Reviews
“I would highly recommend this book to would-be recovery coaches and experienced coaches alike, as well as addiction treatment and mental health professionals who will learn how to make use of a recovery coach as part of the clinical team.”
—Andrew Tatarsky, PhD., author of Harm Reduction and
Director, The Center for Optimal Living, NYC
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“Melissa Killeen does what hasn’t been done before: a thorough explanation of recovery coaching. This will be an indispensable resource for both the coach just starting out or the veteran. Well-researched, practical, and very readable.”
—Omar Manejwala, M.D.
Former Hazelden Medical Director and Author
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“I’ve worked in the addiction and recovery field for decades, and this 3rd edition is one of the most practical and ethically grounded recovery coaching resources available.
Much of the content in this book took me years of formal education, specialized training, supervision, and real-world experience to learn. Having it clearly and responsibly presented in one place is invaluable. I recommend this book every time someone asks me about recovery coaching or companion work.
This guide makes an important point that needs to be said plainly: recovery coaching is not something learned through personal recovery alone. While lived experience has value, it does not replace education, skill development, ethical training, or accountability—especially when working with vulnerable clients.
The book strongly reinforces that the goal of a recovery coach is client independence, not long-term dependency on the coach. Too many clients are kept reliant on coaches for years, whether intentionally or not. This book emphasizes empowerment, boundaries, and ethical practice. Coaches should never financially depend on a client’s long-term dependence.
If you are serious about doing this work responsibly—and not exploiting it—this book should be considered essential reading.”
— D. E. Detroit, MI
I wanted to thank D.E., I was so impressed with his review; I used his quote in the header of this web page. –MK
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“Recovery Coaching: A Guide to Coaching People in Recovery from Addictions (Third Edition) is clear, concise, and full of extremely helpful information and a must-read for everyone from sponsors to therapists.
—Paul Liedtka
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“I purchased your book, Recovery Coaching, through Amazon. . . I am the Regional Manager for Oxford House, Inc. and am now living in Corpus Christi, Texas. I am hopeful that I will be trained as a Recovery Coach trainer, working with residents of Oxford House to teach them how to become Recovery Coaches. This is why I purchased your book. I look forward to finishing the book and doing everything I can to help push the paradigm shift of recovery here in Texas toward the Recovery Management Model. Thank you for writing the book . . .”
—Jackson Longan
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“I wanted to reach out to say thank you. I ordered your book, and it arrived today, and I am beyond thrilled. Recovery Coaching is something that I wanted to pursue when I was 8 months sober, and this past Jan 17th, I celebrated 5 years sober, and your book is a blessing. I have searched high and low for resources, programs, certifications, teaching, courses, etc. that would provide recovery coaching information and the how-to-do-it, and there are very few.
So I just wanted to say thank you. For writing your book and for opening the door for people like me. Thank you.”
With Gratitude,
—Alexis Chapman
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“Melissa is very generous with her time and knows the Recovery Coaching field very well. I LOVE her new book. A must-read for anyone in recovery coaching.”
—Rosemary O’Connor
Author, Founder ROC Coaching and Consulting Services
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“Relapse rates are high. Studies indicate that eighty (80) percent of people relapse within the first year of discharge from addiction treatment. Nine (9) out of ten people relapse within the first 90 days. Peer support is critical to lasting recovery. Recovery coaching is one peer-related resource that can be used to bridge the gap between discharge from treatment and long-term abstinence from mood-altering drugs.
In her book, Recovery Coaching: A Guide to Coaching People in Recovery from Addictions (Third Edition), Melissa Killeen provides information about the occupation of the recovery coach. She describes the profession and provides information about the work of the recovery coach. She shares information about the recovery coach process and offers information about evidence-based models and techniques. She also provides entrepreneurial guidance for those who choose to earn a living in the field of recovery coaching.”
—Dr. Glenda Clare
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I have searched high and low for resources, programs, certification, teaching, courses etc., that would provide information and the how-to, and there are very few that provide a methodology backed by solid research and real-life experiences. Thank you for writing the must-have book for anyone interested in Recovery Coaching. Thank you for opening the field up for people like me.”
—Alex
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“This book provides useful information not easily found elsewhere. It provided lots of “insider” information. I would recommend it to anyone considering this line of work.”
—Debbie Garvin
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“I’ve been a Recovery Coach in Ohio for the past five years, and in that time I’ve seen the establishment, the review and restructuring, and then redeployment of another RC program. I’ve been working full-time as a trainer/coach for three years and have tried to establish a solid baseline of understanding, practice, and support for a coaching program. Melissa Killeen has done an EXCELLENT job reviewing the history of coaching and established models of support, and then goes further by providing worksheets, assessments, and a working structure for the coach or support program to use in maintaining a quality, comprehensive paraprofessional support team. I’ve already recommended this book to numerous agencies with which I directly interface, and they have purchased copies for their libraries.”
—Chinagirl
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Probably the best guide for a new or aspiring Recovery Coach that is available today. This is the third edition of the guide and is commonly used in recovery coaching certification courses and college classrooms across the country.
Well-written and comprehensive, with many great tips on establishing coaching as a professional business, such as finding clients, contracts, etc. This guide can be helpful for recovery coaches working in treatment centers or agencies, as well.
—Kris Stadelman
