The Counseling Services of
Rebecca Pearce, Psy.D.
Making space for you.
counseling services
The Beatles sang about Eleanor Rigby, “wearing the face that she keeps in the jar by the door” but many of us rarely remove our masks even when we're alone. We develop our personal brand, (as if we are products for everyone 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 connect with 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 oneself:
depression
anxiety (worry or panic)
trauma
trouble with eating patterns / body image
It also encompasses disrupted relationships with others:
loss through
death
divorce
estrangement
break up
relocation
church wounds / shifting concept of God
caring for someone else through an illness
impacted by someone else's addiction
““Coming here enables me to work. I come here and I un-scatter...””
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 adolescent and adult women, though I do see some adult men. Sessions are by appointment only, Monday through Friday.
Teletherapy
connection in your own space
(another) new season
Like so many others, I began conducting psychotherapy through teletherapy in March of 2020. Research shows this modality to be effective, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised to see positive results even with EMDR through this means. I now offer in-person psychotherapy on a half-time basis. For the foreseeable future I will continue to provide a hybrid of counseling services through teletherapy and in-person services.
Telebehavioral health - How do we meet?
When it is time for our session, please sign into the website, below.
You do not need special equipment other than a smartphone/tablet with or without ear buds. If you’re concerned about privacy inside your home because of others who are also working from home, use your judgement about whether you can go to some green space or simply sit in your parked car. Be sure your device is fully charged.
If the site does not function for our appointment, we can use another portal. That waiting room button is below. Only use the one below after we’ve tried the primary waiting room and have agreed to switch over.
Text me if you are having problems. We’ll figure it out together!
preparing your therapy space
Prepare for this the way you would a typical session - wear & bring the same things you would for an in-person visit. Be thoughtful about the auditory & visual privacy of your setting. The ideal would be a place in your residence that is peaceful (maybe not your bed because this could disrupt your sleep hygiene). Think about what will help you feel safe, comfortable, grounded, and nurtured. Examples of things you might want to gather are:
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
what if my technology doesn’t support video? IS A STAND-ALONE TELEPHONE CALL OKAY?
There are two things to consider. First, landlines, mobile phones, and Voice over Internet Protocols all have varying levels of privacy, so I cannot guarantee confidentiality through these technologies.
The other thing to consider is insurance reimbursement. Historically, insurance companies required a synchronous audiovisual connection to qualify as a telehealth service. Currently however, CMS is allowing audio-only psychotherapy through the end of the Public Health Emergency (CMS Finalizes Meaningful Expansions of Medicare Telehealth Service Coverage Through 2021). In fact, if I am interpreting this list correctly, CMS may continue to cover psychotherapy through audio-only indefinitely, though I am unclear as to whether this will apply to urban areas.
I can provide teletherapy to individuals in states participating in PSYPACT
Telepsychology is not appropriate for all problems or people. Also, my preference at this time is to see teletherapy clients who live within a 2 - 3 hour drive from my office in Nashville, in case of emergency.
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
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 (summer nights 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.
I am committed to maintaining a welcoming, respectful, and safe environment.
I am working to provide a protected place of healing for people from all faith backgrounds and from marginalized communities.
Random Resources (not about me or by me - just articles I thought were useful & interesting, from external sources):
Frequency
I prefer to schedule people with a standing, regular time, because it’s good to have a predictable, reliable time. Typically people begin by coming in on a weekly basis for the first 3 - 4 sessions, and if it makes sense at that time we can drop to every other week. When I’ve been working with someone for quite some time we might move to once every four weeks.
What are your fees?
My fee is $160 per 45 minute session. I also offer a 53 minute session for $190. After the initial assessment period, if we continue to work together on a weekly basis there is a 10% discount. If we do not continue at the weekly frequency, the price remains at the usual rate.
What about emotional support animals?
Requirements for animals to qualify as emotional support animals are becoming more rigorous, and therefore I do not write letters to certify emotional support animals.
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 fo rthe 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 you rGood 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
location
My office is located in a historic home on Music Row within walking distance from Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities. Restrooms are single user.
Parking is free.
OfFice:
1410 17th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212
615.383.4300
office hours
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)
initial contact
If you are interested in making an appointment, the most efficient process is to
You can also call and leave the information requested on the form in a voicemail. To protect your privacy I do not correspond via email. Instead, I ask you to leave your phone number so I can call you when I am in the office.
This form is not for cases of an emergency contact. If you’re in an immediate or life-threatening crisis, please call 988 or contact TN crisis hotline at 855-CRISIS-1. That’s 855-274-7471.
By law in Tennessee, everyone is a mandatory reporter. To report child abuse please call Child Protective Services at 877-237-0004. To report elder abuse please call Adult Protective Services at 1-888-APS-TENN or 1-888-277-8366
