Meet The Therapist
Amber Pearce, MA, LCMHC, RYT-200
I knew at the age of 7 that I wanted to be a helper and until my sophomore year of college, I thought that it would be through medicine. As I began to understand the medical world wasn’t for me, I took several classes in psychology and I discovered I could still help people through counseling. I began my counseling career as an addictions and mental health counselor before later working in emergency mental health and intensive outpatient services.
In 2017, I enrolled in a training for yoga in mental health that changed the trajectory of my career. I felt first-hand how much a specifically designed yoga class could infuence my own nervous system and mood in that class, so l signed up for the 200-hour yoga teacher training progam almost immediately. As a lifelong student of dance, the idea of combining my love of movement and my interest in mental health was perfect to me. My YTT program was my first introduction to the nervous system's role in mental health and I knew I had found my niche in this field. My interest in trauma led to me completing trainings in EMDR and Brainspotting, two mind-body based therapies that I have found to be so effective for my clients. I also use techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Comittment Therapy, Positive Psychology, and Internal Family Systems to complement mind-body based work. The combination of the mind and body modalities along with more traditional talk therapy has allowed me to see progress in my clients in ways I never imagined as a younger therapist. I am a self professed science nerd, so I am often reading new therapy books or taking another training so I can continue to increase my knowledge and skill in this field.
I have worked in many different treatment settings over the years, including a detoxification/mental health crisis unit, inpatient/emergency behavioral health unit, residential substance abuse treatment, and outpatient mental health/substance abuse centers. I also worked for a managed care company reviewing appropriateness of services. I have found my work home in individual therapy and yoga with adults and I am truly honored that my clients continue to allow me to partner with them in their life journeys in such a private way.
My Office Style
My office is a relaxed environment where I want my clients to feel comfortable. I encourage clients to bring whatever they need for comfort to their session, including drinks, snacks, music, scents, or comfort objects and they can sit anywhere that feels good to them. Since I am a body-based therapist and yoga teacher, you will usually see me dressed pretty casually so that I can move as needed in session. I encourage the use of humor, sarcasm, and authentic language and allow them to flow freely in my office. I am not easily offended so please never apologize for being your genuine self in my office.
Education and Relevant Trainings
Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services, minor in Substance Abuse Services - East Carolina University
Master of Arts in Community Counseling - University of North Carolina-Charlotte
Yoga Teacher - 200 hour - Suble Yoga
EMDR Trainings
Basic Training, EMDR and Complex Trauma, IFS Informed EMDR, EMDR and Eating Disorders, EMDR and Yoga Integration
Brainspotting Trainings
Levels 1 and 2, Expansion, From Freeze To Thaw, Brainspotting and Parts
Somatic Integration and Processing I and II - Beyond Healing Institute
Somatic Healing Certification - My Vinyasa Practice
Internal Family Systems Online Circle - Foundations of the Model
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Trauma- In process through 2025
Licensure/Registration/Certification
North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC #5409) .
South Carolina Labor Licensing Regulation
Professional Counselor Telehealth Provider (#TLC 922 PC)
EMDR International Association
EMDR Certified Therapist
Registered Yoga Teacher-200 (RYT-200 #244588)
Personal Life
When I’m not working, you will probably find me spending time with my husband, our 2 children, and our dogs. I also enjoy reading, dancing, yoga, and a good workout session.
When I worked in the hospital system, I was introduced to the concept of therapy dogs and I was instantly intrigued. I watched these special dogs reach clients in ways that humans just could not. I have had a special place for dogs in my heart since I adopted my first dog in 2004 and when planning for my private practice, I made sure to plan for the day when a furry friend would join me.
When I saw a picture of almost 4-week old labradoodle Cooper, it was love at first sight. He joined our family on New Year’s Eve 2021 and we began training right away. He officially completed his therapy dog training in December 2023 and can be found in the office with many days. His main role in my office is to provide comfort to my clients, whether that is through doggie cuddles or a cute face to look at during processing.
As a labradoodle, he is a low shedding dog, but if you have dog allergies, please know my office setting might not be the best fit for you.
