Boiling Springs woman uses struggle with alcohol to help others with addictions

Jacki Powell Fleniken

Business Name: Coaching by Jacki

Years in business: 1 year

Location: Boiling Springs

Contact: 717-386-0707; coachingbyjacki.com

Q: Why did you want to start this kind of business?

A: I became a certified coach to help people struggling with their addiction to alcohol because I will never forget how I felt when I knew my drinking was out of control and dictating my life. I want people to know I offer a safe, nonjudgmental, compassion-led approach because I know what it is like to be worried and scared about alcohol. I am most qualified to help the person I used to be.

Q: How did you get your start?

A: After trying multiple different attempts to cut back my drinking, I was frustrated and giving up, thinking I was destined to live my life with alcohol in control, and then I found a science-based methodology which helped me to find true freedom from alcohol. I have spent over two years understanding and studying the science behind why I was drinking too much while at the same time learning from Tony Robbins, Matthew McConaughey, Shirzad Chamine as well as several others. Through diligently and compassionately working on myself, I have been able to go from averaging 12 beers a day, every day, to not even having the desire to drink alcohol, any day. I like to say, “I can drink if I want to, I just don’t want to.” I am now close to two years alcohol free, and this can be done without having to go to rehab, meetings or labeling yourself an alcoholic. I guide people to understanding why alcohol is controlling them, and I help them to get their power back. We work on beliefs that are controlling their subconscious and then they begin to form new beliefs that lessen alcohol’s control. Through changing beliefs in the liminal space—the space where our conscious mind meets our subconscious mind—I help my clients create lasting change. It is through emotions and not behavior where the magic happens, and then the behavior change follows. I am living proof that it works and am here to help others find the freedom that they deserve.

Q: What does your business sell or provide?

A: I provide lifestyle changes through 1:1 coaching via zoom, phone or in-person and tailor my approach to each individual. Everyone’s journey is different, and I have a lot of experience, knowledge and tactics to guide someone away from alcohol and addiction towards the life they want to live. I will also be offering group coaching in the near future, and I have a private support group individuals can join on Facebook called “Sober Guides to Freedom.” Community is extremely helpful when changing your relationship with addictive substances, so having others to support and to be supported by is crucial. Addiction is often isolating and shame filled. Through coaching and community people feel connected again, they regain their courage, their strength and, ultimately, their joy. I am also available to do speaking engagements with businesses, schools, colleges, churches or groups to tell my story and how I have completely transformed my life around alcohol, as well as nicotine.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you are facing right now?

A: Getting my message out and sharing my story with others. It is through my story and what I lived with for so many years that I can be a beacon of hope for others and help them find a life where alcohol is no longer in control. I have many tools and tactics to share, within a step-by-step program, which I guide my clients through, because no one should have to do this alone. One of the success tools I have learned along the way is to find someone who has what you want and duplicate what they did. Thankfully, I was able to find all the right components to change my life, so that I could break free from alcohol, once and for all.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do or place in Cumberland County?

A: There are so many amazing things to enjoy in Cumberland County. I recently started playing pickleball, I love to golf and this summer I will be enjoying the WaveRunner on the water and the beautiful hiking trails in the area. I am also looking forward to outdoor yoga at Kings Gap State Park. In my previous drinking life, I would have been too hungover to appreciate and enjoy many of the wonderful things Cumberland County has to offer.