Meet The Therapist

Amber Pearce, MA, LCMHC, RYT® 200

From an early age, I felt called to help others navigate life’s challenges. While I once thought medicine might be my path, I soon discovered that sitting with people, supporting and guiding them through their stories was where my heart truly belonged. My journey began in my undergraduate program, where I studied rehabilitation services and worked with adolescent girls in the foster care system. After graduation, I immediately began my Master’s degree program in community counseling and completed an internship working in a residential program for adults facing addiction and mental health struggles. Over the years, I’ve served clients in detox and crisis units, inpatient behavioral health, residential treatment, and outpatient mental health and substance use centers.

The trajectory of my work changed profoundly in 2017 when I enrolled in a yoga for mental health workshop. Experiencing how movement influenced my own nervous system and mood was eye opening for me so I completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training later that year. As someone who has always danced, the blend of movement and mental health felt like coming home.

Since then, I've embraced other mind-body therapies like EMDR, Brainspotting, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and integrated them with techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Positive Psychology, and Internal Family Systems/Parts work. Watching my clients progress through this integrated approach where they can finally connect their mind and their body is deeply rewarding. As a lifelong lover of learning, I’m continually reading, training, and evolving as a therapist as I gain new skills and insight into my craft.

After many twists and turns in this field, I finally opened my own private practice in 2021 so I could combine my years of experience as a therapist with my interest in yoga and somatic therapy. I’m humbled and honored by every person who trusts me to walk alongside them on their path toward healing. While 7-year old me might be surprised that I am not a medical doctor today, the adult me found a place in the helping world as a therapist and it truly feels like where I was supposed to be all along.

My Office Style

My therapy space is intentionally relaxed and inviting because I want you to come as you are and feel at home. Feel free to bring whatever comforts you: a drink, snack, music, a cozy blanket, or anything else that makes you feel at home. You'll usually find me dressed casually, ready to move alongside you during session if needed.

In my office, authenticity rules so please be yourself and let your humor, sarcasm, tears, laughter, or the words you need to say flow freely. No apologies are needed for being you.

Personal Life

Outside of the therapy office, I’m usually with my favorite people: my husband, our two kids, and our 2 dogs. I fill the rest of my time being a verocious reader, dancing, practicing yoga, and staying active.

  • 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

    ADHD and Autism Assessment Training - Neuropebble

  • 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

    Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher-200 (RYT® 200 #244588)

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.

Cooper, our sweet labradoodle, came into my family’s life in 2021 and completed his therapy dog program in 2023. When he is in my office, you’ll find him in offering tail wags, gentle cuddles, or simply a calming presence during sessions. He has a natural ability to sense when comfort is needed and often brings an extra layer of support and ease to the room. If you’d prefer a dog-free space, that’s absolutely okay. I offer virtual sessions that make my services more acessible to everyone.

Meet therapy dog Cooper

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