Customer Reviews

A Sponsorship Guide for 12-Step Programs

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is the first full length book I have ever found on the issue of sponsorhip within 12 step groups. M.T. has assembled several experienced sponsors to share their feelings and experiences about the sponsorship process, working the steps with a sponsee, problems encountered and discoveries made. The book's strength (a wide variety of opinions from a variety of people) is also its greatest weakness (you might be more confused than ever about which path is the right one for you to take with your sponsee). On balance however, I recommend the book as a good way to jump-start your own thinking about these issues. Take what you like and leave the rest.

More Sponsors will probably read this book than Sponsees, but it does contain valuable information for both. The chapter on Steps 4 and 5 was particularly helpful; however, I do think there is some value in doing your 5th Step with someone you do not know, such as a person in the clergy or other counselor. This book certainly shows the value of the Sponsor walking through ALL the steps with the Sponsee, and doing so beginning with Step 1, instead of starting where the Sponsee wants to start. This book would also be valuable for people leading Serenity Groups, or considering the beginning of such a group. We do have everyone in our own Serenity Groups, who want to be Sponsors, read this book before they take on the challenge. The book not only teaches how to do things, but what to avoid. There is real value in learning from so many people who have contributed to the book. Because this book does include answers from people in various recovery groups, it can be read with profit by anyone in any 12 Step Program. The book concludes with a section on "Writing the Steps" with Step Worksheets. These can be used by the Sponsor with the Sponsee, and could also be made available at meetings (with the publisher's permission). See also the book Prayer Steps to Serenity The Twelve Steps Journey: New Serenity Prayer Edition [Paperback] for both personal and group 12 Step questions and guides that are free to use in groups.

In conclusion, I found two contributors that I liked the best, so I chose to read through the book again just reading what each of these contributors wrote (one contributor at a time), and I found this really helpful to me and my own work.

L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
Author: Prayer Steps to Serenity The Twelve Steps Journey: New Serenity Prayer Edition [Paperback]

Not so much of a "how to" book. Provided comfort that there is no "right" way of sponsoring. Put my mind at ease about sponsoring.

This book contains interviews with sponsors from a variety of 12-step programs like AA, NA, OA and they answer common questions like "Should you become friends with a sponsee?" One will say "No, absolutely not..." and the next will say "Yes, I always become friends with my sponsees..." and each has a valid reason for their answer. This eased my mind greatly when I was starting to sponsor because I kept wondering "Am I doing it right?" and the info in this book helped me relax and realize there is really no right or wrong to many aspects of sponsorship.

This book contains various opinions from sponsors on numerous situations that occur during life. I would have liked it more if each opinion included a reference to the Big Book or the 12 X 12.

I only skimmed through it. I am want to start sponsering and I by the looks of it this book will be very beneficial

The word "guide" is somewhat decieving, and unfortunately,this writting is more of a reflection of very few ideas, as opposed to a worthwhile guide. Save your money.

this book is great. it answered all my questions.