I am retired Army officer and a licensed and board certified clinical social worker. I am considered a subject matter expert in a few areas, primarily cognitive behavior therapy. I chose to be a cognitive therapist because it resonates with me and because it works. Traditional talk therapy can be cathartic and have a relaxing effect, but you could do that with a friend at no cost. I value your time and money by utilizing evidence-based psychotherapy techniques to help you get better faster and learn the skills to help keep you out of a therapists office in the future.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I like to think of our first session as a mutual interview process. I need to get to know you and your needs to see if I have the skillset you need, and you need to get to know me so you can determine if we work well together. Therapy can be an extremely personal process and it is important to me that you feel like you are in the right place.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Due to my time in the Army, I have a wealth of training and experience that would be out of reach for many other therapists. I have been responsible for the mental health and lives of thousands of Soldiers at any given time. I approach the work that I do now with the same focus and drive as I did when I was active duty. My goal is to get you back to what is important to you in the least amount of time possible. Therapy does not have to be a lifelong process.
About Jason Pearce, LCSW, BCD
Appointments
Virtual
My treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I have used ACT in my practice for most of my career. Many people enter therapy with a desire to control or suppress their emotions, but fail to see how these actions have been causing more distress. ACT provides a valid alternative to changing thought patterns to include mindful behavior, attention to personal values, and commitment to action. ACT allows one to both change their behavior and gain acceptance of their of their emotions in a way that leads to lasting change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I identify as a cognitive therapist and CBT is my specialty area. I am trained in CBT for trauma, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and personality disorders. My experience is that CBT provides education and skills to create lasting change in a short period of time. Typical CBT treatment lasts between 8-12 sessions.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I am very experienced in combat and sexual trauma. I primarily use Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Prolonged Exposure (PE). The three therapies listed all fall under the CBT umbrella and work to address trauma in different ways. I know that not everyone experiences trauma in the same way and not all treatments will work well for every one. Having extensive training in multiple types of trauma therapy allows me to tailor treatment to the person in front of me. Please not, I DO NOT do EMDR therapy. Clinical observation has led me to believe that the benefits of EMDR do not last as long as the benefits of CPT and PE.
Gender-affirming therapy
My graduate thesis was on identity formation in males. I am aware of the amount of covert and overt messaging related to gender and identity. My goal is provide a space that is supportive for persons of all genders to develop a positive view of their authentic self. I also have extensive experience in working with transgender clients and assisting with gender transition when needed.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
I am well trained in treating OCD for persons 5 years and older. I have seen rapid improvement in my OCD patients, especially when being seen twice weekly. I also contract with NOCD to stay on the cutting edge of treatment for OCD, Hoarding, and related disorders.
