Life presents us with many challenges, and at times, those challenges can feel overwhelming. Many of us respond in ways that don’t align with what truly matters to us, which can leave us feeling unfulfilled. Whether these challenges stem from trauma, anxiety, depression, or other sources, they don’t have to stand in the way of living the life we desire.
In my work, I believe the therapeutic relationship is a powerful tool for healing. I also draw on evidence-based approaches to help my clients move forward. One of these is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which guides individuals in facing their challenges by fostering psychological flexibility and helping them live in alignment with their values. Additionally, I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), both trauma-focused therapies that enable clients to process distressing memories without needing to talk through the painful details.
Eleison is derived from the Greek word ἐλέησον (eléēson), meaning to have compassion, mercy, or kindness. At Eleison Counseling, we believe that everyone is in need of these qualities. By cultivating compassion, we create a climate for growth. Learning to show mercy to yourself can help restore your sense of who you are meant to be, while kindness—both to yourself and others—can help you blossom and build the relationships you value most. Rooted in Christian teachings, Eleison Counseling integrates faith into the change process. However, we welcome individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs. We all face difficult challenges, but by practicing compassion, mercy, and kindness, we can transform our lives and relationships.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina, originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After relocating to Greenville in 2019, I have established a practice dedicated to helping individuals navigate a range of personal challenges. While I am a generalist and capable of supporting clients with a broad spectrum of counseling goals, I have developed specialized expertise in the treatment of severe trauma and in providing support to first responders.
I have extensive experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma, including those in high-risk professions. I am deeply committed to supporting trauma survivors in their healing process, utilizing evidence-based modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). These therapies facilitate the processing of distressing memories without requiring clients to revisit painful details, offering a gentler and more effective path to recovery.
Additionally, I specialize in working with first responders, understanding the unique challenges they face, including burnout, secondary trauma, and the difficulty of maintaining personal well-being in the context of their high-stress roles. My approach is tailored to address these challenges, promoting resilience and emotional health for those who dedicate their careers to protecting and serving others.
Alongside my trauma and first responder focus, I have substantial experience supporting clients dealing with substance use, anxiety, and depression. I am particularly passionate about helping individuals overcome avoidance behaviors and take proactive steps toward living the lives they envision.
Research consistently shows that the strength of the therapeutic relationship is a key factor in achieving positive outcomes. I am committed to building trust and rapport with each client and fostering a collaborative environment that supports lasting change. I look forward to the opportunity to work together and help you achieve your therapeutic goals.
Depression, fear, and anxiety are among the most common—and often the most overwhelming—mental health challenges that many of us face. These struggles can make it feel like life is heavier, and they often interfere with our ability to enjoy the things that once brought us joy and fulfillment. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and these challenges are not insurmountable.
In my practice, I draw from evidence-based therapies that have been proven to help individuals effectively manage and reduce the impact of depression and anxiety. While our minds are incredibly powerful and can help us navigate life, they can also create internal barriers that prevent us from living fully. The negative thoughts, feelings, and self-criticism that often accompany depression and anxiety can act like an internal “bully,” keeping us from pursuing the things that matter most to us.
My goal is to help you develop greater psychological flexibility—the ability to acknowledge and accept difficult thoughts and feelings without letting them control you. We’ll work together to cultivate new ways of responding to these challenges, so that they no longer dictate your choices or hold you back. While the symptoms of depression and anxiety may not disappear entirely, you will gain the tools to manage them in a way that feels empowering, and you’ll learn how to move forward in a direction that is aligned with your true values and what you care about most.
Through therapy, we will explore the things that are most important to you—your passions, relationships, and goals—and I will support you in creating meaningful actions that reflect those values. The work we do will help you break free from patterns of fear and self-doubt, allowing you to live more fully, even in the presence of difficult emotions.
I’m here to walk alongside you on this journey. Together, we can work to quiet the internal critic and help you reconnect with the person you truly want to be. I look forward to supporting you as you navigate the path toward a life that reflects your authentic self—one that is rich in meaning, purpose, and joy.
At Eleison Counseling, I offer counseling that is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, and I strive to provide a space where God's healing and guidance can be experienced. I believe the Bible is true, and I seek to live according to its principles in my own life. I also believe in the power and importance of Christian community, and I will encourage you to be involved in yours as part of your journey toward healing and growth.
