Liane, Quit Coach

"I enjoy witnessing breakthrough moments. When somebody's confidence to quit is low I help the participant identify where he or she is stuck by using a technique called motivational interviewing. "

1. Describe your background. What were the steps that led you to coaching?

I've always had an interest in psychology and communication and would take classes or read books on those subjects. While obtaining my degree in health psychology, I also took classes in addiction; I then started volunteering for a domestic violence hotline as well as a crisis line for those affected by cancer. Today I'm working for Free & Clear and am co-facilitating a support group for survivors of domestic violence.

2. Why did you want to be a Quit Coach?

My father used to smoke 50 cigarettes per day. He would cough so heavily that I wondered at times if he would just not catch his breath again. Ten years ago he was facing a complicated surgery on his lungs. The doctor told him that smoking one more cigarette might kill him so he quit. Every now and then, however, he will claim he was a happier man smoking. When I remind him of his cough he used to have he claims he never had the cough.

Addictions are very powerful. I want to be a Quit Coach because I can help people break out of the psychological dependency to tobacco so they can be free, both physically and mentally.

3. How long have you been with Free & Clear? What drew you to the company?

I've been with Free & Clear since November of 2004. I especially appreciate that I was able to choose a shift that fit best into my life style as we're open seven days. I also work from home which saves me time by avoiding the commute.

4. What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy witnessing breakthrough moments. When somebody's confidence to quit is low I help the participant identify where he or she is stuck by using a technique called motivational interviewing. By asking certain questions, I motivate the person to become free of mental blocks. This allows the person to identify ways to overcome these obstacles. It is when I hear the participant's voice change to one filled with hope that I truly enjoy my work.

5. Have you ever smoked? If so, how has your experience helped you be an effective coach?

I've never smoked but feel that I'm an effective coach because friends and family have been battling addictions, because of my educational background and the intense training I've received from Free & Clear to do my job.

6. What is, in your opinion, the most common misconception about quitting?

The most common misconception is that one only needs willpower, slaps on a patch or pops a pill. Two thirds of the addiction is mental so willpower and medication won't be enough. One has to make life style changes while battling an addiction that plays games with one's mind. A Quit Coach can help the participant to prepare for these challenges which can double a person's success rate.

7. How are you able to remain fresh and objective for each intervention?

It helps to keep activities on and off the phone in balance. I shortened my work week to have more time for myself and my family. At work I'm also involved in a variety of other projects such as our new wellness program that will help our employees incorporate wellness and healthy nutrition into the work place.

8. Why do you think phone-based counseling is so effective?

It's very convenient. Instead of having to drive to a support group that meets once a week one can simply pick up the phone and call a Quit Coach for any concern related to quitting tobacco seven days a week. The calls are individualized to the person's needs as everybody quits in different ways. And even though calls can get very personal there is a sense of anonymity. I don't really know the person so I won't judge them. It makes it safe to talk.

9. Is there a participant story that sticks out in your mind as truly inspirational?

I spoke several times to an older lady in her 70's. She had tried to quit for 40 years but never successful. With the help of our program she was able to stay quit. She was so excited about her achievement whenever I spoke to her that it was such a joy to witness. It inspired me because she never gave up and it finally worked.

10. What is the one piece of advice you'd give to someone who wants to quit but has been unsuccessful in the past?

Prepare yourself by making small changes before quitting for good. Monitor your habits. Are you smoking in the mornings? With coffee? After dinner? Come up with ideas to replace the cigarette, e.g. going for a walk, or chewing gum. Then try these ideas out by delaying the cigarette for 30 minutes in those moments before attempting to quit for good.