Dr. Jason L. Pearce is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Blunt and Balanced, a telehealth therapy practice serving adults in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, and insomnia, using structured, evidence-based treatments like CBT, ERP, ACT, and mindfulness. His approach is straightforward, results-driven, and no-nonsense—cutting through the noise to help clients make real progress. Before launching his private practice, Dr. Pearce served as a military social work officer, leading behavioral health programs for soldiers and families across the U.S., Korea, and Hawaii. He worked directly with military leaders to improve mental health services, managed crisis interventions, and trained clinicians in evidence-based trauma treatments. His time in the military cemented his expertise in trauma, operational stress, and suicidality—giving him firsthand experience with the high-stakes mental health challenges faced by service members and veterans. Beyond clinical work, Dr. Pearce has taught at the university level, presented at professional conferences, and conducted clinical research. He’s passionate about making therapy accessible, efficient, and actually useful—especially for men and LGBTQ+ clients who’ve struggled to find affirming, insurance-friendly care. If you’re looking for a therapist who will just sit back and nod, he’s not the one. But if you’re ready to do the work, challenge unhelpful patterns, and get real results, he’s got you covered.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
From the very first session, you can expect a therapy experience that is structured, direct, and focused on results. I don’t believe in passive therapy where you talk in circles without clear direction. If you’re coming to me, it’s because you’re ready to work—and I respect that by making sure we get to the heart of things as quickly as possible. Our first session is about setting the foundation for effective therapy. We’ll start with introductions, but I won’t waste your time with small talk. I’ll want to know what brought you to therapy, what you’re struggling with, and what you hope to get out of this process. I take a no-nonsense, solution-oriented approach, so I’ll ask specific questions to get a clear understanding of your symptoms, history, and patterns of thinking and behavior. This isn’t just a surface-level conversation—I’ll be assessing which evidence-based interventions are the best fit for you and identifying barriers that might get in the way of progress. You can also expect some psychoeducation right from the start. Whether we’re working on anxiety, OCD, PTSD, insomnia, or another issue, I’ll provide a clear framework for understanding what’s happening in your brain and body. I find that when clients understand the “why” behind their struggles, they feel more empowered to take control. Therapy isn’t about labeling problems and dwelling on the past—it’s about giving you the tools to manage your life in a way that works for you. I’ll also challenge you, but in a way that’s productive. If I notice patterns that are keeping you stuck, I’ll point them out. If I see unhelpful thinking styles, I’ll push back. This isn’t about being harsh—it’s about being honest. My goal is to help you break out of cycles that aren’t serving you, and sometimes that means having conversations that others might shy away from. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with a game plan. This might include specific strategies to start implementing immediately, resources to review, or exercises to complete before our next session. Therapy with me isn’t passive—expect to be actively engaged both in and outside of our sessions. I also take a firm stance on boundaries and accountability. No-shows and last-minute cancellations disrupt care, so I’ll be upfront about my policies and expectations. Therapy works best when it’s consistent, and I want to make sure you’re fully committed to the process. Finally, I recognize that not every therapist is the right fit for every cli
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
If you’re looking for a therapist who will nod along, validate everything you say, and let you spin in circles without real change—keep looking. That’s not me. My greatest strengths as a provider come down to three things: directness, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to helping you get results. First, let’s talk about directness. Therapy with me is not a vague, feel-good chat where we endlessly unpack your childhood without any movement forward. I am blunt—not because I lack compassion, but because I respect you too much to waste your time. If there’s a pattern keeping you stuck, I’m going to call it out. If you’re avoiding something difficult, I’ll challenge you to face it. I believe that real growth requires discomfort, and I’m not afraid to sit in that space with you. If you want someone who will hold you accountable while still making sure you feel heard and supported, that’s exactly what I bring to the table. Next, my expertise. I don’t just “do therapy”—I specialize in evidence-based, results-driven approaches for anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, and insomnia. I don’t rely on generic talk therapy or pop-psychology trends that make for good social media content but don’t actually change lives. My background in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based interventions means that I know what works—and I know how to tailor these approaches to you. I also have extensive experience in trauma therapy, including prolonged exposure (PE) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT), which are gold-standard treatments for PTSD. This means I don’t just help clients manage symptoms; I help them break free from the cycles that keep them trapped. But I’m not just a therapist—I’m also a former military social work officer. My years in the military gave me a depth of experience that most civilian providers simply don’t have. I’ve worked in high-stakes environments where the cost of getting therapy wrong was more than just feeling a little stuck—it was life or death. I’ve led behavioral health programs, trained other clinicians in evidence-based practices, and worked with individuals facing intense trauma, suicidality, and mental health crises. That experience gave me a level of clinical confidence that allows me to handle complex cases with clarity and precision. If you’ve been to therapists before who seemed unsure or tentative when dealing with the hard stuff, you
