We had the good fortune of connecting with Consuela Chapman, LCSW, LCAS, and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Consuela, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” ― Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
This quote speaks about trauma. Often times with trauma we are silenced; our story is sealed with shame. Carrying shame around is toxic. It is a slow killer of dreams, hope, opportunity, and growth.  This is an affirmation that can be said to help overcome shame.  There is power in my voice to heal myself and others; I will not be silent! There, I gave you both.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

Choices In Wellness is a minority-owned and women-owned mental health and wellness company created in 2017. I knew early on that I wanted to provide more than just traditional talk therapy; I wanted to offer choices that were built around the  8 dimensions of wellness.

I like to say my authenticity is my superpower and boundaries have been my protection. I model for my clients how to do the same thing.

I guess we should start with how I ended up pursuing a Master’s in Social Work. Well, I always had the desire to help people. I was the kid who wanted to join the Peace Corps, but as life would have it It wasn’t in the plan right after high school. I would go on to do other things but I still had a strong desire to make a difference in my community. When the opportunity to go to graduate school I didn’t hesitate.

Since graduating with my MSW in 2010.  I have worked in a variety of practice settings. This gave me the chance to see what I liked and didn’t like. Most importantly it gave me an abundance of wisdom and life lessons. The main lesson was life is too short to be doing something you really don’t like to do, somewhere you really don’t want to be, around people you really don’t want to be with.

There are so many things I am proud of. I am proud and excited that Choices In Wellness has been recognized as the Best Mental Health Service in Raleigh again.  We were nominated again as the Best Mental Health Service in the Triangle,  and we were able to launch the  Together We Thrive a mental health initiative to help end mental health stigma and shame in BIPOC communities. In 2024 we have several events planned including our new program Fun on Purpose.

As for me personally, I am excited about a new business I started with my daughter.  Paw Tails NC is a full-service pet provider created to me the social and emotional needs of Fur family while their Paw parents are away.  It is truly been a dream to launch this with my daughter Kennedy. I cannot forget this November,  I was recognized by ACHI Magazine with the coveted Public Service Award!  This was truly an honor.  This year has been short of amazing.

As a trauma therapist and victor, I want people to know that your story is not over and that you change the narrative! We all have the ability to be authors and architects.  At Choices In Wellness, we help you reclaim your voice.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d take her to Brunch at Taste before heading to A Spa Day at Skin Sense.  Facials, massages, and yoga in the salt cave.  Dinner at Perry’s and then drinks and conversation at Level 7. We would have to go dancing because movement is medicine and music feeds our soul.  That’s it.

 

 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My daughter Kennedy Chapman is the CFO and principal groomer at  Paw Tails NC.  She is only 23 and is doing an amazing job.  I’m so proud of her.

Website: www.choicesinwellness.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/choicesinwellness

Facebook: www.facebook.com/choicesinwellness

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