Eli Joy

Hey! I’m Eli, and I’m so glad you’re here.

As a therapist, I am passionate about supporting folx in whatever way they need. Whether it’s navigating a difficult decision or life transition, processing past or current challenges, or diving deeper into who you are, I believe the stories we tell hold power, and our awareness of them gives us more agency over our lives. My approach seeks to help you gain understanding for the story you are telling. Finding the language of this story gives you the power to decide how you wish to proceed. I believe you hold the answers to your own problems, and that sometimes, the support of a co-journeyer who can hold up a mirror is the key to knowing the way forward.

Seeking support from a therapist can be intimidating and difficult, but can also hold immense opportunities for relief in feeling less alone in our circumstances. I myself have experienced the fear that comes from risking vulnerability in therapy, and have also experienced the joy and relief of finding someone who can handle my challenges and pain with care. In the therapeutic space, I seek to provide that same safety that allows you to explore and thrive in the ways you need.

I particularly enjoy working with adults and have experience assisting clients in navigating challenges related to early adulthood, processing and exploring facets of identity development, supporting neurodivergent folx, and providing space to process various aspects of religious trauma. I am passionate about serving those who hold minoritized identities, and find some of my most fulfilling and fruitful work in supporting individuals that face a variety of societal challenges. I love working with and supporting LGBTQIA+ folx: queer identity exploration is a particular interest and joy of mine. Coming from a high-control religious background myself, I have experience with the complexity and messiness that can arise when processing religious trauma, and I really enjoy supporting folx in wherever they are in that journey. Overall, I really love working with a wide variety of clients, and find that the best way to know if we are a therapeutic fit is to give it a try!

I am a graduate of Appalachian State University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling masters program, and am an associately licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC-A) in the state of North Carolina. Additionally, I have a certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy (EXA) and find that exploration through creative modalities can be an additive and transformative part of the work that I do as a therapist. My theoretical orientation currently aligns most with Person-Centered Therapy and Existential Therapy, and I consider myself eclectic in my approach to modalities and types of therapy I offer.

I find it a great privilege to be even a small part of the healing process, and I am happy to support you in whatever way you need. Therapy is a collaborative experience, and I welcome whatever feedback or adjustments you need in order for this space to function well for you!