Exploring Life & Business with James Berrian of Guest House Therapy

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

Hi James, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Before becoming a therapist, I was a touring artist for 8 years with a classical-crossover vocal group called Veritas. We performed in churches, symphony halls, and theaters all over the country. We would average 110 shows per year, which translated to about 220 days on the road. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, I realized how burned out I was from such an extensive touring life, and I decided it was time to pursue the next chapter of my career. Now, I get to work with young creatives and music industry professionals in building a healthy life mentally and emotionally.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Becoming a full-time therapist has definitely had it’s struggles. Since the pandemic, I have essentially rebuilt my entire life. My career, my relationships with myself and others, my faith… it has all changed. While I am grateful for the direction my life is headed, I do find myself at times feeling the weight of grief for what was. As a professor of mine at Trevecca said, “change is loss, and loss is grief.”

As you know, we’re big fans of Guest House Therapy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m a pre-licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in helping individuals and couples heal from trauma. Whether the pain stems from childhood experiences, relationship betrayals, religious trauma, or other forms of overwhelm, I believe healing is possible—and my clients don’t do it alone.

I named my practice after Rumi’s poem, “The Guest House,” because I believe it speaks to the heart of trauma healing: learning to welcome every part of ourselves with compassion—even the painful, unexpected visitors. In my work with clients, we follow the tri-phasic approach to trauma therapy, a gentle and grounded path that unfolds in three stages. We begin by creating safety and stability, building a sense of inner refuge. From there, we carefully explore and process the emotions and memories that surface, honoring them without judgment. Over time, we move toward integration—where the past no longer defines them, and their inner world becomes a place of trust and wholeness.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I believe everyone has the capacity to heal already inside them. However, we cannot heal what we cannot feel, and my job as a therapist is to create an environment of care, courage, and curiosity that allows feeling and healing to emerge. It takes time, but it is worth the journey.

Pricing:

• 1-hour session: $155
• 1.5-hour session: $230
• 1.5-hour couples session: $230
• Intensives: $800 per day

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.guesthousenashville.com
• Instagram: @jamesberrian