Lisa Katona Smith, MEd, is the founder of Parallel Recovery-Family Recovery Services, and a nationally recognized advocate for families impacted by Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Drawing from her personal journey and over 20 years as a masters level educator, Lisa developed Parallel Recovery(R), an innovative approach to fostering healing, sustainability, and connection. A TEDx speaker and trusted guide, she empowers families with compassionate tools to navigate recovery together. In Parallel Recovery, Lisa shares her transformative insights to help families thrive, one step at a time. She resides in Colorado with her family.
""a nuanced understanding of human connection and the unintended consequences when a family's loving intentions meet addiction"" Debby Patz, PsyD, LAC ""Having worked with Lisa Katona Smith personally, I find Parallel Recovery to be a deeply insightful and essential guide for families navigating the difficult journey of loving someone with a substance use disorder. The book introduces Parallel Recovery as a truly transformative approach, emphasizing that addiction is a family disease, and therefore, recovery is for the entire family unit. It moves beyond traditional models that focus solely on 'fixing' the individual with the disorder, instead inviting families to embark on their own active work and healing journey in parallel with their loved one. This is a must read for families facing the very real challenges of a loved one struggling with substance use disorder."" Jason S. Friesema, LPC, LAC ""Parallel Recovery is an accessible, easy to follow introduction to healthy communication. It should be used by everyone that is interested in understanding their own communication style and modifying it to a healthier, neutral style while learning how to set strong boundaries. Lisa Katona Smith has given us a blueprint for better interactions with both family and non-family alike. Families affected by addiction often feel overwhelmed, confused, and emotionally exhausted-this book provides structure, insight, and a practical way forward. I highly recommend Parallel Recovery to anyone ready to approach difficult relationships with clarity and intention."" Jane Davis, LCSW