Rebecca Pearce, PsyD

Lacking connection was surely a human challenge before the classic Beatles song about Eleanor Rigby, “wearing the face that she keeps in the jar by the door”. Even today, many of us rarely remove our masks even when we're alone. We develop our personal brand, (as if we are products for others to consume, yuck) while society also demands our brand be authentic. Consequently, we have layers of ourselves... desiring to show our true selves, yet feeling hesitant to do so...it's complex. What is real about us? What is aspirational? And can we ever be just one thing on any given day? We wear the mask/craft our brand to promote ourselves, protect ourselves, and to try to appeal to others, but ironically...we disconnect.

My work is to help people reconnect… mostly with themselves. When we listen to and are kind with ourselves, we develop the courage to live freely and authentically. Whether in the midst of turbulence or motivated to reclaim your strength, you're in the right place to benefit from counseling.

I work in the arena of relationships. This includes difficulty in one's relationship with one’s own:

• depression

• anxiety (worry or panic)

• trauma

• trouble with binge or overeating patterns / body image

It also encompasses disrupted relationships with others:

• loss through

  • death

  • divorce

  • estrangement

  • break up

  • relocation

• church wounds / shifting concept of God

• shifting identities resulting in loss of community

Someone can also become estranged from themselves in the process of caregiving; caring for someone else through:

• a chronic illness

• a life-threatening condition like cancer or an eating disorder

• a terminal illness such as dementia

• a multi-faceted condition such as an addiction

When I meet with someone, there is a rhythm between quiet contemplation, listening, talking about our observations and laughing about life’s ironies. We talk about how you think and understand your lived experiences. We also cultivate an awareness of your emotions and checking in with what you sense in your body. This way you learn more about yourself and your capabilities, your choices, and build resiliency. It’s important to work with gentleness and respect while maintaining a good sense of humor.

I primarily work with adult women, though I do see some men.  Sessions are by appointment only, Monday through Friday.

Telebehavioral health - How do we meet?

When it is time for our session, please sign into the website, below.

• tissues

• cushions or nice seating

• essential oil or soothing lotion

• a comfortable space for your pet

• an image of someone or something that evokes calm or protection

• tea or water

• blanket (can be weighted)

• stress ball

• mints or gum

• natural objects like stones or flowers

about me

Education and Background: 

Psy.D., 1995 Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University, La Mirada, CA

Psychologist, TN License # P0000002067

EMDR Level II

Board Certified Telehealth Professional Level I

Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) Certification

Certificate in Foundational Competencies in Older Adult Mental Health Rush University Medical Center

My graduate training was in family systems therapy, Gestalt psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy with strong psychodynamic influences.  In the intervening years I've continued to add to my skill set including enhancing mindfulness, utilizing EMDR (a technique used for trauma or anxiety), and integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a modifying/organizing framework.

Professional Associations

• 2023 Historian, 2014 Co-Chair, 2000 Treasurer: Nashville Psychotherapy Institute (NPI)

• Founding Member: Eating Disorder Coalition of Tennessee (now RenewED)

• National Register of Health Service Psychologists (National Register)

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA)

curriculum vitae

For a complete listing of my previous academic and work experience, please check my LinkedIn account.

Raised in southern California (where my childhood summer nights were punctuated by the sound of Disney fireworks), I moved to Tennessee for my pre-doctoral internship in 1994.  In coming here I discovered the difference between real bbq and a cookout, the wonder of warm rain, the truth & beauty of fall color, and the life-altering revelation of warm woolen socks. During my time away from the office, I enjoy travel and photography (e.g. photos on this website). I also like to bake (though to be fair my bakes are not usually as pretty as the babka below; that was noteworthy!) In teletherapy I am often assisted by my sweet cat, Maura. My pronouns are she, her, hers.

Good Faith Estimate

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy of picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Food Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises .

I have an outstanding balance and need to make a payment

In-person services may be available* on

• Monday afternoons

• Wednesday (all day)

• Friday (all day)

*I will request that we pivot to a virtual appointment if either of us have symptoms of a cold, flu, sinus infection, covid, strep throat, etc. etc.

I offer teletherapy only, on

• Monday mornings

• Tuesday (all day)

• Thursday (all day)