CRC Foundations of Coaching Practice 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which model of change is most commonly integrated into recovery coaching frameworks to understand a client's readiness?
- Cognitive Behavioral Model
- Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change) (Correct answer)
- Attachment Theory
- Harm Reduction Hierarchy Model
Correct answer: Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change)
The Transtheoretical Model (precontemplation through maintenance) is widely used in recovery coaching to match strategies to the client's readiness stage.
Question 2: A recovery coach learns that a client is currently using substances but has not expressed a desire to stop. The coach's best response is to:
- Terminate coaching until the client achieves abstinence
- Report the client to their probation officer
- Continue supporting the client's other recovery goals while keeping the door open (Correct answer)
- Insist the client enroll in a detox program immediately
Correct answer: Continue supporting the client's other recovery goals while keeping the door open
Recovery coaching supports clients holistically; ongoing engagement maintains the relationship even when clients are not yet ready for abstinence.
Question 3: Ethical use of self-disclosure in recovery coaching means the coach shares personal information:
- Freely, because shared lived experience is the coach's most powerful tool
- Never, as personal disclosure is exclusively reserved for peer support specialists
- Sparingly and purposefully, only when it clearly serves the client's goals (Correct answer)
- Only when directly asked by the client
Correct answer: Sparingly and purposefully, only when it clearly serves the client's goals
Self-disclosure should be intentional and client-focused, not used to center the coach's story or fill session time.
Question 4: Which of the following is an example of 'holding the client's agenda' in a coaching session?
- The coach redirects the client toward discussing family relationships
- The client decides mid-session to change the topic and the coach follows (Correct answer)
- The coach assigns homework related to the coach's identified priorities
- The coach introduces a new framework the client has not requested
Correct answer: The client decides mid-session to change the topic and the coach follows
Following the client's lead, even when topics shift, demonstrates commitment to the client's agenda rather than the coach's plan.
Question 5: Strength-based coaching in recovery emphasizes:
- Identifying and building on the client's existing capacities and successes (Correct answer)
- Focusing primarily on the root causes of addiction
- Teaching clients coping skills selected by the coach
- Reducing relapse risk by cataloging past failures
Correct answer: Identifying and building on the client's existing capacities and successes
Strength-based approaches focus on what is working and what resources the client already possesses to support their goals.
Question 6: A recovery coach suspects a client may be experiencing symptoms of depression. The most appropriate action is to:
- Diagnose the issue and create a behavioral activation plan
- Ignore it as mental health falls outside coaching scope
- Acknowledge observations, explore the client's experience, and discuss referral options (Correct answer)
- Immediately terminate coaching and mandate a psychiatric evaluation
Correct answer: Acknowledge observations, explore the client's experience, and discuss referral options
Coaches recognize when referral may be needed, gently raise concerns, and support the client in deciding next steps without diagnosing.
Question 7: The practice of 'motivational interviewing spirit' in coaching includes all of the following EXCEPT:
- Collaboration between coach and client
- Evocation of the client's own motivations
- Autonomy support
- Direct persuasion to adopt the coach's recommended change plan (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Direct persuasion to adopt the coach's recommended change plan
MI spirit involves partnership, evocation, and autonomy — it explicitly rejects persuasion and confrontation as primary tools.
CRC Foundations of Coaching Practice 3
Which model of change is most commonly integrated into recovery coaching frameworks to understand a client's readiness?