FAQ: Q: What if I can't make one of the live sessions? A: I understand life happens! You can stay updated using your workbook. Sessions will be recorded except during participants sharing their stories. Q: This is the first time you're offering this circle. How do I know it will be valuable? A: Great question! While this is the inaugural Hope & Recovery Circle, it's built on a foundation of proven work. "Dually Diagnosed Dually Blessed" is a #1 bestselling, award-winning book that has transformed countless lives since 2019. I'm currently using this material as a clinical instructor at a dual-diagnosis hospital's Intensive Outpatient Program, where patients are applying the coping methods that resonate with them the most. This circle combines the book's transformational content with 39 years of my lived recovery experience, clinical facilitation skills, and holistic healing practices. You're not joining an experiment; you're joining the founding cohort of a program that's already changed lives through the book and clinical work. You'll have the unique opportunity to shape this experience and become part of its origin story. Also, I have been conducting readings and Reiki healings since 2001. Q: I'm nervous about sharing in a group. Do I have to talk about my personal story? A: Absolutely not! You may even have your video turned off the entire time. Q: What's the difference between this and therapy? A: This is a peer support circle facilitated by someone with extensive lived experience. It's not a substitute for therapy or clinical treatment. Think of it as a complement to your existing care. If therapy is where you process trauma with a licensed professional, and the Recovery Circle is where you practice new skills, build community, and discover you're not alone. If you're in crisis or need clinical mental health support, please contact a licensed therapist, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or visit your nearest emergency room. Q: Is this program faith-based or religious? A: No. While I incorporate spiritual practices like Reiki and guided meditation, this isn't religious or faith-based. The circle honors all belief systems or no belief system at all. The spiritual elements (Reiki, meditation, energy work) are offered as tools, not requirements. You're invited to take what resonates and leave what doesn't. The core work, community, evidence-based coping skills, and connection benefits everyone regardless of spiritual or religious beliefs. I've worked with atheists, Christians, Buddhists, and everything in between. Everyone finds value because the foundation is human connection and practical healing tools. Q: Do I need to have read the book before the first session? A: No, it is not required but beneficial that you read it before we begin in July. Your signed copy will be shipped when you register (mid-June), giving you 3-4 weeks before our first session on July 7th. I recommend reading at least the first few chapters, or some of the stories in Chapter four before Session 1. Some people prefer to read along as we go. The book is our roadmap, but the real magic happens in the live discussions, shared experiences, and practices we do together. Come as you are, whether you've read every word or you're opening it for the first time. Q: What if I'm not "far enough" in my recovery? Or what if I've been in recovery for a long time? A: There's no "right" stage of recovery for this circle. I've been in dual-diagnosis recovery for 39 years, and I'm still learning and growing. Recovery is a lifelong journey, not a destination. This circle welcomes: *People newly navigating dual diagnosis *Those with years of recovery seeking deeper connection *Anyone in between who feels isolated or misunderstood *Family members trying to understand their loved ones better *People who are "recovery curious" but haven't committed yet Wherever you are in your journey, you belong here. We learn from each other's diverse experiences. Q: What happens in the private Facebook group? A: The private Facebook group is your community: a safe space to stay connected between sessions and after the 3-month cycle ends. During the circle, it's where you can share wins, ask questions, post resources, and support each other throughout the week. After Session 6, it becomes a lifelong connection point where you can continue relationships with your group and past participants. It's completely private (only circle participants can see posts), confidential (what's shared stays there), and optional (participate as much or as little as feels right). Q: I live outside the US. Can I still join? A: Absolutely! Sessions are virtual via Zoom, so you can join from anywhere in the world with internet access. We meet the first and third Tuesday of each month at 8pm Eastern/5pm Pacific. Please check what time that is in your time zone to ensure you can attend consistently. I will ship a signed copy internationally (shipping costs may vary), or you can obtain the eBook through Amazon. Q: What if this isn't the right fit for me? A: I want this to be transformational for everyone who joins, which means it needs to be the right fit. Here's my promise: Attend Session 1 (July 7th). Experience the space, meet the other attendees, decide whether this is where you belong. If after that first session you realize this isn't the right fit, please email me. Q: Can I join a future cycle instead of Summer 2026? A: Yes! Cycles run quarterly: Spring: April-June Summer: July-September Fall: October-December Winter: Break If Summer doesn't align with your schedule or you're not ready yet, join the waitlist and indicate your preferred cycle. Waitlist members get first access to registration for all future cycles. Q: I have another question that isn't answered here. A: I'm here to help! Email me directly at coventina@coventinawaterhawk.com or use the Contact page. I typically respond within 24-48 hours. Your questions matter, and I want you to feel fully informed before making this commitment.