Carolin Pettersson is one of the coaches that we found this month and we did a little interview with her. She impressed us with her strength of character and passion to help people struggling with addiction.

She knows firsthand that addiction doesn’t just affect the person caught in its grip, it impacts every family member connected to them. When her husband entered recovery, she witnessed the transformative power of healing, but also saw the heartbreaking lack of support for families walking that difficult road. It was in that gap that she found her purpose.

She took a leap and enrolled in the same recovery coaching program her husband had, a decision that would forever reshape her life. What started as a personal search for peace became a professional calling to guide others through the storm. As a certified Recovery Coach, she now empowers families to set boundaries, reconnect, and find their own strength amidst the uncertainty of addiction.

She stands apart because she’s lived it. Drawing from her own experiences and evidence based tools like CRAFT, mindfulness practices, and personalized recovery plans, she creates a safe, compassionate space where both individuals and families can heal together. For her, recovery isn’t a solo act, it’s a family journey, and she’s walking beside them every step of the way. Here is what she said…

Meet Life Coach Carolin Pettersson:

Name: Carolin Pettersson

Pillar: The Mind, The Heart

Who is this coach for: Anyone who is struggling with addiction (or has a family member struggling with addiction) and want a full recovery so they can heal and take their life back.

How they can help: By using various evidence based tools like CRAFT and techniques like Motivational Interviewing, Personalized Recovery Plans, Journaling, Reflection, Boundary and Communication Exercises, just to name a few.

First of all, how are you and your family doing after these Pandemic times?

We are doing very well.

How did the coronavirus pandemic affect your clients? Did it affect you at all?

At the time of the coronavirus pandemic, I hadn’t started coaching yet.

My husband was actually doing his recovery coach training then.

But I witnessed firsthand how deeply the pandemic affected people in recovery and their families.

Isolation, fear, and lack of access to in-person support made everything harder, and many struggled in silence.

Seeing that impact strengthened my commitment to this work.

It became clear to me how vital connection, structure, and compassionate support are, especially during difficult times.

That experience inspired me to begin my own journey as a recovery coach, with a strong focus on supporting family members who are often left to cope alone.

What are the biggest lessons that you learned in this pandemic?

The pandemic taught me just how resilient we are as human beings.

It was a powerful reminder that we can adapt to almost anything when life forces us to slow down.

Living in Spain, we experienced one of the strictest lockdowns, 100 days of being essentially confined to our homes.

We were only allowed out for essential errands or, luckily for us, to walk our dogs.

Those daily walks became small moments of freedom and sanity.

It showed me how important connection, routine, and gratitude are, even in the simplest forms.

Despite the restrictions, I saw how much is still possible when we come together and find new ways to cope, support, and grow.

Interestingly, my husband and I experienced a deep sense of harmony during that time.

I was teaching online during the day, and he was fully engaged in his recovery coaching course.

Evenings were peaceful… we watched movies, did puzzles, or played games.

I believe our shared recovery journey gave us the tools to handle the situation with calm and connection.

It showed me that with the right mindset and support, even the most difficult circumstances can bring unexpected growth and togetherness.

My husband and I managed to navigate the pandemic quite well, perhaps because we’re both in recovery and had built a stable daily routine.

However, my brother and his family had a much harder time.

Their twins were only seven years old at the time, and they spent months confined to a small apartment in Barcelona.

It was incredibly tough on all of them.

Two years later, my sister in law tragically took her own life.

We may never fully understand what led to her decision, but it’s possible that the isolation and strain of the pandemic played a part.

It was a heartbreaking loss that deeply affected our entire family.

This tragedy has also deeply impacted me and is one of the reasons I feel so strongly about working in the field of mental health.

I believe that no one should feel alone in their struggles, and that timely support can truly save lives.

The Origin:

Tell us about you, your career, how you started with your coaching career?

It all started when my husband, who is in recovery from addiction, enrolled in an online course with the Recovery Coach Academy.

Watching his journey unfold inspired me deeply.

But what really struck me was the lack of support available for family members, those of us walking alongside our loved ones through addiction.

I kept thinking, “We need help too.”

So, about a year later, I decided to take the course myself.

That step changed everything.

Today, I work as a certified Recovery Coach, supporting not just individuals in recovery, but also the families, helping them heal, set boundaries, and rediscover their own strength and peace.

What was your biggest obstacle that you had to overcome in your life that made you who you are today?

