For many people, drugs and alcohol can get in the way of a happy life. My name is John and I want you to live a life that is fun, full and free. Whether you're looking to cut back, abstain, or better understand your habits, I'm here to support you. We each hurt in our own way, and we each heal in our own way.
Feeling like your habits are controlling you? Starting sobriety coaching can help you explore these issues and begin to regain control over your life.
Cultivate deep, meaningful relationships where trust and love flourish, allowing you to connect without fear and experience genuine companionship.
One of the first things most people notice when kicking addictive habits is an improvement in mental and physical energy. Imagine waking up each day with more energy, clarity, and confidence.
Sobriety coaching can help cultivate a deeper sense of compassion and patience for yourself. And as you become kinder to yourself, you’ll naturally extend that kindness to others.
With 12 years of sobriety under my belt, I understand firsthand the rewarding journey to reclaiming one's life. At heart, I'm a behavioralist—I believe we "act our way into healthy thinking" rather than "thinking our way into healthy actions." I’m here to listen, support, and guide you with warmth and curiosity, creating a safe space for your personal growth. I reside in Portland, Oregon, with my wife, two sons and our golden retriever Zola.
Have a question not listed here? Email me at okaygrow@gmail.com or fill out my contact form.
Do you frequently ask questions? If so, then yes!
Sobriety Coaching is for anyone who feels that their relationship with a substance or behavior is negatively impacting their life. It’s for those who recognize that they might need support to make a change, whether that change involves quitting entirely or finding a healthier way to manage. Through personalized guidance and support, you can achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.
I start with an initial consultation to understand your unique situation and goals. Together, we conduct an assessment and set up what success looks like for our work together. I then create a personalized plan with strategies to manage cravings, build healthier habits, and address any connected or underlying issues.
Ultimately, the decision to quit or cut back is entirely up to you. One of the main goals of our coaching work is to help you explore this question in a safe and supportive environment. There’s no right or wrong answer—only what works best for you and feels good for your life. Together, we’ll examine your relationship with the substance or behavior, understand your goals and values, and create a plan that aligns with your well-being.
While both Sobriety Coaches and therapists help individuals improve their lives, therapists typically focus on addressing mental health issues and past traumas, while life coaches focus on helping individuals achieve their sobriety goals and improve their overall well-being. Put another way: therapy is about the past while Sobriety Coaching is about the present and future you.
While sobriety is often associated with drugs and alcohol, my work with clients also addresses a wide range of other challenges, including food, sex, relationships, codependency, smoking, video games, shopping, and more. I offer tailored support to help clients achieve a healthier, balanced life, whether through abstaining from their specific behavior or managing it in a way that aligns with their ideals.
Confidentiality is of utmost importance in my coaching practice. What you share with me stays with me. I will on occasion record our sessions for training and mentoring purposes, but never without your explicit consent in writing.
All new clients receive one 30-minute session for free. After that, individual sessions are $120/hour.
I also offer packages of 10 sessions for $950, which amounts to roughly 20% off per session.
If you have additional questions or would like to schedule a free 30-minute session, you can get in touch with me through my contact form.
James Penney
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