Our Staff
Annie Fahy
RN, MSW
About Me
Would you like to try something different? Are you thinking about your drug or alcohol use and wish that you could have a conversation with someone who wonʼt boss you around and tell you what to do? Have you tried traditional approaches like 12-steps and felt like they were not a good fit? Do you want to assess your own needs about substances and make your own changes? Or maybe, you just want to cut back...
I typically work with individuals who want to find their own answers to these questions. As a behavior change specialist, I utilize Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction Psychotherapy to offer clients something different. By collaborating together, we can create a plan that will work for you.
If you are a family member, loved one or close friend of someone who has an issue with substance use, I also offer a Family Group which meets once per month. This group is designed for close friends and family members interested in learning techniques that will improve their relationships and be helpful to the change process.
My Experience
As a behavior change specialist, I utilize Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction Psychotherapy to offer clients something different. began my career in the helping professions as a labor and delivery nurse and began my counseling career weekends in a traditional hospital based treatment program.
In 2001, I co-founded the Recovery Cafe with Larry Walton, a private practice here in Athens, GA. We specialized in client-centered models of care and developed the first DUI drug court in Athens.
My most recent clinical experience was working with Dr. Patt Denning and Jeanie Little, LCSW at the Harm Reduction Therapy Center in San Francisco and Oakland California.
I now travel throughout the United States as a national trainer and consultant in Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction Methods and have specific expertise and training in substance abuse, high-risk lifestyle behaviors, trauma, compassion fatigue, and mind body disorders. I specialize in translating and implementing evidence-based practices into real life practice.
My Education
My BSN is from The Medical College of Georgia and I hold a Master's Degree in Social Work from The University of Georgia. I attended my first Harm Reduction training in 2001 and had the opportunity to learn Motivational Interviewing from Dr. Bill Miller and his crew in the EMMEE Project. I became a MINT member (Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers), in 2004. I also have a Certification in The Amherst Writers and Artists Method and lead writing workshops for writers and non-writers.
What to Expect from Me
I offer harm reduction and moderation consultation to individuals and their families. This typically involves 4-8 sessions to really assess what problems and difficulties substances may be causing and what changes are possible before moving to an abstinence recommendation.
I am available at The Banyan Tree two days a month and available for consultations by phone or skype at other times. I am also available for large group trainings as requested.
