. This egalitarian approach fosters open communication, trust, and respect, crucial elements for effective coaching and reminiscent of the mutual support found in recovery communities.
 

Coaching is About Change and Action: At its core, coaching is dynamic, focusing on facilitating change and taking action toward achieving the client's goals. This mirrors the action-oriented nature of the 12 Steps, which require individuals to actively engage with each step, from admitting powerlessness over addiction to making amends and seeking spiritual growth. Coaching supports the client in translating insights and goals into concrete actions, promoting lasting change and forward momentum in their personal development and recovery journey.