What happens when the person helping others heal is still healing herself? On Both Sides of the Chair, Holly Porter shares a raw, honest look at addiction, recovery, motherhood, and the reality of working as a substance use counselor. From sleeping in her car as a teenager to becoming a licensed counselor and business owner, Holly’s journey is anything but linear. Through relapse, heartbreak, loss, and rebuilding her life more than once, she discovers that sobriety is not a finish line—it’s where the real work begins. This book pulls back the curtain on what recovery actually looks like: The messy, uncomfortable parts no one talks about The weight of loving someone in addiction The emotional toll of helping others while trying not to lose yourself The role of faith, boundaries, and identity in long-term healing Written from both lived experience and professional insight, this is not a textbook—and it’s not a perfect story. It’s real life. For anyone in recovery, loving someone who struggles, or working in the helping profession, this book is a reminder: You don’t have to be perfect to heal. You just have to be willing to keep going.