While I rely on God's guidance in each session, I recognize that He is the ultimate healer, and I trust in His ability to work supernaturally, beyond my own understanding or capabilities. I make room for God to do unexpected and transformative work in our time together.
That said, I deeply respect the diverse spiritual traditions of those I serve. It is absolutely fine if you do not share my faith, and faith does not have to be a part of our counseling sessions unless you choose for it to be. I work with people of all spiritual backgrounds and welcome you as you are. However, it is important to know that Eleison Counseling LLC is rooted in Christian principles, and this foundation guides the way I approach the therapeutic process.
Many individuals who have experienced painful or traumatic events find that emotions such as anxiety, fear, and hopelessness often persist long after the event has passed. These lingering feelings can feel overwhelming, affecting your ability to move forward in life. Trauma can leave a lasting imprint on the mind, body, and spirit, often shaping the way we view ourselves and the world around us. However, it’s important to know that healing is possible, and you do not have to face this journey alone.
In therapy, I will help you understand and manage these challenging emotions by offering a safe and supportive space to explore the impact of trauma on your life. Together, we will work to develop personalized strategies to cope with the effects of trauma and begin the healing process.
One approach we may use is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on helping you accept difficult emotions and thoughts rather than fighting or avoiding them. ACT encourages you to engage with your experiences in a mindful and nonjudgmental way, allowing you to move forward with greater psychological flexibility. By learning to accept what is beyond your control, you can redirect your energy toward the things that matter most to you—your values, your relationships, and your life goals.
Healing from trauma is not a quick or easy process, and it requires patience and courage. Confronting painful experiences and emotions can be difficult, but I believe in your strength to face these challenges head-on. The process of healing involves doing the hard work—working through painful memories, accepting discomfort, and embracing vulnerability. It is through this hard work that lasting change occurs.
Though you may not have had control over the traumatic events you experienced, ACT can help you regain a sense of agency and purpose in your life. By connecting with your values and engaging in meaningful actions, you can find new ways to live fully, despite the past. Each step you take toward healing—no matter how small—will bring you closer to living a life that is rich in purpose and aligned with your deepest values.
Together, we will work through the emotional pain, reducing the influence of trauma on your day-to-day life, and helping you rediscover your inner strength. You are not defined by what happened to you, and I am here to support you as you heal, grow, and move forward with hope and resilience.
Relationships can be incredibly rewarding, but they also come with their challenges. Whether you're in the early stages of your relationship or have been together for many years, it’s natural to face moments of tension, misunderstandings, and conflict. Relationship counseling offers a safe and supportive environment where you and your partner can explore and address these challenges, and work together to strengthen your emotional connection.
It’s important to remember that your partner is not the problem. Often, the difficulties you face in your relationship are the result of patterns of communication, unmet needs, or unspoken expectations that both partners bring to the table. In therapy, we’ll focus on identifying the actual problem—whether it's how you communicate, how you cope with stress, or how you understand each other's needs—and then work together to find practical, healthy solutions.
Throughout our work together, I will help you both create a space where you feel heard, respected, and supported. Our goal will be to better understand each other’s perspectives, process any unmet expectations or recurring conflicts, and work on building deeper empathy and trust. Therapy is not about blaming one another; it's about collaborating to understand and address the root causes of tension. By building a stronger foundation of communication, mutual respect, and emotional support, you can rediscover the connection that brought you together in the first place.
Relationship counseling is an opportunity to enhance your understanding of one another, develop healthier patterns of interaction, and create a path toward a stronger, more fulfilling partnership. Together, we’ll explore both the issues you face and the solutions that can bring you closer as a couple.
Finding someone to share your thoughts and feelings with can be overwhelming. Please contact me for a free 15 minute consultation. We can go over your goals and see if we are a fit. Currently, I am meeting with clients only online. Counseling services can be "self-pay" with rates listed below or through your insurance. Go to my Psychology Today to check insurances accepted.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/james-overby-greer-sc/1245174
James Overby M.A. LPC
jamesoverby@eleis
Phone: 864-569-7389 Fees: $75.00 per 30 minute session for individuals $125.00 per 50 minute session for individuals $175.00 per 90 minute session for individuals $175.00 per 50 minute session for couples
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