Meet Samantha Rousey

We recently connected with Samantha Rousey and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

My journey toward becoming a therapist began in an unexpected but deeply meaningful way. When I was in middle school, my cousin was diagnosed with schizophrenia, a time when treatment options were limited and social isolation was common for those living with the illness. I was young, imaginative, and full of curiosity. I didn’t fully understand what was happening, but I instinctively responded by engaging with my cousin’s world, even his auditory and visual hallucinations. I played along, talked with him, and made space for his reality.

Looking back, I now realize how much those simple moments mattered. His outbursts became less frequent, and I believe that being seen, heard, and accepted, just as he was, brought him a sense of calm and connection.

That experience sparked a lifelong fascination with the brain and a deep desire to understand the complexities of the human mind. Growing up in a traditional Christian household, I was encouraged to explore my gifts and use them in service to others. I was often told I had a calming presence, that I was easy to talk to, and that I helped guide others toward doing what was right. These words stuck with me.

Although I began college studying dance, I found myself consistently drawn to psychology and sociology classes. It was there, in those lecture halls and late night conversations, that I felt the calling to become a therapist take root. I realized I wanted to be a healing presence for others, just as I had been for my cousin. I wanted to help people feel seen, heard, and valued.

For me, being a therapist isn’t just a career, it’s a calling. It’s the intersection of my natural gifts, spiritual foundation, and a heart committed to helping others find light in their darkest moments.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As a Greenville, SC native, it has always been my dream to give back to the community that raised me and today, I’m grateful to do just that as one of the owners of Pettigru Counseling Associates, located in the beautiful and historic Pettigru District in Downtown Greenville.

My path to becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist has been shaped by a deep desire to walk with others through their most vulnerable moments. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving individuals and families through organizations like Greenville Mental Health, The Phoenix Center, PRISMA Health, and a variety of other treatment facilities. These experiences have given me a wide lens on the mental health needs in our community and a profound respect for each person’s unique journey.

In the therapy room, I see myself as a compassionate guide someone who walks beside you, offering support, perspective, and tools to help you navigate life’s challenges. I believe healing is a lot like planting seeds: it takes intention, care, and patience. But with the right environment, growth always happens. My goal is to help you grow into the healthiest, most authentic version of yourself.

At Pettigru Counseling Associates, I’m proud to be part of a team of passionate, client-centered therapists who share this same commitment. We offer individual therapy, couples counseling, play therapy, and flexible options to fit your needs including in-person and virtual sessions. We accept a variety of insurance plans and offer self-pay options because we believe therapy should be accessible to everyone.

What excites me most about this work is witnessing real change seeing people discover their inner strength, improve their relationships, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, relationship struggles, parenting challenges, or substance use concerns, I’m here to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered.

I specialize in couples counseling, relationship and parenting dynamics, family conflict, and personal growth for both men and women. My therapeutic approach blends evidence-based modalities including The Gottman Method, Structural Family Therapy, CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, all tailored to foster deeper connection, clearer communication, and lasting transformation.

It would be an honor to hear your story and walk alongside you. Healing begins with being seen and at Pettigru Counseling Associates, you don’t have to do it alone.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I believe the three qualities that have had the greatest impact on my journey are patience, focus, and humility.

Patience has been essential, not just in waiting for the right opportunities, but in trusting the process and, more importantly, God’s timing. There were seasons where I didn’t see immediate results or clarity, but I’ve learned that growth often happens in the waiting.

Focus carried me through some of the most demanding times, especially during my graduate studies. I had to make sacrifices; turning down social invitations, balancing work and classes, and protecting my time and energy. Staying focused meant keeping my long-term goals in sight and remembering why I started in the first place.

Humility has allowed me to be a student of life, not just in the classroom, but in every interaction. I’ve always tried to stay open, to learn from others, to receive feedback, and to appreciate every opportunity to grow, even when it came through challenges.

For anyone just beginning their journey, my advice is this:

Be patient with yourself and the process. Things may not unfold on your timeline, but trust that what’s meant for you will come.

Stay focused on your goals, and don’t be afraid to say “no” when it protects your peace and purpose.
And above all, remain humble, because the more open you are to learning from others, the more meaningful and fulfilling your journey will become.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was invest their time, keep me grounded, and support every dream I chased. Whether I was in marching band, cheer, or dance, they showed up to every game, every competition, every performance. Their consistent presence made me feel seen, valued, and capable of anything I set my mind to.

What made their support even more meaningful was the balance they struck: they were always my biggest cheerleaders, but they also challenged me to grow. They taught me the importance of commitment and follow-through. And when it came to the financial investment so many of my activities required, they included me in fundraising efforts from the start. That gave me a sense of ownership and taught me responsibility, gratitude, and how to work for what I wanted.

Looking back, their unwavering support gave me confidence, but their intentional involvement gave me character. I carry both with me every day

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pettigrucounseling.com