How Could AI Shape the Future of Recovery Coaching?
~written without the help of AI
The last coaches collaboration meeting facilitated by Norman Fox, was nothing short of fascinating. Whether you have embraced it or not, it’s coming, and being on the side of understanding this new technology allows us to have a sense of empowerment, rather than fear or frustration.
The interesting thing about the group that gathered was that some were coming in with that fear, some with bias, others with doubt. All mindsets were welcome, and we settled in for the rich examples that Norman shared with us.
One of the first statements that caught my attention was this: “That AI could be used as a form of self-expression rather than self-promotion.” In other words, AI doesn’t replace us, as we are simply inputting the information that we are seeking to convey, to communicate, in a more succinct way.
There were several points that were made around how to use AI to our benefit as coaching. One of the approaches — and this is so exciting — was using AI as a means to practice your MI (motivational interviewing) skills with your ideal client. Then having AI evaluate your skills based on the answers you provided to your ‘client’ that AI was role-playing for you.
Other approaches discussed were around using AI to refine a coach bio and messaging, as well as using AI to find our most authentic voice. In addition, aligning our website language with what clients actually value, and highly searched SEO keywords.
There was so much packed into this one hour!
We also discussed as a group that AI makes the road a little less lonely as a recovery coach. The list of ways to promote ourselves is endless as a coach, and we might not have a clear idea of where to start. AI can be like that expert friend that gives you feedback on your ideas, helps you to refine them and to set new goals for your way forward.
Essentially acting as a ‘coach’ to you, an extension of what you value, and a resource to collaborate with.
We talked about the future — will AI replace us as recovery coaches? One of the group members actually asked Chat GPT that question, and it came back with a resounding no. As I so often say, recovery coaching is all about RELATIONSHIP. This humanistic, one-on-one approach cannot be replaced by technology, though I believe it could support it.
One idea was to have an app for those late night services where we as coaches — out of necessity, are asleep. It was also considered for youth as an entry point for the real thing.
A cautionary tale was told about someone who uses AI in an unhealthy way, obsessively spending several hours a day utilizing this tool. Like anything, it can be overused in an unhealthy way (why does this sound familiar?)
If you haven’t been to a coaches collab as of yet, we hope you’ll attend the next one! We host them monthly, and there’s so much connection and networking that happens with your fellow recovery coaches!
Coaches Collab: "Let AI Be Your Coach”
~re-written by AI
Our last Coaches Collaboration meeting, led by Norman Fox, was nothing short of eye-opening. Whether you’re ready for it or not, AI is here — and understanding it can shift us from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered.
What made this gathering so dynamic was the range of mindsets in the room — some curious, some skeptical, some downright wary. Norman welcomed it all, and what followed was a truly rich and expansive conversation.
One of the first ideas that grabbed my attention was this:
"AI can be a tool for self-expression, not just self-promotion."
In other words, AI doesn't replace us — it helps sharpen how we communicate what we already know and feel, in ways that are clear, powerful, and truly ours.
Norman shared several exciting ways coaches can work with AI, including one that lit up the room:
Practicing your Motivational Interviewing (MI) skills by role-playing with AI as your ideal client — and then getting instant feedback on how well you did! Imagine a safe, no-pressure space to hone your craft whenever you want.
Other insights included using AI to:
Fine-tune your coach bio and messaging
Discover and amplify your most authentic voice
Align your website content with what your ideal clients are actually searching for
It was a packed hour of ideas and inspiration.
One surprising theme that emerged: AI can make the road less lonely for recovery coaches.
Sometimes promoting ourselves feels overwhelming — where to even begin? AI can act like that wise friend who gives you honest feedback, helps you brainstorm, refines your ideas, and nudges you toward new goals. In this way, AI can become a coach for the coach — not replacing who we are, but extending our reach and sharpening our skills.
Of course, the big question came up: Will AI ever replace recovery coaches?
One participant asked ChatGPT directly — and the answer came back loud and clear: No.
Because recovery coaching is, at its heart, about relationship — that deeply human, one-on-one connection that no technology can replicate. (Although, used well, technology can certainly support it.)
We even dreamed a little about the future:
An AI-powered app for late-night support when human coaches are offline
Tools to help youth take a first step toward real recovery support
But we didn’t shy away from the cautionary side either. Norman shared a story about someone whose AI use had crossed into unhealthy obsession — a reminder that any tool can become harmful if misused (sound familiar?). Balance and intentionality are key.
If you haven’t joined a Coaches Collab yet, we hope you will!
We meet monthly, and each session is packed with connection, inspiration, and real conversations with your fellow recovery coaches.