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
It’s close, but I can fine-tune it to match your brand voice more precisely. Your style is direct, no-nonsense, and grounded in accountability, but also compassionate and affirming. Let me tweak it so it sounds more like you. I work with adults who are tired of surface-level therapy and are ready for real change. My clients tend to be high-achieving professionals, military personnel, and individuals who want therapy that is structured, practical, and results-driven. If you're looking for a therapist who will just nod along and let you vent with no real direction, I’m not the guy for you. But if you’re willing to do the work, challenge your patterns, and take accountability, we’ll get along just fine. A lot of guys are hesitant to try therapy. Maybe they’ve been told to just "suck it up," or they had a therapist in the past who didn’t get them. My approach is straightforward, logical, and built to help men develop real coping strategies without forcing them into something that doesn’t fit. We’ll work together to cut through the noise and get you back to functioning at your best. Many LGBTQ+ folks struggle to find a therapist who truly understands them. I create a space where you don’t have to explain yourself or worry about being judged. Whether you're navigating identity, relationships, anxiety, or trauma, I provide the structure, validation, and accountability needed to help you move forward. Doctors, business owners, mental health professionals, and other high achievers come to me because stress is running their lives. They’re burnt out, anxious, and constantly second-guessing themselves. I help them regain control by setting clear boundaries, breaking the cycle of overthinking, and teaching them how to function without running themselves into the ground. I spent years as a military behavioral health officer, and I know what it’s like to work in high-stress environments where mental health is often an afterthought. Whether you're dealing with PTSD, operational stress, or the transition to civilian life, I provide therapy that is direct, tactical, and tailored to your experiences. You don’t have to explain the culture—I already get it. I specialize in treating anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and insomnia with evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Many of my clients have tried therapy before and felt like it was too passive or unstructur
About Jason Pearce, LCSW, BCD
Specializes in
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a core part of how I help clients move from feeling stuck to taking meaningful action in their lives. Unlike traditional therapy models that focus solely on symptom reduction, ACT is about helping you build psychological flexibility—learning how to accept what’s outside of your control while committing to actions that align with your values. Because let’s be real: life isn’t about eliminating discomfort; it’s about learning how to navigate it effectively. In my practice, I use ACT to help clients stop getting caught in the trap of overanalyzing, avoiding, or fighting their own thoughts and emotions. If you’re struggling with anxiety, intrusive thoughts, trauma, or even just feeling directionless, ACT helps you step back and break out of the cycle of reactivity. Instead of trying to “fix” or suppress difficult feelings, we focus on recognizing them, making space for them, and shifting your energy toward what actually matters. For example, if anxiety has you stuck in avoidance—whether it’s avoiding relationships, challenges at work, or even certain emotions—we’ll work on building willingness to experience discomfort without letting it dictate your choices. If perfectionism or self-criticism keeps you paralyzed, we’ll focus on defusing from those thoughts and reconnecting with your core values. If past trauma or painful experiences have led you to disconnect from the things you once cared about, we’ll work on getting you back to a life that feels fulfilling. ACT isn’t about toxic positivity or forcing yourself to "think happy thoughts." It’s about learning how to carry your struggles in a way that allows you to move forward, rather than letting them control you. In therapy, we use mindfulness, cognitive defusion, values clarification, and committed action to help you break out of old patterns and start living in a way that actually feels meaningful.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective and well-researched treatment methods available, and it’s a core part of my approach. I use CBT to help clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and other challenges. The goal isn’t to think “positively” or ignore reality—it’s to develop a more balanced, accurate, and helpful way of interpreting and responding to life. In practice, CBT is structured, goal-oriented, and collaborative. We start by identifying the thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that are keeping you stuck. Maybe you assume the worst will always happen, engage in self-criticism, or avoid situations that make you anxious. CBT helps you recognize these patterns, challenge distorted thinking, and develop healthier, more adaptive responses. For anxiety and OCD, I integrate Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is a specialized form of CBT designed to help you face fears gradually while resisting compulsive behaviors or avoidance. For PTSD, I use CBT-based trauma treatments like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) to help reprocess traumatic memories and reduce their hold over your life. If insomnia is an issue, I apply CBT-I, the gold standard for improving sleep without medication. What makes CBT so effective is that it’s not just about talking—it’s about actively working toward change. Sessions are structured, you’ll have concrete strategies to practice between sessions, and you’ll learn skills that will serve you long after therapy ends. If you’re ready to break out of old cycles and develop new ways of thinking and responding, CBT provides the roadmap.