Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Chante Pantila of Tempe

We recently had the chance to connect with Chante Pantila and have shared our conversation below.

Chante, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’ve been feeling called to step into public speaking. I thrive one-on-one and I’m doing the work needed to expand my ability to connect with larger audiences. I have so much to say—and I want to say it clearly—but sometimes, like so many of us do, I get in my own way. I get nervous and fumble my way through it. Humility at its finest. My goal is to show up with confidence, stay grounded, and deliver my message with clarity and grace.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dr. Chante DBH, LPC—a licensed EMDR therapist, ketamine-assisted psychotherapist, and a queen. My work blends clinical expertise with lived wisdom, and I’m passionate about creating spaces where healing feels sacred, genuine, and accessible.

I specialize in helping people heal from trauma, reclaim their power, and build a life they love. I serve BIPOC clients, first responders, and anyone ready to heal themselves with honesty and compassion. What makes my work unique is that it’s a reflection of who I am—intentional, deeply creative, and grounded.

At the heart of everything I do is connection. I see people clearly, and I help them see themselves. Whether I’m in session or in the community, my intention is to create spaces where people feel safe, seen, and empowered to grow. Healing is always possible—and I’m honored to be part of the journey.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I’ve always been me. Evolving, sure—but the core has never changed. Even as a kid, I could sense when people were trying to mold me into something that didn’t fit. I’ve played the role of the people-pleaser when it felt safer or necessary, but I’ve also been labeled difficult or resistant—probably because I don’t conform easily. And I’m not supposed to.

I’ve always been a little stubborn, a little headstrong, maybe even a know-it-all—but that’s because I do know things. I sense things. I question things. And I’m learning to embrace that light instead of dimming it to keep others comfortable. I’m no longer interested in being who the world thinks I should be—I’m committed to honoring who I actually am. My authenticity and vulnerability is the foundation of my success across every area of life.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I started using my pain as power the moment I realized I refused to be a statistic. My circumstances, the trauma, the systems that weren’t built for me—and decided that I needed to rewrite my narrative before I even knew what that meant.

My trauma became fuel. It became the reason I show up with compassion, with determination, with vision. I took what was meant to break me and turned it into my drive—for my career, my healing, and my purpose.

I’ve learned that pain doesn’t define you—it can be healed. And through that healing, it becomes wisdom. It becomes clarity. It becomes power. My story is about transforming.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version is the real me, what you see is what you get. I’m raw, honest, and unapologetically myself, while staying as professional as I can be. Being real is what attracts the right clients, the right people, and the right opportunities.

Authenticity and vulnerability aren’t just personal values—they’re part of the work. I model what I ask of my clients: to show up, to be honest with themselves, to reconnect with the parts they’ve hidden or softened to survive. I’m not 100% healed—and I don’t pretend to be. Healing is a lifelong practice. I believe in being real because it gives others permission to be real too.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m absolutely doing what I was born to do. I’ve never responded well to people “should-ing” me—should implies guilt and someone else’s expectation, and that just doesn’t align with who I am.

I’m deeply curious about people. I love sitting with the truth of who someone is, beyond the performance. I’m passionate about healing, growth, and evolving—and I feel energized when I get to witness that in others. That movement, that evolution, inspires me and keeps me rooted in this work. It’s not just what I do. It’s who I am.

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Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.doctorchante.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorchante
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/profile/in/dr-chante-pantila-dbh-lpc-90633590
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/doctorchante
• Facebook: www.instagram.com/doctorchante
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@doctorchante?si=-ojjTDvYXP1GgpRi