Frequently Asked Questions

No. Day 1 Coach specialises in supporting professionals who may be questioning their relationship with alcohol but do not identify with alcohol recovery services, or alcoholics anonymous (AA). Many clients could be described  as "grey area drinkers" and are simply curious about what life might feel like with a period of sobriety. 

Absolutely not. Many high achieving professionals seek support because they are noticing that alcohol is affecting their sleep, stress levels, confidence, performance, energy or overall wellbeing. You do not need to be in crisis to decide that you would like things to feel different. 

Yes. Confidentiality and psychological safety are central to the Day 1 Coach approach. Many professionals worry about judgement or professional stigma. As a registered nurse myself I understand this. Day 1 Coach provides a private, respectful space to explore change without labels or pressure. 

No. Coaching focuses on your present circumstances and future goals. It is a collaborative process designed to help you gain insight, develop practical strategies and build confidence in making sustainable changes. If specialist psychological or medical support is required, appropriate signposting will always be discussed. 

Karen is a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience in healthcare practice and education. Karen has additional training in sobriety coaching, trauma informed coaching, mindfulness and breathwork.

She has completed the Accredited Sober Coach Training Programme through The Sober Club. 

Karen continues to engage in ongoing professional development to ensure that Day 1 Coach offers a contemporary, evidence-informed and professionally grounded approach.

Day 1 Coach combines evidence informed coaching with mindfulness, breathwork, reflective practice and nervous system regulation techniques. The approach is practical and tailored to the unique pressures experienced by midlife professionals.  

The Day 1 Coach approach combines:

• Nursing insight and an understanding of workplace culture 
• Behaviour change coaching 
• Mindfulness practices 
• Breathwork techniques to support nervous system regulation 
• Evidence-informed behaviour change strategies 
• Compassionate coaching grounded in curiosity rather than judgement

Yes. Research suggests that being alcohol free for even relatively short periods of time may lead to improvements in sleep quality, energy levels, concentration, mood and overall wellbeing. Taking a structured break can also provide valuable insight into habitual patterns and the role alcohol currently plays in your life. 

Breathwork refers to intentional breathing techniques that can help regulate the nervous system, reduce feelings of stress and improve emotional awareness. Simple breathwork practices are used throughout the Day 1 Shift programme to support calm and resilience. 

Yes. Mindfulness is introduced in a practical and accessible way. The focus is on developing greater awareness of thoughts, emotions and habits, allowing you to respond with intention rather than react automatically. Personalised mindfulness and breathwork recordings are included in the Shift programme.

Yes. In person sessions may also be arranged in Hertfordshire by prior agreement. 

Yes. Further coaching sessions are available for clients who would like ongoing support as they navigate a longer break from alcohol, significant life events and the many "firsts" that can arise during the first alcohol free year. 

If you are concerned that you may be physically dependent on alcohol, it is important to seek medical advice before making significant changes to your drinking.

Signs that medical assessment may be needed can include:

• needing alcohol to function or get through the day
• experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking, such as shaking, sweating, nausea or anxiety
• drinking shortly after waking
• finding it difficult to go without alcohol for even short periods of time.

 Stopping alcohol suddenly can be unsafe for some people. Your GP or local alcohol support service can advise you about the safest approach.

Yes. As part of the initial conversation, clients may be invited to complete the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). This is a widely recognised screening tool developed by the World Health Organization to help identify different levels of alcohol related risk.

The AUDIT is not a diagnosis. However, it can provide a useful starting point for discussion and help determine whether Day 1 Coach is the most appropriate source of support.

Possibly. If you are medically stable and feel that coaching support would complement your ongoing recovery journey, this can be discussed on an individual basis. Day 1 Coach does not provide medical treatment, detoxification or specialist addiction therapy.

If you are unsure whether coaching is right for you, please get in touch. Together, we can explore the most appropriate next steps.

Your wellbeing and safety will always come first.

If your responses suggest that you may benefit from specialist medical assessment, detoxification support or alcohol treatment services, this will be discussed with compassion and without judgement. Appropriate signposting and guidance on accessing further support will be offered.

Seeking additional support is a positive and courageous step, and there is no shame in asking for help.

Absolutely. Karen welcomes opportunities to support wellbeing champions and organisational wellbeing programmes through workshops, guest speaking and educational events. Please contact Karen@day1coach.co.uk to find out more.

Plans are underway to offer small group Day 1 Coach Reset Retreats in the beautiful Ashridge Estate area of Hertfordshire. These supportive experiences will introduce participants to alcohol free wellbeing, mindfulness, breathwork and practical strategies for taking a break from alcohol in a calm and restorative environment. 

You can subscribe to the Day 1 Coach email list to receive updates about future retreats, workshops, wellbeing events Including the Day 1 alternative to Dry January -

The Day 1 Reset

January Edition
A six week guided reset to help you change your relationship with alcohol, reduce stress and create lasting change.

The best place to start is by booking an initial conversation with Karen. This provides an opportunity to explore your current situation, ask questions and consider whether Day 1 Coach feels like the right fit for you.

You do not need to have all the answers before reaching out. Sometimes the most important step is simply becoming curious about whether life could feel different.

Day 1 Coach is designed to support individuals who are questioning their relationship with alcohol, including those who identify as sober curious or recognise patterns of grey area drinking.

It may be suitable if you:

• regularly drink more than you intend to
• have tried to cut back but find moderation difficult
• notice alcohol affecting your sleep, mood, energy or wellbeing
• are curious about taking a break from alcohol
• want confidential, professional support to explore change