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a structured, evidence-based approach designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma. While originally developed for children and adolescents, many of its core principles are just as effective for adults. In my practice, I use TF-CBT to help clients—especially those with PTSD, complex trauma, or a history of childhood abuse—navigate the impact of past experiences in a way that fosters resilience, self-compassion, and long-term healing. TF-CBT follows a structured but flexible framework that includes education about trauma and its effects, skill-building for emotional regulation, gradual exposure to traumatic memories, and cognitive restructuring to address distorted beliefs that may have developed as a result of the trauma. Many clients struggle with shame, guilt, or a sense of powerlessness tied to past events. TF-CBT helps reframe these narratives, shifting from self-blame to a more balanced and empowering perspective. In session, we’ll work on recognizing how trauma influences your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in the present. We’ll build skills to manage distress—because diving into trauma without the right coping strategies is like jumping into deep water without learning how to swim first. When you’re ready, we’ll work through those memories in a way that reduces their emotional grip, so they no longer dictate your daily life. Unlike traditional talk therapy that may leave trauma narratives unprocessed, TF-CBT is action-oriented. It provides a structured path toward healing while still allowing space for individual needs. My approach ensures that clients feel supported, challenged, and ultimately empowered to move beyond survival mode and toward a life where their trauma no longer defines them.
Gender-affirming therapy
Gender-affirming therapy isn’t just about supporting a client’s identity—it’s about creating a space where they don’t have to justify or defend who they are. As a gay clinician, I understand firsthand the importance of finding a therapist who truly gets it. My approach to gender-affirming therapy is rooted in respect, validation, and a deep understanding of the systemic and personal challenges faced by transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals. In my practice, gender-affirming therapy means meeting clients exactly where they are in their journey. For some, that may involve exploring their gender identity in a space free from judgment or outside pressure. For others, it’s about processing social, familial, or workplace challenges, navigating medical transition options, or working through internalized stigma. I don’t assume there’s a singular “right” way to be trans or nonbinary—your experience is yours, and my role is to support you in defining what authenticity looks like for you. From a clinical standpoint, I incorporate evidence-based modalities like CBT, ACT, and mindfulness to help clients manage gender dysphoria, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Whether we’re working through body image distress, identity exploration, or the exhaustion that comes from constantly educating others, therapy is a space where you don’t have to filter yourself. I also provide letters of support for gender-affirming medical care when needed—without unnecessary gatekeeping. I believe in making the process as smooth as possible so you can access the care you need without jumping through hoops. Ultimately, my goal is to help clients feel at home in themselves. Gender-affirming therapy isn’t just about reducing distress; it’s about helping you build a life that feels right, aligned, and unapologetically yours.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard for treating OCD and other anxiety-related disorders, and I use it regularly in my practice to help clients break free from the cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. ERP is about confronting fears in a structured, supportive way—teaching your brain that anxiety isn’t a fire that needs to be put out, but a sensation you can tolerate without giving in to compulsions. My approach to ERP is direct but collaborative. I don’t just throw clients into exposures and hope for the best. We take time to understand how OCD or anxiety operates in your life, map out triggers, and design exposures that are challenging but manageable. The goal isn’t to get rid of anxiety altogether—that’s not how the brain works—but to reduce its power over you. ERP helps you sit with uncertainty, resist compulsions, and retrain your brain to react differently to fear. For clients with OCD, we target avoidance behaviors and compulsions head-on. This could mean resisting the urge to check, seek reassurance, or mentally replay situations. For those dealing with panic disorder or social anxiety, exposures might involve gradually facing feared situations without using safety behaviors. I also integrate mindfulness and ACT principles to support ERP work. Instead of trying to control thoughts or emotions, we shift the focus to tolerating discomfort and choosing actions based on values rather than fear. ERP is tough—it requires discomfort, commitment, and a willingness to challenge long-held patterns. But it works. Clients who stick with it often see a radical shift in their ability to engage in life without fear running the show. If you’re ready to stop letting anxiety dictate your choices, I’m here to help you take back control.