Having female role models in counseling will greatly help increase the desire for other women to get into the industry. Studies have indicated that women gain more from role models than men do because of institutional impediments, gender discrimination, and negative stereotypes that women have had to face (www.researchgate.net).
Despite challenges, some female counselors have made a name for themselves as role models for new and emerging female counselors. One of these female role models is Dr. Chalice C. Rhodes (formerly Jenkins), a licensed professional counselor whose excellent career may serve as an inspiration for the next wave of female counselors worldwide.
“My name is Dr. Chalice C. Rhodes. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Board- Certified TeleMental Health Counselor serving people in Georgia, Florida, Delaware, and New Jersey,” Dr. Chalice shared in introduction.
Dr. Chalice’s outstanding professional accomplishments set her apart. Most recently, she was honored as the first designee of the American Psychosocial Oncology Society’s Psychosocial Oncology virtual academy! This designation led to her becoming a certified Psychosocial Cancer/Oncology Behavioral Health specialist.
Success comes to those who embrace challenges. Throughout her life, Dr. Chalice encountered many obstacles, but her unwavering perseverance helped shape the woman she is today.
“I have encountered several difficulties. I faced financial challenges when starting my private practice. I did not have knowledge of how to access capital funding. I started my private practice with money earned from full-time employment.
As a result of the “COVID-19 pandemic,” my contract was not renewed at my place of employment. With no income and waiting patiently for impending contracts to be executed, I had no other choice but to trust God’s plan for me. By the grace of God, I was able to qualify for COVID-19 pandemic programs, which allowed me to maintain my home, continue with health insurance, and expand my TeleMental Health services to people in other states.
Since earning my Ph.D. in 2008, at the age of 32, I have faced many difficulties in the workplace. I frequently experienced feedback that I was overqualified for the positions that I was applying for. Or that I was underqualified for positions that my Ph.D. would qualify me for, but that I was lacking work experience at the higher managerial level. Another challenge I faced was that I moved from one state to another. Due to differing licensing requirements, my licensing in the new state was delayed. This delay was not a denial, as I would eventually acquire licensure in the state. While I was waiting, I pivoted into teaching in higher education. I taught in higher education for 12 years before seeing my childhood dream of owning my own business come to fruition. Dr. Chalice C. Rhodes, Licensed Professional Counselor, LLC, was finally born in April 2020. Visit drchalice.com for more information,” explained Dr. Chalice.
Having managed several organizations throughout her career, Dr. Chalice is currently proficiently managing her firm, Dr. Chalice C. Rhodes, Licensed Professional Counselor, LLC. Her advice on business success, as an experienced executive, could inspire the upcoming generation of female executives.
“Write the vision and make it plain.
Believe in your vision and then share it with others.
Walk in your authenticity, and you and your tribe will find each other.
Nothing is wasted. God will work all things together for your good.
Maintain your good moral character, hold on to your solid values, be a lifelong learner, and sharpen your discernment, judgment, and choices as God continually elevates you!” advises Dr. Chalice.
Dr.Chalice is a breast cancer survivor. As a survivor turned Psychosocial Cancer/Oncology Behavioral Health Specialist, she offers a unique perspective that resonates deeply with the community.
Dr. Chalice’s accomplishments are too numerous to list here. Apart from being recognized as the first designee of the American Psychosocial Oncology Society’s Psychosocial Oncology virtual academy, many honors have been bestowed upon her, such as the People of Purpose Award for 2020, a nomination for the Drexel University Graduate Student Association Award in 2020, and a $10,000 grant for a research project.
Due to her inspirational path to becoming a well-known professional counselor, Dr. Chalice has established herself as a role model for female professionals.