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Sponsor Intake

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Sponsor Intake

Before you offer support

This takes a few minutes. Here's what a sponsor relationship is — and what it isn't.

In recovery stewardship, 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 you share otherwise, a sponsor is a peer walking the road with a sponsee, not a licensed professional or a pastor.

Below, we outline the distinctions between some very important roles in many people's recovery journeys:

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A Sponsor

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.

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A Therapist

A therapist is a licensed professional who diagnoses and treats mental health conditions. If a sponsee needs help with deep trauma, clinical anxiety, or complex psychological issues, a therapist is the right person for that work.

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A Pastor

A pastor or spiritual leader provides theological guidance and spiritual care. If a sponsee's questions are deeply rooted in faith, doctrine, or spiritual direction, pastoral staff are equipped for those conversations.

Each an expert in their own lane.

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.

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