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."
Kristin O., Aurora, Colorado:
“Sally is a fabulous coach, very involved and truly cares about your goals. She's helped me during a particular tough time in my life (divorce, job loss and started perimenopause) and I'll be forever grateful for her support and direction. She taught me to appreciate myself for all of who I am by leaning on my top strengths and appreciating my difference from others and what makes me unique.”
Dan B., Palm Springs, California:
“I did Sally’s 31-Day Challenge and Coaching Package afterwards, and it changed my life! Through these programs, I feel like I’ve got my life back. I’ve got my wings and I’m ready to fly! It makes me feel humble, proud, awestruck and amazing when I acknowledge how far I have come. I never would have gotten here without you. This has been the most gratifying experience — thank you, Sally!”
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