Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right recovery support is an important decision, and it's natural to have questions. Below you'll find answers to some of the most common questions about our services, recovery coaching, appointments, and what you can expect when working with VIRAS. If you don't find the information you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact us or book a free 20-minute consultation—we're here to help.
A Recovery Coach is a trained and certified professional who walks alongside people as they navigate their own unique recovery journey. Recovery Coaching recognizes that recovery is deeply personal and looks different for everyone, taking a holistic approach that centers each individual’s goals, strengths, needs, and chosen pathway. Through connection, encouragement, advocacy, emotional support, and practical guidance, Recovery Coaches help individuals explore possibilities, strengthen the resources around them, and move toward the recovery they define for themselves.
Recovery Coaching is relational and participant-led. Rather than focusing primarily on actions or what someone should do next, the coach creates space to supports the participant to explore the feelings, needs, values, barriers, and experiences underlying those actions. From a place of relational safety and respect for autonomy, the participant determines what changes or next steps are meaningful to them and is supported to explore options, resources, and pathways that can align them with their goals. Counselling or therapy often focuses more on mental health assessment, diagnosis, and clinical processing of past experiences. Recovery coaching can complement counselling and other healthcare services but does not replace them.
No. While recovery coaches and sponsors can both provide support and encouragement, they serve different roles.
A sponsor is typically someone who supports another person within a specific recovery pathway, such as a 12-step program, and often provides guidance based on their own experience and the principles of that program.
​
A recovery coach provides a broader, person-centred approach that supports individuals in exploring their own recovery goals, values, and pathways. Recovery coaching focuses on collaboration, skill development, goal setting, overcoming barriers, and connecting individuals with resources that support their overall well-being. VIRAS recovery coaches have knowledge of a variety of clinical and non-clinical recovery pathways and approaches, allowing us to support individuals in finding an approach that aligns with their values, needs, and personal goals.
​
Some people may choose to work with both a sponsor and a recovery coach, as the roles can complement each other.
No. Recovery looks different for everyone. Whether your goal is abstinence, harm reduction, or exploring change, we will meet you where you are and work collaboratively toward your personal goals.
The consultation is an opportunity to discuss your goals, ask questions, and determine whether our services are the right fit for your needs. There is no obligation to continue after the consultation.
During your consultation, we will discuss your current situation, recovery goals, and level of support needed. Based on that conversation, we will recommend the package or service that best fits your circumstances.
Yes. Your privacy and confidentiality are important. Information shared during coaching is kept confidential except where disclosure is required by law or where there is an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others. Confidentiality and its limits will be reviewed before services begin.
Absolutely. Recovery coaching works alongside counselling, addiction treatment, primary healthcare, peer support, and other community services to help individuals apply what they are learning and build meaningful change in their everyday lives. When collaboration with other providers may be beneficial, VIRAS will work with you to ensure communication is guided by your preferences and consent. If sharing confidential information between service providers is needed, you will be asked to complete a Release of Information (ROI) form that clearly identifies what information may be shared, with whom, and for what purpose. Your privacy, autonomy, and choice remain central throughout the process.
Sessions may be offered in person by appointment, virtually using a secure platform, or by telephone, depending on your needs and circumstances. In person appointments can be held at our VIRAS onsite coaching centre, or at a location of your choosing. We've even met clients in the park, the coffee shop, or the local peer-support meeting.
Most coaching sessions are approximately 50 minutes unless otherwise specified.
The frequency of sessions depends on your goals and the level of support you require. Many clients begin with weekly sessions and gradually transition to bi-weekly or monthly appointments as they progress.
We ask that clients provide at least 24 hours' notice whenever possible. Please refer to the Client Service Agreement for the complete cancellation policy.
VIRAS accepts a variety of secure payment methods including credit card and e-transfer. Payment details will be reviewed during your free 20-minute consultation and outlined before services begin. Payment for individual sessions and booked packages are required before commencement of sessions. If you have questions about payment options, please don't hesitate to ask.
Coverage for recovery coaching varies between insurance providers and benefit plans. Clients are encouraged to contact their insurance provider directly to determine whether recovery coaching services are eligible for reimbursement. VIRAS cannot guarantee coverage under any specific plan.
Yes. With your consent, family members or other supportive individuals can be included in sessions when appropriate. VIRAS also offers services specifically designed to educate and support families.
You can expect your Recovery Coach to listen without judgment, respect your goals and experiences, and provide you with consistent and practical support as you navigate your recovery. Your coach will work collaboratively with you, help you reflect on and explore your strengths and options, and support you to identify goals and next steps that are meaningful to you. While a Recovery Coach cannot guarantee a particular outcome, they can commit to showing up with respect, encouragement, honesty, and a recovery-focused approach.