One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced was when my husband and I hit rock bottom due to his addiction.

I reached a point where I had to make one of the hardest decisions of my life, I asked him to leave our home.

It was incredibly painful, but also necessary.

That moment marked a turning point, not just for him, but for me as well.

It taught me the power of boundaries, self respect, and the importance of letting go with love.

Looking back, it was one of the hardest (and best) things I’ve ever done.

It’s what led me to this path of recovery and coaching today.

The Coaching Style:

How do you innovate with coaching your clients?

For me, innovation in coaching is all about meeting people where they are.

Every client is unique, so I tailor my approach to their specific needs, challenges, and goals.

I integrate evidence based tools like CRAFT (Community Reinforcement And Family Training), while also bringing in elements of mindfulness, emotional regulation, and boundary work.

I also work a lot with families (often an overlooked part of recovery) and help them reconnect, communicate better, and begin their own healing journey.

It’s not a one size fits all process.

I stay flexible, intuitive, and creative, using journaling prompts or even helping clients create their own recovery vision boards.

Research has shown that recovery is more likely to succeed when the entire family is involved in the healing process.

When a person returns from treatment to an environment that remains unhealthy or unaddressed, the risk of falling back into old patterns, and ultimately relapsing, increases significantly.

Supporting the whole family creates a stronger foundation for long term recovery.

Above all, I create a safe, non judgmental space where healing can really begin.

What’s unique about your coaching approach?

What makes my coaching approach unique is that I’ve lived the experience from both sides.

As someone who grew up in a dysfunctional family and later supported my husband through addiction and recovery, I truly understand the pain, confusion, and hope that families carry.

My approach is grounded in compassion, honesty, and lived experience.

As I said, I work with evidence based tools like CRAFT, and I focus not only on supporting the person struggling with addiction, but also on empowering their loved ones to set boundaries, reconnect, and heal.

Recovery is a family journey, and I’m here to walk alongside them.

What benefits do your clients get after working with you?

After working with me, my clients experience profound growth and empowerment.

They gain clarity, confidence, and control over their lives, learning to set healthier boundaries and improve communication.

They feel more equipped to support their loved ones while maintaining their own well being.

Ultimately, clients experience a renewed sense of peace and purpose, creating a path toward healing, growth, and hope for the future.

Do you use any specific tools to be efficient with your clients?

CRAFT (Community Reinforcement And Family Training):

This is a powerful method I’m certified in.

It helps family members encourage a loved one to seek treatment while also focusing on their own well being.

Motivational Interviewing Techniques:

I use these to create a safe, non judgmental space where clients feel heard and empowered to explore change at their own pace.

Personalized Recovery Plans:

I help clients set clear goals and break them down into manageable steps, tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

Boundary and Communication Exercises:

Tools to support healthier relationships, clearer boundaries, and more confident decision making.

Journaling and Reflection Prompts:

I often suggest writing exercises that help clients explore their feelings, patterns, and progress.

Ongoing Support and Accountability:

Whether it’s through regular check ins, resources, or encouragement, I make sure my clients feel supported every step of the way.

The Impact:

If you had a super megaphone that, when you speak into, the whole world will hear your message, what would you say?

You are not alone.

Healing is possible, and recovery is a journey worth taking.

No matter how difficult the path, there is hope, strength, and a brighter future waiting for you.

Reach out for support, embrace change, and remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s necessary for both your well being and those you love.

What is the greatest lesson you have learned in your life?

I’ve learned many important lessons throughout my life, but one that stands out is this: when one door closes, another one truly does open.

Even in the most painful or challenging moments, there’s always the potential for growth, healing, and new beginnings.

I’ve also come to believe deeply that nothing is impossible when we stay open, willing, and connected, especially in recovery and in life.

Your final thoughts?

Stay tuned for my upcoming book next year, currently titled From Hopelessness to a Life Beyond Your Wildest Dreams.

The title isn’t final yet, but the story is already taking shape.

Where Can You Find Carolin Pettersson?

If you liked this interview and if you are someone who is struggling with addiction or a family member of someone struggling with addiction, contact The Zenit Room and see how Coach Carolin can help you.

Feel free to explore her website and learn more about her services.

If you’d like to peak a glimpse into her coaching, follow her Facebook and Instagram accounts.

And if you’d like to connect with her more personally, you can do that through LinkedIn or by sending her a direct message on her WhatsApp or Email carolin@thezenitroom.com. It was an honor having this interview with her.