Mentorship from a Client’s POV, A Testimonial

This is an anonymous testimonial from a real client, who asked us to share their experience. We’re grateful for their account, and for the opportunity to support them on this journey.

“For ten years, I went to different inpatient and outpatient treatment centers. I’d get it together for 30-90 days and become a leader that others looked up to, but I struggled to maintain that out in the world for any real length of time. For me, it was easy to stay clean and sober in a facility while being monitored and tested, away from challenge or temptation. It was a lot harder to do that in real life.

During COVID, I was struggling with my mental health and wasn’t taking good care of myself, which included using substances. At the time, I was working with a therapist who had heard about Howard’s recovery mentorship program and thought it might make sense for me, so I reached out.

Howard met me where I was. Rather than taking me out of the environment I was struggling in, he came to me. From the beginning, this format made a lot of sense to me. I was living in a house, just me and my dog. I wasn’t working at the time, and I didn’t have a great outlook on life or much faith in my future. Howard came in and showed me trust and respect. I really appreciated that. He offered guidance and companionship. He held me accountable, held my feet to the fire, but we also had a great time together.

He’d show up and say, “What should we do today?” We would set goals, even little things like tidying the house or car. It reminded me that there are small things I can do each day, in my own space, that make a big difference. We’d go down to Barton Springs, go to meetings, go for walks, go out to eat, go for drives, or just chill at home with my dog. It got to the point where I really looked forward to it. And while we were doing that, day by day, I was learning how to do sobriety long-term and live life in a healthier way.

I have faith in this mentorship program. There’s a lot to be said for learning how to stay sober and healthy in your own environment, facing challenges together as they come. I found out change was possible within my own world. People think they have to make all these drastic changes, but the biggest change has been my perspective.

I have about two years sober now. I’m back in the workforce and 80 pounds lighter. I wake up every day in the same bed as before, but now I have a different agenda and new intentions. Howard wasn’t afraid to offer trust and empowerment. There was no make or break moment. Instead, he gradually helped me take ownership of my life. He reminded me who I am and what I’m capable of. Now I’m focused on improving my future.”