Grace and Growth: How Life Coach Chris Janssen Empowers Others to Overcome Addiction, Perfectionism, and Self-Doubt

In a world where many struggle with perfectionism, self-sabotage, and addiction, Chris Janssen is a beacon of hope and guidance. As a certified life coach and author, Chris has dedicated her career to helping high performers and perfectionists break free from the pressures that hold them back. With a background in counseling psychology and a personal journey through sobriety, Chris offers a unique approach that combines practical tools with deep compassion, empowering individuals to reclaim their lives. Her coaching, books, and programs are designed to inspire growth and self-acceptance, reminding clients that their worth is not tied to their achievements or setbacks.

In her latest book, Grace Yourself, Chris delves into the challenges of overcoming addiction and perfectionism, providing readers with actionable strategies to release controlling behaviors and embrace their true worth. Through her own experiences and expertise, she helps individuals navigate the difficult road to recovery and self-compassion, offering them the tools to not only heal but thrive. In this interview, Chris shares her insights on breaking destructive cycles, building a strong support system, and learning to give yourself grace in the face of life’s challenges.

Thank you so much for joining us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you share a bit about your journey?

Thank you, Stacey! It’s such a pleasure to be here. I started my career in counseling, focusing on helping people navigate their mental and emotional challenges. But over time, I realized my true passion was guiding people toward their future rather than just helping them process their past. That led me to life coaching, where I could focus on actionable steps that move people forward, especially high performers and perfectionists, who often struggle with self-sabotage and the intense pressure to excel.

My journey isn’t just professional—it’s deeply personal as well. My battle with alcohol addiction was transformative. It taught me the importance of compassion, resilience, and grace, not just toward others, but also toward myself. That experience inspired me to write my first book, Living All In, and now my latest, Grace Yourself, which focuses on sobriety, self-worth, and breaking free from perfectionism. The goal is to help people realize that their worth isn’t tied to their past or their mistakes but is inherent in who they are.

What inspired you to write Grace Yourself, and what’s the core message you want readers to take away?

Grace Yourself is more than just a book for me—it’s a reflection of my personal journey and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I wanted to create something for people who feel stuck in patterns of perfectionism, addiction, or even self-doubt—those invisible chains that hold us back from living fully. The book’s core message is that our worth isn’t determined by our successes or failures. It’s about learning to trust yourself again, reclaiming your life, and releasing habits that no longer serve you. I wanted readers to walk away knowing that they’re enough as they are, no matter what.

Your book isn’t just for those recovering from addiction but also for perfectionists and anyone struggling with controlling thoughts. How does Grace Yourself help readers release the need for control and embrace a more balanced mindset?

Perfectionists, myself included, often believe that by controlling everything around us, we can avoid failure, discomfort, or disappointment. But that need for control is both exhausting and self-sabotaging. In Grace Yourself I offer tools to help readers recognize triggers and move to action.

You mention that our worth is not dependent on our actions or mistakes. For someone struggling with self-worth, especially after a relapse or failure, how does your book guide them to reclaim their value and power?

One of the most critical lessons I’ve learned—and one that I emphasize in Grace Yourself—is that our worth doesn’t ebb and flow based on our achievements or setbacks. Relapses or mistakes don’t define who we are. In the book, I encourage readers to practice self-compassion, which is a major key to reclaiming self-worth. I provide practical exercises and mindset shifts that help readers see themselves through a more forgiving and compassionate lens. Instead of viewing a relapse as the end, I help people see it as a learning experience, a part of the journey, and remind them that their value remains intact no matter what.

For someone who is both a recovering perfectionist and working on sobriety, Grace Yourself seems like the perfect fit. What are some unique challenges this group faces, and how does your book offer support for navigating those struggles?

Recovering perfectionists who are also navigating sobriety face an incredibly tough combination of challenges. Both paths require letting go—letting go of unrealistic standards, the need for control, and the fear of failure. For perfectionists, even minor setbacks can feel like a complete failure, and this is amplified in sobriety. In Grace Yourself, I teach readers to embrace imperfection as part of life. I guide them in understanding that relapses or mistakes in sobriety don’t erase their progress—they’re just part of the learning curve. The book is designed to help them find balance and realize that their self-worth is not tied to being perfect or even staying sober—it’s already there, and it’s unchanging.

