Fox & Paws Recovery Coaching

“Recovery isn’t simply about stopping a behavior. It’s about creating a life you no longer want to escape from.”

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About Janine

Professional experience, lived recovery, and a deeply personal belief that meaningful change is possible.

Recovery is not just something I have taught for more than two decades—it is something I have lived.

For over 21 years, I worked as a program director in two respected Ventura County treatment centers, supporting people navigating addiction, codependency, eating disorders, trauma, and major life change. I have also maintained my CAADE counseling certification for more than 22 years.

My connection to recovery is deeply personal. I have been sober for more than 23 years, recovered from a 25-year struggle with bulimia nervosa, and worked through the effects of growing up with alcoholic and emotionally unavailable parents.

Those experiences shape the way I work today—with compassion, honesty, accountability, and without judgment. I believe recovery is not about becoming someone entirely new. It is about uncovering the person who has always been there beneath the pain.

21 years as a program director in Ventura County treatment centers

22+ years as a CAADE-certified addiction counselor

23+ years of continuous sobriety

Personal recovery from addiction, bulimia, and codependency

Hundreds of individuals and families supported through recovery

Co-author of Blood is Thicker than Vodka

A coaching style rooted in compassion, accountability, and genuine connection

Recovery looks different for everyone. For some, it includes AA. For others, it may involve CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and healthier relationships, spiritual growth, or simply having someone beside them who truly understands.

My role is not to tell you what your recovery should look like. My role is to help you discover what freedom can look like for you.

“At the moment of commitment, the universe conspires to support us.”
— Goethe

Why Coaching?

Coaching can really help the individual who is in the contemplative or preparation stage of change.

Going into treatment is a huge commitment and can cause a great deal of anxiety for people who are afraid they will lose their job, or mothers having to leave their children. Coaching can be the bridge that helps make the decision if treatment is necessary.

Also, A.A. can be intimidating. Atheists and agnostics can struggle with religious concepts within the program. I am able to clearly explain the freedom that an individual can find in fitting their personal belief system into the spiritual principles of AA.

If AA is not a fit for the individual, I believe there are other successful roads to recovery by using CBT and spiritual concepts.

Services

One-on-One Sessions

Personalized support tailored to where you are in your recovery journey.

Goal Setting

Clear, realistic goals that move you forward at a pace that feels right.

Addiction Education

Understanding the nature of addiction and how recovery works.

Accountability

Consistent check-ins that help you stay aligned with your intentions.

Relapse Prevention

Practical tools and planning to strengthen resilience.

Emotional Support

A compassionate space to process what you're going through.

Ongoing Weekly Support

Support through text and voice notes between sessions.

Who This Is For

Recovery coaching can meet you at the beginning of change or support you as you continue building a meaningful life in recovery.

A place to begin

Early Recovery Support

A steady next step for someone who:

Just left treatment, IOP, or sober living
Wants extra accountability
Has relapsed and needs guidance
Is building a recovery routine

A place to keep growing

Recovery Maintenance

For people with months or years sober who want continued emotional and spiritual growth, stronger routines, and support staying connected to the life they have built.

Recovery is not only about staying sober. It is also about continuing to grow, reconnect, and move forward with intention.

What Recovery Coaching Is (and Is Not)

Recovery coaching is practical, encouraging, and forward-focused—with clear boundaries around clinical care.

Recovery
Coaching

What you can expect

Support That Moves With You

Encouragement Accountability Education Goal Setting Support Connection Practical Tools

Clear professional boundaries

What Coaching Does Not Replace

Recovery coaching is not therapy, medical advice, or clinical diagnosis. When clinical or medical care is needed, coaching can work alongside—not replace—qualified professionals.

Testimonials

Stories of hope and change from people who have walked this path.

"I came broken and unsure, but through the compassion and steady guidance I found here, I began to rebuild. Recovery finally feels possible."

— Sarah M.

2025

"The accountability and genuine care made all the difference. I finally understood that I didn't have to do this alone."

— James T.

2025

"Janine's experience — both professional and personal — gave me hope. She met me where I was, without judgment."

— Rachel K.

2026

Photo Library

Moments of connection, healing, and the gentle presence of the dogs.

Janine & the dogs

Fox & Paws

Resources

A story each month to reflect on, and a space to talk about it together.

This Month's Story

These stories are taken from a collection of real-life scenarios from the last 22 years. To protect anonymity, the names of all individuals have been changed.

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Other Helpful Resources

Videos, meeting lists, reading, and trusted recovery resources selected by Fox & Paws.

Meeting List

AA Meetings and Literature

Find meetings, literature, and general information from Alcoholics Anonymous.

View Resource

Support

SAMHSA National Helpline

Confidential treatment referral and information: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Crisis Support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for immediate crisis support in the United States.

Fees

$100 per session

Session time is flexible to meet the needs of the client.

Four sessions paid up front: $75 per session

Support is available through text and voice note during sessions.

The client will receive support as needed between sessions.

I do not take insurance.

Payment by check, cash, or business Venmo account.

Why the Dogs?

Three generations of dogs have worked with me in treatment. Clients requested the dogs attend groups, conjoint and individual sessions — and even their graduating ceremonies.

I was informed that the dogs helped reduce their anxiety and depression and made them feel happy, and added a "normal" feeling to a very challenging and scary time in their lives.

The Science

Studies have proven the powerful gifts these animals can have in reducing the psychological stress response, anxiety, fear, and other nervous disorders in the traumatized individual. The dogs encourage quicker bonding between the clinician and the client. This bonding is the foundation of the client/clinician relationship. It allows the client to feel secure and safe, which lowers fear of judgement and improves health and treatment success.

"Love is considered by many to be the universal healer. There is no purer love than the unconditional love given by a dog."

Get in Touch

You don't have to do this alone.

If you are in crisis: This is not an emergency service. Please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room. For substance-use specific support, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Phone: (818) 961-4203

Email: janinemfox@gmail.com

Location: Ventura County • Telehealth available

Hours: By appointment

Messages are typically returned within one business day. Please keep initial messages general.

"At Fox & Paws Recovery Coaching, you will find a place where you are met with compassion rather than judgement, encouragement rather than criticism, and hope rather than shame. Whether you're taking your very first step or finding your way back, you don't have to do it alone."