Beside the Influence | Make room for what comes next
Victoria English and Matt Gardiner, the coaches at Beside the Influence

Alcohol has taken enough space in your life. Make room for what comes next.

Support to stop drinking, grow in your alcohol-free life, or find your footing when someone else’s drinking affects you.

Coaching, education, and a community beside you.

Take the First Step Tell us a little about yourself, then book a conversation. No obligation to enroll.
  • 01Victoria EnglishAddiction & Recovery Specialist
  • 02Matt GardinerLevel 2 Recovery Coach

What would you like to change?

“I want to stop drinking.”

You are tired of negotiating with yourself about alcohol. Get support to understand your patterns, build different habits, and move toward a life without drinking.

“I have stopped drinking. I want more from life.”

You have made a meaningful change. Stay connected to it while building confidence, stronger relationships, and goals that give you something to look forward to.

“Their drinking is affecting me.”

You spend so much energy thinking about them. Find support to understand your experience, set healthier boundaries, and make your own well-being a priority.

Different starting points. Support that meets you where you are.

Understand the patterns. Practice a different way forward.

  • What happens when stress hits?
  • When social plans revolve around drinking?
  • When someone you love breaks another promise?

Our work brings education into everyday life. Explore the connections between alcohol, habits, emotions, and relationships—and learn practical ways to respond with greater intention.

Understand what keeps repeating.

Recognize patterns in your habits, thoughts, and relationships.

Build skills you can use.

Practice communication, boundaries, and habits that support your goals.

Stay connected as you grow.

Find perspective, encouragement, and accountability through group coaching and community.

Meet the people beside you.

Portrait of Victoria English

Victoria English

  • Addiction & Recovery Specialist
  • Certified Family Addiction & Recovery Specialist

Victoria brings Stanford University training, experience as a senior-level alcohol recovery coach, and her work as an author to conversations that can be difficult to have.

Her work helps people understand alcohol’s impact, reconnect with their own identity, and find a steadier path forward.

Portrait of Matt Gardiner

Matt Gardiner

  • Level 2 Recovery Coach
  • NeuroHealth Coach
  • Breathwork Instructor

Matt brings more than 30,000 hours of coaching and mentoring experience, alongside his own journey from daily drinking to an alcohol-free life.

Having also experienced his father’s struggle with alcohol, he brings a personal understanding of how drinking can affect both an individual and the people who love them.

Bring your questions. You do not need a polished story.

A little clarity before you begin.

Do I need to know which support is right for me?
No. Tell us what you are experiencing, and we will explore the options together.
Can I get support if my loved one still drinks?
Yes. Your access to support does not depend on their decision to change.
What happens when I take the first step?
Answer a few questions about yourself and what you are looking for, then book a conversation. We will listen, answer your questions, and discuss whether our support fits your needs.
Is this therapy?
No. We provide group coaching, education, and community support, rather than therapy or medical care.

What would you like more room for?

Clearer mornings. Stronger connections. Goals of your own. More time being present in your life.

Whatever brought you here, we would like to hear what you want to be different.

Take the First Step Start with a few questions. No obligation to enroll.
No obligation
to enroll.
Take the First Step
A LITTLE MORE CLARITY

Your questions, answered.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before you reach out.

Does the person I love have to stop drinking before I join?

No. Beside the Influence is built around your experience, not another person's sobriety.

Do I have to know whether they're an alcoholic?

No. You don't have to diagnose another person to acknowledge that alcohol is affecting your life.

Will you tell me whether I should stay or leave?

No. That decision belongs to you.

What if they have already stopped drinking?

You may still benefit. Emotional and relational patterns may remain even after alcohol stops.

Is this therapy?

No. Beside the Influence provides coaching and education, not psychotherapy, medical treatment, diagnosis, detoxification, or addiction treatment.

Is this Al-Anon?

No. Beside the Influence is an independent coaching and education company.

Is this only for spouses?

No. Spouses and partners are a major focus, but the program may also support parents, adult children, siblings, and other close family members.

What happens on the call?

We'll learn more about what's happening, answer your questions, and explain the program so you can decide whether it feels like the right fit.