You’ve worked with high performers who often struggle with self-sabotage. How do you guide them to break those cycles?

High performers are often their own worst critics. They set incredibly high standards for themselves, and when they don’t meet those expectations, they spiral into self-sabotage. The first step in breaking that cycle is identifying the deeply ingrained beliefs that fuel those behaviors. Many people don’t even realize they’re sabotaging themselves because they’ve been conditioned to think that failure is the enemy. As a coach, I help them bring these beliefs to the surface and challenge them. Once we identify the root cause, it becomes much easier to build healthier habits and replace those destructive thought patterns with ones that support their growth and well-being.

You talk about journaling and mantras in your coaching. How important is having a strong support system when trying to overcome addiction?

Support is everything. We often hear that addiction thrives in isolation, and that couldn’t be truer. Addiction is the opposite of community. In my own recovery, finding a supportive community was essential. We need people who understand what we’re going through, who can offer encouragement when we need it, and who will hold us accountable when we’re struggling. Whether it’s a recovery group, a coach, or even just a few close friends, having that network of support is crucial for long-term sobriety and personal growth. No one should have to do this alone.

How do you help clients navigate the challenges of confronting repressed emotions during the recovery process?

Facing long-buried emotions is one of the hardest yet most rewarding parts of recovery. It’s painful, but it’s also incredibly liberating. When we avoid our emotions, we stay stuck in old patterns. My goal is to help clients process those emotions in a safe and supportive environment. I encourage them to feel everything—really feel it—because that’s the only way to release those emotions and move forward. Once you confront what’s been holding you back, you gain freedom, and that freedom allows you to step into the person you’re truly meant to be.

Staying consistent when changing habits is tough. What advice do you give to people struggling with consistency?

Consistency is tough, but it’s also the key to lasting change. I always tell clients to start small. You don’t need to overhaul your entire life in one day. Focus on small, manageable steps and build on those over time. I also encourage the use of positive mantras, which helps recondition the mind. Repetition is crucial. Just like training your body at the gym, you need to train your mind. With time and practice, those new habits and beliefs become second nature, and that’s when real transformation happens.

How essential is having a community or support network for those navigating sobriety or other major life changes?

Having a community or support network is absolutely essential. Addiction thrives in loneliness, and personal transformation is incredibly difficult to navigate alone. Whether you’re working on sobriety, personal growth, or any major life change, a community provides accountability, encouragement, and support when things get tough. It’s so important to have people in your corner who understand your journey and can offer guidance. Support systems are the foundation for lasting change.

You’ve shared your experience with relapse. What was the most challenging part of getting back on track after your brief relapse, and how did you find your focus again?

The hardest part for me was dealing with the shame and disappointment. I had tied my identity to my 13-year sobriety streak, so when I relapsed, I felt like I had failed. But what I learned, and what I talk about in Grace Yourself, is that grace is essential. Setbacks don’t erase all the progress you’ve made. Once I let go of the guilt and embraced grace, I was able to refocus and get back on track. Relapse isn’t the end of the journey—it’s part of it, and it’s an opportunity to learn and grow.

What is the most important thing you’d like someone starting their sobriety or self-improvement journey to know?

The most important thing is to remember that you are worthy, no matter where you’re starting from. Your worth isn’t tied to your past mistakes, your current struggles, or even your future successes. Once you internalize that, everything else becomes more manageable. And please, don’t do it alone—find a community or support system, and lean on them when you need to. It makes all the difference.

Your insights are so inspiring. What do you hope readers will take away from Grace Yourself?

I hope readers walk away with the belief that they deserve the life they want, no matter what they’ve been through. Whether they’re facing addiction, perfectionism, or self-doubt, I want them to feel empowered to make changes and know they’re worth the effort. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up for yourself every day and making progress, even if it’s just a little at a time.

Where can our readers find your book and learn more about your work?

Readers can visit my website, https://www.chrisjanssencoaching.com/ to explore my coaching services and sign up for my newsletter. To get a copy of Grace Yourself, head to graceyourselfbook.com. And feel free to connect with me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/chris3janssen/ for more insights and updates.

Chris, this has been an amazing conversation. Your insights and approach to self-worth, sobriety, and personal growth are truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story with us today.

Thank you, Stacey! It’s been an honor to be here. I hope my journey and the lessons I’ve learned can help others along their own paths.