We were lucky to catch up with Chante Pantila recently and have shared our conversation below.
Chante, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
I knew that I wanted to do something with people, but I didn’t know how I could turn my socialization skills into a career. I was the child who would get their name on the board for talking and now I communicate for a living.
I’m grateful for my experiences, the injuries and the triumphs have shaped me into who I am today; an educated, Black and Filipino female doctor, and I have the honor of helping people heal everyday. I get to use my relationship building skills and my history to help people change their lives through the gift of therapy.
I took the necessary steps in my career to get where I’m at; I volunteered, I was an intern, I worked at a non-profit agency, and then joined a group practice. I researched, I went to trainings, I sought consultation, I networked, and did my own work so that I could show up for my patients in the best way. I never thought that I would own my own successful private practice, I was taught to play it safe, work for an established company, so that I have job security and stability. Doing my own thing was not even on my radar. But I believed in myself and I decided to open my own office.This was one of the biggest risks that I have ever taken. I wanted to grow and in ways I never imagined were possible. I am still growing and learning, the risk continues to pay off.
I’ve had my fair share of naysayers and people who have doubted my abilities, yet I still continued to persevere. I am not for everyone, haters are going to hate. And for everyone else, I am honored to be able to do what I do. It’s a weird feeling to not have the support I thought I needed and still crush goals. I have since created a support system who are my biggest cheerleaders and I want to offer the same contribution in the community. I worked hard to get here and excited for every opportunity to share and help raise everyone else up, so that they can too accomplish aspirations. I really do want everyone to win; my patients, my colleagues, and even my haters.
The narrative created for us as little girls, was not to push past the glass ceiling, especially for Black and Brown little girls. It hasn’t been butterflies and rainbows, but I am proof that the systemic constructs that were not created for me to thrive in,
did not prevent me from success. I faced many challenges, just by being who I am in this world, but I refuse to let anyone dictate my abilities. I want to inspire everyone to pursue their dreams. I don’t ever want anyone to take advice from someone who is not living their dream life, this is why representation matters. I didn’t come from much, the odds were stacked against me, and I’m still standing. My blood, sweat, and tears goes into everything I do, especially my work.
I decided to open up my own office during a pandemic. I think we all felt the uncertainty of the unknown in the beginning of 2020 and I had just put in my notice. I was feeling stressed about all of the changes of moving my business. I had no idea if my patients would follow, if my office build out would get done “in time,” and if I could pull it all together in a successful way, and truly execute my vision. Well, I did it and I did it well. I am so glad I took the risk and invested in myself and the meaningful work I am doing. My manifestations came to fruition and I created the space, energy, and vibe that only my office has; it’s an experience in itself and I could not be more proud. Putting together this office has literally changed my life and this is the place where so many people get to change their lives too.
My suggestion is to create a supportive community, believe in yourself a little more, and take the risk that is in alignment with who you are. Play big.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?
My name is Dr. Chante and when people ask what I do for a living, I tell them I change lives. I speak to what I actually do. I meet with people and I get to know them, their lives, and their lived experiences. I help people heal, make changes, and move forward into living lives they love.
I love people. I got into the field because I wanted to understand people more and I wanted to help. I think establishing a healthy therapeutic relationship is essential to anyone’s treatment. I am an EMDR therapist and I see treatment from the perspective of trauma and attachment. I pride myself as being as authentic as I possibly can when showing up for clients and in my everyday life, to demonstrate how clients can also be their authentic selves. My candor and delivery make me a unique therapist. I am most proud of the relationships and growth that I get to be a part of from doing what I do.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
I think self-development is key to excelling in any field. Understanding yourself, healing, and making changes allows for growth and I think growing is succeeding. I have sought out my own community of formal and informal supports to help check me as needed, who have my back and my best interest at heart. I am open to feedback because I want to grow vigorously.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I met with people and I built relationships. People got to know me and introduced me to others and I continue to meet people. I am open to grow and open to connection. I am also open to cultivativating relationships. These characteristics helped create my reputation. I am just being myself, my authenticity has been a big part of my reputation. I am real and I’m human. And I cuss because sometimes there are no better words to describe feelings and this is also part of my reputation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.doctorchante.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/doctorchante
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/doctorchante
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-chante-pantila-90633590
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/doctorchante
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxn0IOnKXunVnFop0C8Hmag
Image Credits
Photo credit: Amanda Osborne Photography