Meet Recovery Cafe

Welcome to Recovery Cafe, located in the vibrant community of Athens, Georgia. Our facility is not just a place, it’s a transformative environment where individuals on the journey of recovery can find support, professional guidance, and a path to personal growth. Founded by Larry Walton, a pioneer in addiction therapy with five decades of experience, Recovery Cafe has evolved into a standalone entity renowned for its innovative approaches and effective recovery models.

At Recovery Cafe, we employ a unique “Learning to Learn” model that not only equips professionals with effective methods but also encourages innovative applications in their therapeutic practices. Our team, including the highly experienced Steve Patterson and the multiculturally adept Juliana Tabares, offers a blend of traditional and holistic methodologies tailored to individual needs.

Our partnerships with respected institutions like The Banyan Tree and Serenity Grove enhance our service offerings, making us a cornerstone in Georgia’s addiction recovery landscape. Whether you’re seeking conventional therapy or exploring holistic avenues, our team is here to support your journey towards recovery and self-discovery.

We invite you to meet our dedicated team and explore the supportive, educational, and therapeutic services we offer at Recovery Cafe. Your path to recovery and personal growth starts here: What is Recovery Cafe?

Larry Walton

Clinical Social Worker, Master Addiction Counselor, Clinical Supervisor

Tommie L. (Larry) Walton, III has been a cornerstone in behavioral healthcare, consultation, and training since 1973, with 2024 marking his 50th anniversary in substance misuse therapy. Throughout his extensive career, Larry has been a trailblazer, particularly noted for his early endorsement of harm reduction strategies in the 1990s, which set the stage for a more humane approach to addiction treatment. His innovative spirit led him to establish his personal practice, Recovery Cafe, in the early 2000s, which became a beacon of progressive treatment methodologies and personal care.

Recovery Cafe was a testament to Larry’s visionary approach and a hub for collaboration with esteemed institutions like The Banyan Tree and Serenity Grove in Athens, Georgia. These partnerships embodied a shared commitment to excellence and innovation in addiction recovery services, enriching the therapeutic landscape in Georgia. In 2017, Recovery Cafe transitioned to a standalone entity, further highlighting Larry’s dedication to fostering a unique and impactful therapeutic environment.

In his practice, Larry employs a “Learning to Learn” model, which is instrumental in training professionals to not only grasp effective methods but also to apply them innovatively in their work. This educational philosophy underscores the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the ever-evolving field of psychotherapy and addiction treatment.

Larry’s collaboration with figures like Carlo DiClemente underscores his prominence in the field, bridging various expertise to enhance the effectiveness of substance misuse therapy. His role in pioneering initiatives, his active involvement in training the next generation of therapists, and his direct impact on individuals through The In House Group, his concierge practice, showcase a career dedicated to innovation, education, and compassionate care.

Balancing his professional achievements, Larry’s passion for breeding, training, and competing with Catahoula Leopard Dogs, along with his outdoor leadership roles, reflects his multifaceted character and his belief in the holistic aspects of healing and personal development. Holding licenses in Georgia, Idaho, and Wyoming, and being a certified Master Addiction Counselor and Clinical Supervisor, Larry’s expertise is as broad as it is deep, solidifying his legacy in the field of addiction therapy.

Steve Patterson

Drug and Alcohol Counselor, Recovery Specialist, Life Coach

Steve Patterson is a Drug and Alcohol Counselor, Recovery Specialist, and Life Coach, primarily focused on delivering traditional ASAM counseling and recovery coaching. With a profound commitment to assisting individuals on their recovery journeys, Steve offers a structured and evidence-based approach, utilizing ASAM Criteria alongside Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques.

As a US Army Veteran active in the veteran community, Steve brings a unique perspective to his work, particularly in supporting veterans struggling with substance misuse. He is adept at addressing a range of challenges, from overcoming substance use to navigating legal issues and rebuilding lives post-recovery. His professional certifications include Drug and Alcohol Counselor, Nationally Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist, Recovery Coach, and Recovery Coach Trainer. He is also a certified Prime Solutions facilitator and SMART Recovery facilitator, emphasizing his versatile approach to addiction recovery.

In addition to his primary counseling services, Steve offers a separate suite of holistic and spiritual practices rooted in his personal journey as a shamanic practitioner. This aspect of his work, inspired by years of exploring alternative healing modalities worldwide, is available for those specifically seeking a spiritual dimension to their healing process. Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out directly to Steve at steve@recoverycafe.com or recoverycafeathens@gmail.com to learn more about these specialized services.

Steve’s personal exploration of healing is also captured in his book, “This is How it Feels to Heal,” where he shares his insights into alternative paths to wellness. His affiliation with Recovery Cafe since 2015 underscores his commitment to the field and his connection with fellow professionals like Larry Walton.

While Steve values and incorporates a broad spectrum of healing practices, it is essential to note that his core offering remains in traditional counseling and recovery coaching. The spiritual and shamanic practices are optional, tailored to those who seek such an approach, ensuring that all clients receive the focused and professional support they need, consistent with the standards of conventional counseling services. Please visit this link for more on the Wind and Raven Approach to Addiction.

Juliana Tabares

Recovery Coach & Holistic Life Coach

Juliana Tabares is a dedicated Recovery Coach and Life Coach, bringing her wealth of experience and a unique holistic approach to our online group community and her sessions at Recovery Cafe in Athens, GA. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Juliana is committed to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery and personal growth.

With over 15 years of experience as a business consultant and executive coach, Juliana has honed her skills in enhancing organizational efficiency and navigating complex environments. Yet, it is her passion for aligning career paths with life’s purpose that truly defines her work. Transitioning from the corporate world, she has found her calling in coaching, where she integrates her diverse expertise in Jungian analysis, mindfulness teaching, and recovery coaching.

Juliana’s journey into coaching began in 2010, leading her to embrace spirituality and personal growth. Her approach is deeply influenced by her background in science, religion, and Buddhism, offering a comprehensive perspective that fosters profound transformation.

Originally from Colombia and with international experience in France and the USA, Juliana’s multicultural background enriches her coaching practice. She holds an engineering degree and an Executive MBA, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

At our community and the Recovery Cafe, Juliana is dedicated to guiding individuals towards discovering their purpose and achieving their goals. Her sessions, available in both Spanish and English, provide a supportive space for recovery and self-discovery, empowering members to embrace their journeys with confidence and clarity.

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