Women's History Month Spotlight: DC Psych. Consulting

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we are spotlighting Women-Owned Businesses! It’s our honor to introduce our final spotlight, Dr. Deborah Chiles, founder of Dr. Chiles Psych. Consulting.

What made you want to pursue your field/career?

I grew up with a sibling who has an intellectual disability.  It was difficult sometimes trying to explain her challenges to people who were not informed about individuals with intellectual disabilities. My experiences growing up with my sibling gave me a great deal of insight, empathy and patience for individuals who experience any type of struggle related to intellectual or emotional functioning.  I naturally gravitated to the field of psychology out of curiousity and a desire to better understand my sibling's challenges, as well as how people function, behave and interact with one another. 

What advice would you give to your 20-something-year-old self?

I would tell my twenty year old self to explore more opportunities within the field of psychology.  There are so many specialities to pursue in the field, and it would have been great to have explored more career paths within psychology before deciding upon one.  I would also tell my twenty year old self to travel more and experience more cultures.  I believe that would have been an asset in my current work with clients.

What do you feel is the best way you can empower other women? 

I feel the best way to enpower women is to encourage them to prioritize self care, teaching skills to help them become more emotionally intelligent, and to teach coping strategies to mange emotional/life stressors.