Community Highlights: Meet Nyesha James of Njia – Pathways to Healing

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nyesha James.

Hi Nyesha , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my journey as a therapist in Missouri in 2009. When my family and I relocated to Ohio in 2012, I faced an unexpected setback — Ohio did not offer reciprocity for my Missouri license. I felt defeated and uncertain about my next steps. During that time, I explored other paths, working in Vocational Rehabilitation and becoming a certified yoga instructor.

Eventually, I transitioned into education, serving as a Special Education teacher for several years. Still, my passion for counseling never left me. I decided to pursue my Ohio counseling license and, within a year, completed the required coursework and passed the NCE.

While advancing in my education career — first as a PBIS Coach and now as a Guidance Counselor — I took a leap of faith and launched my own telehealth private practice. I haven’t looked back since. More than two years later, my practice has grown to include individual therapy, professional development workshops, and yoga classes, allowing me to support others in healing and growth in multiple ways.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, and I continue to navigate the many intricacies of entrepreneurship. Being the first business owner in my family, simply finding the courage to pursue this path was a challenge in itself. In the beginning, Google and social media groups became my main sources of guidance and support.

One of the biggest hurdles I faced was learning that many insurance companies will not panel dependently licensed counselors. This limitation restricted the number and type of clients I could serve and forced me to make difficult decisions about my rates. I struggled internally with balancing my desire to make therapy accessible while also valuing my time, expertise, and the quality of services I provide.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Njia – Pathways to Healing is the name of my practice. The word Njia means “way” or “road” in Swahili, which perfectly captures the mission of my work — to create different pathways for individuals to find healing, growth, and peace.

At Njia, I offer counseling services, yoga instruction, mindfulness guidance, and professional development focused on mental health and trauma-informed education. Each service is designed to meet clients where they are and help them move toward balance and well-being in all areas of life.

What truly sets my practice apart is the depth and diversity of my experience. I’ve spent over a decade working in social work with children and families, nearly ten years in education supporting students with disabilities and those with IEPs or 504 plans, and several years providing therapeutic services. These combined experiences allow me to approach healing from a holistic, compassionate, and practical perspective.

I’m most proud that Njia – Pathways to Healing has become a space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. My goal is to remind people that there are many ways to heal — and everyone deserves to find their own path.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Resilience has been the most important quality contributing to my success. I don’t pretend that my journey has been easy, but through every challenge, I’ve kept pushing forward. Owning a private practice often sounds glamorous from the outside, but the reality includes many obstacles and moments of uncertainty. Still, I remain committed because I believe deeply that providing healing and support to others is my calling. My resilience keeps me grounded, focused, and faithful to that purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://njia-pathways.clientsecure.me/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/njia_pathways_to_healing
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Njia-Pathways-to-Healing/61554836937584/#
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nyesha-james-46642178/
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PTHProducts