This takes a few minutes. Here's what a sponsor relationship is — and what it isn't.
In recovery, we often need support in several areas at once to truly thrive. However, it's important to remember not everyone is equipped to help in every area. Unless they share otherwise, your sponsor is a peer walking the road with you, not a licensed professional or a pastor.
Below, we outline the distinctions between some very important roles in many people's recovery journeys:
A sponsor is a volunteer who has walked their own road of recovery. They guide you through the steps, share what's worked for them, and walk alongside you. They are not trained clinicians and do not provide therapy or clinical advice.
A therapist is a licensed professional who diagnoses and treats mental health conditions. If you need help with deep trauma, clinical anxiety, or complex psychological issues, a therapist is the right person for that work.
A pastor or spiritual leader provides theological guidance and spiritual care. If your questions are deeply rooted in faith, doctrine, or spiritual direction, pastoral staff are equipped for those conversations.
Recovery works best when everyone focuses on what they do best. You may benefit from all three — and that's a sign of health, not weakness.
This takes a few minutes. It helps us connect you with a sponsor inside your organization who fits how you receive guidance and what life context matters most.
Defining who you are and ensuring you're connected to the right organization.
This code keeps your submission inside the right local organization.
What areas are you currently working through? Select all that apply. This helps us match you with a sponsor who has walked a similar road.
Which option best describes your current season? This helps a sponsor know your capacity.
"I’m new. I need a safe place to land and someone to show me the ropes."
"I want to stay on the path, start or finish a step study, and be held accountable."
"I want to go deep. Point out my blind spots and analyze the why."
"I'm not exactly sure what my capacity is right now, and I'd like a sponsor who is flexible."
When we hit a roadblock, what is your first instinct for how we should handle it?
"Offer comfort, pray with you, and remind you of the truth."
"Point you back to the Step Study questions and the 8 Principles."
"Look under the hood, find the root cause, and give you a resource."
"I don't have a strong instinct yet, and I'm open to different styles."
Choose the language and frameworks that already feel familiar or helpful to you.
Monthly coffee
Weekly calls
Daily check-ins
Let's figure it out
This isn't about finding a therapist — it's about helping us match you with someone who gets where you're coming from.
Select the life stages and rapid-fire alignment questions that define your current journey.
How you handle conflict, hurt, and miscommunication helps us find a sponsor whose repair style matches yours.
Still unsure about navigating these roles? Read our Therapist vs. Sponsor guide arrow_forward