Shelley Pearce: Professional Bio

Shelley Pearce is an Integrative Psychotherapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Nonsectarian Minister. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business, a Masters Degree in Psychology and is a student of contemplative wisdom traditions.

Through couples therapy, integrative psychotherapy, relational/grief group work, and therapist consultations she’s here to help deepen your relationship to yourself and others in a way that can create profound fulfillment.

Shelley currently serves as President-Elect of LA CAMFT, Director of Humanistic Spirituality, and is a board member of Global Bridge Humanitarian Foundation.  

She previously served as the Community and Cultural Director at Wilkes University,  Chairperson of the Cultural Council of Luzerne County, and as Adjudicator for the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts.

Shelley’s passion intersects people, spirituality, creativity, and inspiration. Her contributions have led to being honored with  Community Leader Of The Year by NEIU 19,  and the Humanistic Spirituality website receiving the Culture Unplugged International Film Festival award for Compassionate Theme.

Shelley has a private psychotherapy and existential counseling practice in Santa Monica, California.  She enjoys an inquiry and meditation practice, and is inspired by various psycho-spiritual retreats and groups. When she’s not serving her clients and community you can find her practicing yoga, Aikido, rowing in SoCal regattas, and spending time with family, friends, and colleagues in an energetic pursuit of fufillment--and a little fun.

The diversity of personal and professional experience and ongoing dedication to seeking a more conscious and compassionate life continually inform and inspire Shelley's counseling practice.

Education And Training Qualifications:

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #MFC84781
• Ordained Nonsectarian Minister AIWP #0848717
• CA Board of Behavioral Sciences Past Continuing Education Provider
• California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists clinical member
• CAMFT Los Angeles Chapter Board of Directors
• American Association of Psychotherapists clinical member
• NASW past Continuing Education Provider
• Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology--Phillips Graduate University 

My Story: How I Found My Calling...

I'm honored by the degree of trust that individuals put in me in collaborating on improving their lives.  

I believe that a gentle empathy and receptiveness is what allows for feelings and insights to be expressed safely.  I strive for that. But I probably equally convey direct observations, interpretations, and sometimes intervene with strength---as needed.

I'm trained in cognitive behavioral, mindfulness practices, existential therapy and and other modalities that I synthesize uniquely in every session, depending on the person and circumstances, and what is being called for. 

As a psychotherapist, I believe that my state of presence, open heart, and capacity to guide and teach are the most essential qualities I offer in the quest for a successful collaboration.  My work with you requires me to earn your trust, in order to help you, evolve.  

I love my work, and counseling has been some part of my experience since my early twenties.  My own path of exploration includes a meditation, Ki, and dialectic inquiry practice. Through investigation of spiritual and contemplative traditions, cultural and psychosocial realms, and my own psychology, I discovered a tremendous love for being a source of support for others to explore and pursue their own goals, truth, and existential path.  

My professional career began in the financial world.  As an investment advisor, I enjoyed understanding peoples' values as it related to their personal economics. How we earn, spend, plan for future, and take care of the people we care about says alot about who we are, or perhaps who we would like to be. Finding the right financial groove, power dynamics around money, and choices that effect our relationships almost inevitably come up in my therapeutic conversations with people today. I feel at ease with those topics..

As a university director, I felt privileged being surrounded by people who were dynamically creative and dedicated to learning and expressing through the arts. My responsibilities included programming a visual and performing arts conservatory, and we were able to produce events--with social justice themes, philosophical depth and also extraordinary entertainment.  Working in this profoundly imaginative environment was an inspiration, and observing the earnestness, resilience, and evolution of students through the span of their educations was a joy. I continue to work gifted, artistic individuals in my practice today.  My background in the arts and education allows for a depth of understanding, and an open field as support forthe creative process, and the mental prep and dedication necessary to implement, especially if it's related to infusing your highest values into your work.

Being a parent and step-parent, daughter, sister and life partner, have helped me understand and identify with the many challenges, fears and joys that are universal to families. 

When I began counseling I knew I'd found a true calling. I am at ease and have enjoyed working with people from all walks of life; people of affluence and power, professionals, prisoners, creatives and kids. I only work with adults now of all ages and experiencing all stages of life and facing. Even when the issues are extremely challenging, on the worst of days, I still feel blessed to be doing this kind of work. 

I invite you to contact me to discuss your needs and see if we may be a good fit..