Shelley Pearce: Professional Bio
Shelley Pearce in an integrative psychotherapist - licensed marriage and family therapist, associate professor and counselor at Santa Monica College, nonsectarian minister and student of contemplative wisdom. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology.
In her individual, couples and group therapy, Shelley integrates a broad spectrum of evidence-based approaches that help deepen the relationship to oneself and to others in ways that support healing and deeper fulfillment.
Currently, Shelley serves as Past President of the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists, LA Chapter, and Director of Humanistic Spirituality. She also is a board member of the Global Bridge Humanitarian Foundation and an ambassador of West Coast Care. She previously served as the Community and Cultural Director at Wilkes University, as Chairperson of the Cultural Council of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and as Adjudicator for the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts.
Shelley’s passion for helping people intersects with spirituality, creativity, wisdom, and inspiration. Her contributions have led to being honored with Community Leader of the Year by NEIU 19, the Pennsylvania state educational organization servicing six counties and twenty school districts. Directing the programming for the Humanistic Spirituality website led to the Culture Unplugged International Film Festival award for Compassionate Theme.
Shelley has a private psychotherapy in Santa Monica and consults internationally. She is inspired by the psycho-spiritual approaches of Humanistic Spirituality and the Diamond Approach, which integrate psychology, spirituality, and a deepening of the relationship with one’s consciousness in ways that are profound yet practical and grounded. Her diverse professional background and network has led to international conference speaking engagements and podcasts such as The Embodiment Conference, The Missing Conversations, and Dharma and the Evolution of Conflict.
The diversity of her professional, academic, volunteer, and life experiences and an 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
Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider #620254
Past President - CAMFT Los Angeles Chapter Board of Directors
Associate Faculty/Counselor, Santa Monica College
Lifetime clinical member, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
Clinical member, American Association of Psychotherapists
Ordained Nonsectarian Minister AIWP #0848717
Former C.E.U provider, California Board of Behavioral Sciences
Former C.E.U. provider, National Association of Social Workers
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Phillips Graduate University
LA CAMFT Board of Directors
My Personal Story
I’m honored by the gift of trust that individuals give me every single day. Honoring that trust in return is partially why I’d like to share my personal history with you.
As a post-modernist-trained therapist, I believe in collaboration and a level of transparency, rather than in a hierarchical, clinician/patient relationship in the expert diagnoses another with a particular “pathology.”
I believe that gentle empathy and deep receptiveness allows feelings and insights to be expressed safely. I strive for that. But probably equally, I convey direct observations and interpretations. At times, if needed, I intervene with vigor and strength.
I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, existential therapy, and many other evidence based modalities. I synthesize these approaches uniquely, in every session, depending on what a client’s individual circumstances call for.
As a psychotherapist, I believe that my state of being present and open-hearted and having the capacity to guide and teach are the essential qualities I bring to a successful collaboration that will support desired change. To help you evolve, I must first earn your trust.
I love my work. Counseling has been a part of my professional experience since my early twenties. My own path of exploration includes meditation and dialectic inquiry. By investigating spiritual and contemplative traditions and cultural and psychosocial realms–and by exploring my own psychology and experience–I’ve discovered a tremendous love for personal growth in all its opportunities. I treasure being a source of support for others in exploring and pursuing their own goals, truths, existential paths, and of course, their relationships with others.
My working life began in the financial world. As an investment advisor, I enjoyed understanding each individual’s values as they related to their own lens of macroeconomics. How we earn, spend, plan for the future, and take care of the individuals and organizations we care about says a lot about who we are…or perhaps who we would like to be. Monetary choices that affect our relationships, the power dynamics that surround money, and finding the right financial groove almost inevitably come up in therapeutic conversations with clients. I feel at ease with the subject, and find it to be a vivid window into values, choices, and goals.
As a university director, I felt privileged to be surrounded by dynamically creative people who were dedicated to learning and expressing important messages through the arts. My responsibilities included running a visual and performing arts conservatory. There, we were fortunate to be able to produce events with social-justice themes and philosophical depth as well as great entertainment for its own sake.
Working in this profoundly imaginative environment was an inspiration, and observing the earnestness, resilience, and evolution of students and educators through the span of their experience at the University was a joy for me. I continue to work with gifted actors and producers today, enjoying the nuances of the industry here in Los Angeles. This background in the arts and education allows for my depth of understanding and receptivity in support of the creative process in acting, music, and dance. Facilitating the mental preparation and dedication necessary to implement creative ideas—especially if it has to do with infusing your highest values into the work—is a true sweet spot in my consulting practice.
Being a parent, stepparent, daughter, sister, life partner, observer, and friend to many has helped me understand and identify with the many challenges, fears, and joys that are universal to individuals and families.
When I began counseling, I knew I’d found a true calling. I am at ease around and have enjoyed working with people from all walks of life: people of affluence and power, students and creatives, professionals, prisoners, homeless individuals, elders, students and adults with disabilities, couples and groups. Currently, I limit my practice to working only with adults. I enjoy exploring the stages of life we all experience, including all of the profound and mundane ways we look at or approach death. Even on the worst of days, when the issues have been extremely challenging, I still feel blessed to have made this kind of work my calling. I encourage you to contact me to discuss your needs to see if we might be a good fit.