Empowering families with comprehensive support for sustainable recovery.
What if helping them
starts with healing you?
Parallel Recovery™ isn’t about fixing them.
It’s about building the kind of relationship they want to get better for.
About the Book
When Lisa Katona Smith’s son struggled with addiction, the traditional advice for families left her feeling helpless, guilty, and alone. In response, she created Parallel Recovery™—a bold, compassionate approach that empowers families to take action, reclaim influence, and create connection strong enough to support lasting recovery.
About Lisa
Lisa Katona Smith is the creator of Parallel Recovery™, a family-centered healing model that empowers loved ones to lead with connection, not control. A nationally recognized advocate, TEDx speaker, and master-level educator, Lisa brings two decades of experience—and the raw honesty of personal lived experience—to her work with families impacted by mental health and substance use.
Work With ME
If you’re here, you’re likely carrying something hard—and you don’t have to carry it alone. Whether you're a family seeking clarity, a care team deepening your impact, or a partner ready to collaborate, there are ways we can work together.
Family Support &
Private Consulting
Professional
Collaboration & Training
Complex Case Management
& Strategic Oversight
Work With ME
If you’re here, you’re likely carrying something hard—and you don’t have to carry it alone. Whether you're a family seeking clarity, a care team deepening your impact, or a partner ready to collaborate, there are ways we can work together.
Watch Lisa's TED TALK
Praise for Lisa
Parallel Recovery gave us a way forward.
“We were stuck in a painful cycle for years. This wasn’t just a support group—it was a lifeline, a framework, and a reason to hope again.”
Lisa brings thought leadership and clinical insight into one voice.
"As a program director, I’ve worked with many consultants—but Lisa is unique. She bridges personal experience and professional training, delivering frameworks that are emotionally resonant and operationally sound."
When Lisa speaks, rooms shift.
“Whether it’s a conference hall or a private family group, Lisa brings presence, credibility, and message clarity that stays with you. She knows how to land truth with compassion.”
Lisa brings both the heart and the structure families need.
"[Lisa] understands the emotional chaos of loving someone through addiction—but also provides the tools to respond with strength and strategy. Her balance of compassion and clarity is unmatched."
This is not like anything else out there.
“We’d been through other programs, but Lisa’s approach was the first that actually created change. We felt seen, guided, and empowered—not pitied or blamed. It shifted everything.”
The change wasn’t in my son—it was in me.
“When I stopped waiting for him to change, and started working on myself, everything shifted. Lisa gave me that path. I’ve never felt so strong and clear.”