Title: Transformational Coach
Company: Spiritual Empowerment 4 Unity
Location: Oxnard, California, United States
James Surrell Loughman, Transformational Coach at Spiritual Empowerment for Unity, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Spiritual Coaching.
Mr. Loughman has been a transformational coach with Spiritual Empowerment 4 Unity for the past 20 years. In this capacity, he works extensively with veterans and individuals engaged in the 12-step recovery program, guiding them toward spiritual growth and personal transformation. His approach is rooted in the belief that recovery is not solely about abstaining from substances but about achieving wholeness and oneness through spiritual empowerment. Mr. Loughman’s dedication to this field is informed by his own journey of overcoming self-loathing and addiction, which began after his return from military service.
Before he transitioned into a coaching career, Mr. Loughman served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1969, enlisting at the age of 17. He was deployed during the Vietnam War, where he demonstrated valor and resilience. The challenges he faced during his service profoundly shaped his perspective on life and recovery. Upon returning home, Mr. Loughman struggled with guilt and shame related to his wartime experiences, leading him into a cycle of substance abuse. At age 20, he was enrolled in Alcoholics Anonymous by his first sergeant, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to sobriety and service to others. With over 55 years in recovery, he now dedicates himself to helping fellow veterans break free from addiction, emphasizing that true freedom comes from confronting rather than escaping one’s challenges.
Mr. Loughman’s educational path has been shaped by both formal training and lived experience. He holds the designation of certified transformational coach, a credential that underscores his commitment to facilitating meaningful change in others’ lives, guiding them toward personal growth.
In addition to his professional credentials, Mr. Loughman is an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., where he continues to support individuals seeking recovery through fellowship and shared experience. His entry into the field of transformational coaching was inspired by critical observations made during his involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous. After a motorcycle accident prompted advice from his therapist to step away from the fellowship temporarily, he undertook an intensive study of the original Alcoholics Anonymous text. He discovered that its initial intent was far broader than its current application, originally conceived as a universal guide for spiritual living rather than exclusively for alcoholics. This realization led Mr. Loughman to challenge prevailing beliefs within the recovery community and advocate for a more inclusive approach that emphasizes wellness and personal choice over disease-based models.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Loughman has contributed significantly to civic life as a hospice volunteer, providing compassionate support to individuals at the end of life. His commitment to service extends into authorship. He has written two books, including “Spiritual Empowerment Through and Beyond the 12 Steps: 6 Steps Beyond the Original 12 For Wholeness and Oneness,” published in 2022, and “Spiritual Empowerment: Expanding Beyond the 12 Steps with 6 New Steps for Achieving Wholeness and Oneness,” released in 2025. These works reflect Mr. Loughman’s vision for expanding spiritual empowerment beyond traditional recovery frameworks.
In recognition of his military service, Mr. Loughman was decorated with both the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. Reflecting on his career, he attributes his success to his transformative journey from self-loathing to self-love, a process that informs every aspect of his work today.
Looking ahead, Mr. Loughman aims to promote his book as the most significant spiritual movement of our time and to broaden its reach beyond Alcoholics Anonymous. He envisions making the principles of the 12-step framework accessible to all individuals, fostering a global movement toward wholeness and spiritual fulfillment.
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