Client Testimonials

Michael H., Oakland, California:

"I am forever grateful that I crossed paths with Sally on my journey to sobriety. Together, we were able to uncover many of the root causes of my drinking. Understanding my CliftonStrengths was a game-changer for me. For example, with EMPATHY being one of my Top 5 strengths, I learned that I was using alcohol to numb the negative emotions I was taking on from others. With Sally's guidance, she gently steered me back on course and empowered me with the tools I needed to challenge my relationship with alcohol. From Day 1, Sally met me where I was by creating a judgment-free safe space. Having walked the path herself, sharing her wisdom, experience, and humor, I know I have a true partner and friend on my road to recovery."

Carol H., Venice, Florida

“Sally’s lessons are exceptional! You have done a great job of getting the best information and it’s so well organized! You are so relatable and a natural coach.” 

Alcohol-Free Challenge & 31-Day Course Feedback

  • “Sally has a great approach to the AF journey from awareness to understanding to implementation. She helps this being a very positive journey and not a shaming one. So appreciate her strengths-based information so that I can personalize it to me.”

  • “The content was engaging and you brought it to life with your videos! This program was so thorough and I always looked forward to a new lesson each day, like opening an advent calendar!”

  • “Thank you for your MOTIVATION, INSPIRATION and EDUCATION! This has been an eye-opening experience in a judgment-free setting with lots of great tools that can be applied to many different aspects of life.”

  • “The course is a great idea for anyone that has ever questioned their relationship with alcohol, regardless of how much or how often they drink!”

  • “Loved how this is a positive approach to AF with great information a number of fronts. This is about getting on with life, not wallowing in the past.”

  • “The pace was perfect… I loved that I could easily pick up where I left off, or even go back and re-watch a lesson. The overall process made Sober October easy for me to not reach for a drink the entire month.”

Kelly A., Fort Collins, Colorado

“Thank you for all you’re doing for my alcohol journey. I’ve been a nightly wine drinker and want to change that habit. I appreciate you and your program.” 

Lori L., Ontario, Canada

“DAY 7: “So far so good. Deep breathes, protein, journal, water and 5-4-3-2-1. There is so much more to try to remember! I will have to revisit the lessons.”

DAY 20: “I'm really getting a lot out of the sessions. I'm telling my friends about you. I’m learning a lot. There is so much in the daily emails. Thank you!“

DAY 24: “I did the CliftonStrengths: Harmony and Responsibility. Sounds like me so far. Dislike conflict and commit to projects but often take on too much.

So much good info coming at me!”

“CliftonStrengths® for Sobriety” Workshop

May 2023, in Partnership with Teri Patterson, The Sober Nutritionist

This 90-minute virtual workshop was developed for a women’s sobriety group. After the session, one of the participants commented, "Thank you so much! I REALLY enjoyed the presentation!  It was wonderful, thank you!"  ~Allison B.

As part of the workshop, the participants brainstormed ways to aim their CliftonStrengths® at their maintaining their sobriety:

  • “I will direct my EMPATHY® toward myself and try to have a more compassionate approach. I’ll be more mindful of when to say, ‘I can't take this on right now’ [especially when it involves the emotions of others] and set more clear boundaries.” ~Joanne H.

  • “I will use my ACHIEVER® to frame of my sobriety as a pursuit or a project to accomplish.” ~Louise S.

  • “I will use my LEARNER® to go back and re-read the science of alcohol and some of the things I learned earlier in my sobriety journey to reinforce the learning.” ~Allison B.

  • “I know that when I feel like I'm not being seen or heard, it's a trigger for me. I now understand these are my SIGNIFICANCE® talents.  I'll pay more attention to those signals.” ~Teri P.

Laura Gedulgig, Master Certified Coach, Vitality Coaching

“Sally has many years as an experienced coach and has created a focus area of sobriety support which sprang from her passion about living alcohol free.”

Interview with a fellow CliftonStrengths® Coach about his sobriety story:

Q: How did your CliftonStrengths® show up for you in your sobriety journey?

A: “My BELIEF talents helped me understand how my drinking was affecting my relationships at home. I knew that I could be a better father to my girls and a better husband, but I had to do something about my drinking. I quit when I was 35; my FUTURISTIC helped me visualize what I'd look like by age 55, and it motivated me to make a change.” ~confidential

Q: How do your CliftonStrengths® help you maintain your sobriety?

A: “As someone with high EMPATHY, I experience emotions very deeply. I lean on my high COMMUNICATION talents to help me have meaningful conversations with my therapist to process and manage my emotions.” ~confidential